I received a beautiful necklace for my birthday from my boyfriend this year that I fell in love…read morewith the minute I opened it - unique yet simple with a beautiful tourquoise stone (my fave colour). It was perfectly me. The little purple box told me that it was from Bethsy Gray Silver Jewellery. I had never heard of it or been in before but, as a huge fan of silver jewellery, I was certainly going to seek it out. My boyfriend encouraged me telling me that Bethsy herself made the jewellery on site and helped him pick the perfect necklace for me. Wow, impressive. I popped in later with a friend and discovered it was even more delightful than I imagined. The jewellery is displayed within vintage store Starry Starry Night where Bethsy was working away in her workshop. She popped her head out with a welcoming and friendly smile asking if we needed a hand and happily left us to browse. The jewellery is made of sterling silver and semi-precious stones and comes in all beautiful shapes and designs. There are bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, cufflinks and even tiaras and if you don't find what you're looking for you can commission Bethsy to produce your perfect little piece. I love it and now adore my necklace even more having seen where it was carefully created.

I said to the shop owner, "Your shop is very spangly", and I wasn't lying!…read more La Coco, a few doors down from the thoroughfare of Partick Station is great if you're needing a wee last minute nick nack for a birthday. There's a wide selection of jewellery, from bangles to sparkly beads and diamante necklaces with shoe charms to make the lady in your life smile. There is a section dedicated to gifts for new mum's, including cute wee silver trinket boxes with "Baby's first curl" etc inscribed on the lid. There's also a variety of quircky gift ideas, from embroidered photo frames to quaint little owl ornaments or bookmarks or car themed photoframes or mugs. There's even a pin cushion in the shape of a cake! The selling point of this shop, however, is its sparkle. Although there's a few gorgeous wee flowery purses to satisfy your indie tastes, it's a diamond studded wonderland. We were very bedazzled! But there's a good range of goodies in here - it reminds me vaguely of a silver studded Papyrus. And the shop keeper is very bubbly. Good to know about if you need a wee extra present for a loved one!

La Coco is a very cute gift boutique just off Dunbarton Road…read more Currently decked out with all things Christmassy, I was in heaven. From stylish wrapping paper to Christmas decorations and back again - I was genuinely surprised at the range of things crammed into this tiny shop! If you're after a gift for someone girly, then this is definitely somewhere you should be heading. At the moment they have sparkly mugs, jewelry, home decorations, baubles of every description and really good quality cards. Although it's not as conveniently placed as Papyrus on Byres Road (and about five times smaller!) it has gifts along the same vein - but quite a lot cheaper. Quick warning, as this shop is so stuffed full, I was quite terrified that my clumsy self was going to knock everything over and end up in a huge pile of girly gifts on the floor. I wouldn't recommend a trip if you're weighed down with bags!

Update required! So, I had a Casio watch which needed repairing and I visited here. Initially…read moreRobert took a look at it and let me know the bad news - he couldn't fix it. He suggested sending it off to Casio to see if they could work the magic required, and warned me that the parts could be expensive if they were able to fix it. I got a call a little over a week later with an update - they couldn't fix it. Bummer! I popped in to collect it, and even though Robert had spent a lot of time helping me, and trying to fix my watch, he insisted there was no charge. Brilliant communication together with warm and friendly customer service meant that even though I was pretty upset my watch couldn't be fixed, I left with a huge smile on my face. I couldn't recommend Stevenson's any more.

Stevenson's has existed for many years on Byres Road, and although the shop fronting looks a little…read moreoutdated and tired, appearances are normally deceiving, so be prepared to find many diamonds in the rough! Not that it looks rough, or that the diamonds in the shop window are exactly hidden - this place blings from blocks away! There is a wide range of jewellery on display in the windows, from potential engagement rings to more simple and elegant designer necklaces. There are a lot of older fashioned styles available in Stevenson's if that's what you're looking for. Bear in mind, however, that they also stock an impressive range of more contemporary designs, including Pilgrim and Rennie Mack (my favourites). They also sell Hot Diamonds which make lovely gifts on special occasions such as 18th and 21st birthdays. Hot Diamonds are very subtle in deisgn, and elegant without being stuffy. On the contrary, they are very modern and unique in design, much akin to fellow big names such as Links of London. So I guess what I'm trying to say is there is something for everyone in here, and with Stevenson's stocking many different styles of jewellery, you won't be hard pushed to find something you like in here.

