In Tenerife, where every sunbeam gracefully pirouettes upon the surface of the Atlantic, the pursuit of the finest jewellery becomes a poetic endeavor. Gold and silver, akin to the island’s enduring charm, exude a perennial elegance, impervious to the transient tides of fashion. Whether one seeks the delicate embrace of a silver pendant or the bold proclamation of a golden masterpiece, Tenerife stands as an unexpected opulent emporium.
Peridot and olivine in Tenerife
Olivine is a mineral group, and peridot is a gem-quality variety of olivine. The main difference lies in their usage and colour. Olivine encompasses a range of green minerals, while peridot specifically refers to the gem-quality, greenish-yellow to green variety of olivine. So, all peridots are olivines, but not all olivines are peridots. Olivine is found in volcanic rocks on Tenerife, and local artisans often use it in jewellery. I’d recommend keeping an eye out for gem quality pieces which are more in peridot territory. Pieces with peridot will likely be set either in silver or gold, and will hold value beyond a simple tourist trinket. The places to buy olivine or peridot are dotted all around Tenerife. They will find you.
Jewellery in antique markets in Tenerife
You may not have thought this, but Tenerife conceals its best jewels within the recesses of antique markets. I did some research and stumbled upon Lanave – an antique and vintage store as well as prop rental studio. I went crazy with jewellery shopping there, and I really wanted to buy many more curated pieces for my home like art and decor. However, I did not opt for a generous luggage allowance within my airfare, so I stopped at jewellery. This vintage warehouse has a exquisite selection of silver, gold and costume jewellery. If you follow me on Instagram or TikTok, you can watch my jewellery haul from this place in case you’re wondering what I got (pssst, it’s silver and gold – and it’s actually the necklace I am wearing in the pictures).
I can’t recommend it enough to a point where I don’t want to recommend it, so that I keep it to myself.
Supporting Tenerife’s jewellery boutiques
While the allure of antiquing is undeniable, one must not underestimate the enchantment of Tenerife’s jewellery boutiques. Amidst the cobbled streets of La Orotava and La Laguna, or the more modern shopping lanes of Santa Cruz, you will find a more mainstream selection of brands like Tenerife Perla (Canarian born and bred), Tous (a Spanish staple), and tons traditional jewellery boutiques that carry both local and international fine jewellery lines.
The boutique that caught my eye is a local Canarian silver specialist in Santa Cruz called Dédalo. They have both Canarian traditional designs as well as those made on the mainland. The earrings you see me wearing in the pictures are from this shop. They may look antique, they are actually completely new.
In summary: Tenerife jewellery beyond tourist trinkets
I personally am not a souvenir or trinket kind of person. Fridge magnets are just not for me. This is why when travelling, I always look for an item that I connect to a memory. To me, the energy my purchase carries is personal. This is why I get a piece of jewellery from every country I visit.
So, bask in the radiant sunshine, and allow the sea breeze to guide you away from Playa de los Americas to discover a different shopping experience through antiquing and supporting local boutiques. Prepare to adorn yourself with the resplendent treasures of Tenerife. Happy hunting!
Oh, by the way, in my article on jewellery shopping in Turkey, I dropped some useful tips on always knowing what jewellery you’re buying when it comes to metals. Combined with the guide above, you’re equipped to become quite the bounty hunter in Tenerife!
The images below were taken right after the shopping trip to Lanave and Dédalo – I am wearing the jewellery I freshly bought.