Harkin's Jewellers declares itself to be the oldest jewellers in the West End, and to be honest I'm…read moreinclined to believe them. They have a lovely selection of jewellery, with something to suit nearly every price range. (Pieces start from £20/£30). The shop is well designed and feels authentically vintage. Once inside, you'll be greeted by the friendly owner of the shop. He certainly knows his stuff and is really helpful. As well as selling jewellery, Harkin's also does jewellery repairs - so its well worth a visit if you've got a faulty piece of jewellery. The repairs aren't expensive, either, which definitely helps! Finally, Harkin's Jewellers is also a registered buyer of gold. So if you have some unwanted gold and want to sell to a legitimate buyer (and actually get the correct amount of money for it) then make a trip here.

Very nice owner and very helpful without being pushy. I wouldnt hesitate to go back to him if he…read morehad the particular design that I was looking for in a ring based on one I had in the early 70s.

Considering that, this is a small and inoffensively painted, and decorated, cream/black job it…read morecould be easily missed by the average stroller. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to spot it in the nick of time! The whole shop acts like an immaculate, airy display cabinet for an impressive range of jewellery. While, first impressions would make you think that this was overpriced (like someone Cresswell Lane shops), there is a good range of prices. Hence, most people could find something tasteful, within their price range and made of genuine silver/gold. Definitely where you should stop off for simple, stylish pieces at an affordable price. Although, as Paul's mentioned for those more mill of the run gifts...somewhere a little less special would be sufficient.

Keeping in line with the standards set by most of its fellow Cresswell Lane chums, S & S Argento is…read morean immaculately-presented, chic and most importantly, independlently-owned store which is undoubtedly playing its part in the rapid rise of the area. The decor is fresh and, as you would expect from a labour of love, the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, happy for customers merely to browse even if they clearly, like me, have no intention of buying anything that particular day. With a large chunk of its stock coming from the Pilgrim jewellery range it's not the cheapest jewellers around but prices vary from mid-range to expensive and as such, it represents the ideal place to shop for a loved one. For not-so-loved ones, I have three words; "Elizabeth Duke, Argos".

Forgive the pun, but this shop is an amazing hidden gem on Dumbarton Road. (Get it?!)…read more In this tiny shop you will find an amazing array or antique jewelry, ornaments and crockery. There are so many lovely things squeezed into this shop that you won't know where to look first. Even more of a squeeze - when I went in there were four other customers and two members of staff. Obviously, this shows that Gemsearch is popular, but it did mean we all had to do some serious breathing in! I thought that the best thing about this shop was the jewelry. Much of it is viewable from the window, and there are pieces of silver jewelry available for as little as £20. Perfect if you're looking for a special gift for someone. I was also very taken by the array of ornaments and glasswear. They had some lovely antique vases for almost nothing. The walls are covered with decorative plates and clocks, etc. My favourite featured brightly coloured fruit, and was a steal at £8. The staff were lovely, and really knew their stuff. While I was there they were advising a customer about how to repair a piece of jewelry that had stones missing - including a very long discussion about whether he should replace them with matching stones (very expensive) or different stones (which would look great). In conclusion, Gemsearch is my new favourite antique shop.

Nancy Smillie's is great for gift shopping, and it's usually as Christmas is coming up that I spend…read moreages in here seeking inspiration for that unusual gift. There's a great selection of stuff from small pieces of designer jewellery and knick-knacks all the way up to large home furnishings, all with bucket-loads of designer chic. Prices vary from cheap to very expensive, depending on what you're buying, but it's great just to mooch around in here and be inspired. It's much harder to escape without buying anything!

A pretty little shop in the west end, Nancy Smillie specialises in jewellery, but also sells bags,…read morecrafts and gifts. It's amazing how much they have managed to fit in here, and the tall glass cabinets combined with a central display table really showcase the jewellery well. There is also a small selection of gorgeous bags hanging along a low rail. The price range is huge, from pieces at around £500, right down to the £10 bangle I got for part of Maw's birthday present. There are so many lovely things in here, and with prices to suit every budget, I have already dropped a couple of hints now that the Christmas season is drawing near.

It's places like this shop that lend weight to the claim that 'Hyndland Street is the new Byres…read moreRoad'. Fifteen years ago Byres Road was full of individual wee shops like this; today it's all coffee emporiums and charity outlets. I discovered Owen Bissett when doing my Christmas shopping in December. It's not the sort of place that would normally attract me, but I was looking for a nice present for my sister, and their window display looked inviting, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I made that decision. The place is a veritable Aladdin's Cave of jewellery, bijoux, craft wares, designer knick-knacks and generally precious things (preeeeccccciouuusssss!). I soon found a lovely bracelet and necklace combo that my sister was delighted with, and would probably have ended up spending a lot more than I wanted to had not common sense kicked in. There's such a wide range of really unusual things in here, it is ideal if you're looking for that 'special gift' or just want a thing of beauty for yourself. I think my favourite items were the glass bowl sculptures with the natural wood stands - these large thick glass works appear to have been melted and poured onto driftwood or tree-branch tripods, so that they have flowed into the perfect shape for the support. I have no idea what I would use one for (and I couldn't afford one anyway), they were just lovely pieces of craftsmanship. A definite thumbs-up for the most original and unusual shop in Hyndland Street, if not the entire West End. Check it out - you're sure to find something you like.

I love, love, love this shop!…read more There are far too many beautiful things in stock, be it little trinkets, unique and interesting jewellery or gorgeous ornaments (and everything else in between), meaning that you'll be tempted to clear your bank account buying everything in sight! There's something here for all budgets, which is a bonus. I bought a gorgeous necklace for myself a while back that people always comment on, and it only cost £10. Regardless of price, you can be assured that whatever you buy will always be top quality. Owen's window displays are always eye-catching and well thought out; I defy you to walk past and not at least stop for a good look! Displays are changed regularly, which is a great way to showcase the wide range of what's on offer. I highly recommend liking the shop on Facebook too, as it's an extension of the window displays. The service is always fantastic, and everyone there is so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They'll point out things you might like or will leave you to browse the stock without being over-bearing. It's customer service done correctly, and it's refreshing to behold. It's a great place to go and treat yourself or a loved one, be it Christmas, birthdays or just for the sake of it. It's a truly unique store, and it's wonderful to see such a vibrant independent business thrive. I really can't sing the praises of this shop enough!

How did I resist the lure of Oliver Bonas for so long?…read more They always have great window displays and I finally managed to pop in for a quick visit before dining at Ubiquitous Chip. They sell much more than books and dresses - there's also some body products, statement necklaces and accessories as well as selection of homewares. A while back I got two really sweet bowls from a friend and Oliver Bonas had similar ones so I got another couple to add to the set. On the way to the register I also glanced at the cards and saw a perfect birthday card for my Mum, so I grabbed that. Then, while waiting to be served I turned and noticed the Korres body washes were two for £8 (normally £8 each) so grabbed those as well. As you can see, I'm like a bull in a china shop when I go into places like these. There is simply too much stuff that I want (need) and I can't resist. The service was friendly (although possibly a little robotic as the staff member who was serving me asked me the exact same question the other staff member asked her customer), and the prices aren't too bad - for that haul it was around £20. Will I be back? Of course - I can't stop thinking about their great selection of dresses. Oh dear.

Having just met with a friend, I decided to take the long way home and stop in to a few shops along…read morebyres road. I absolutely love this shop and don't frequent it enough in my opinion. I want to buy everything I can get my hands on, and that doesn't bode well with my checking account, but I do it anyway! Today, however, I decided that I would simply be browsing, to kill some time before heading home, and that's exactly what I did. Not only do they have an amazing spread of dresses and socks (cute as anything socks) but they also have books, jewlry, cards, candles and a wee section of kids stuff. It really is a shop full of quality products at reasonable prices. The staff are friendly to boot which is a nice touch in little shops such as this. They make you feel like the want you in their stores, even if just to have a look. There was one girl in there who knocked over and smashed a mug. One of the girls working in the shop quickly came over to help clean up the mess and the girl was so beyond apologetic, it took nothing short of actually giving the girl the broken mug to convince her that it was ok and that these things happen. I love this shop for a quick gift when my brain can't come up with ideas, and I love this shop for decorating tips, as the always have the shop decorated so perfectly. Well, I'd love my home to have many things from this shop. Check this place out, you won't be sorry that you did!