I love browsing old antique shops. I rarely buy anything, but I love the feeling that hundreds of…read moreyears of history are in one room. Antiques on High has the proper smell of old things and has an interesting range of antiques. Rather than focusing on big pieces of furniture, which so many antique shops do, it uses its space wisely to host: Jewellery, books, records, clothes, ornaments, pictures, maps and various collectables. The condition of the goods varies, but they're priced fairly reasonably. I find it's best to go in without the aim of buying something in particular, but just to browse. I can't say anything has ever caught my eye enough to want to buy it, but I've seen plenty of other people who have found the perfect addition to their home or the ideal gift. The best bit is the craft section, where there's a gallery of jewellery, leather, pottery, glass and art in general, all produced locally and all promising to be valuable antiques in the future. There's a great range in here and you can get something for less than a pound or spend hundreds of pounds. Equally, you can pop in for a few minutes or spend hours browsing - it's almost like a mini museum. If you like antique shops, this won't disappoint; if you've never been in one, try approaching it. Don't be put off by the prison-like bars in the windows; the staff are friendly and it's a different world inside.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my yearly visits to this shop. There are superb finds. Beautiful pieces…read moreof jewelry and vintage items in every case. My favorite is Caroline. I have bought wonderful treasures from her. They are all truly nice charming people. I miss this place.

This is a lovely little shop for gifts and treats - especially for that special someone! This shop…read moredoes a lot of jewelery, lovely glass work and stones that you won't find anywhere else in Oxford. Well worth a good look if you've got a special occasion coming up and want a special present. The staff in here are always very friendly and very keen to help. They're also willing to make suggestions about your choices if you like, they're very helpful indeed. There's also a little range of nick nacks and a wall devoted to holographic pictures - really cool if you're looking for something a bit different.

Great fun! It's shops like this that make Oxford's High Street famous. I think it's this shop that…read morehas an amazing selection of umbrellas outside - definitely worth checking out, although I don't know if I could bring myself to actually use one in public! This is another good place for presents for people, although it doesn't really scream 'Oxford', and it's probably best for people who appreciate unusual, decorative things. It's a great shop to drag friends who like that sort of thing into, although it's another thing trying to get them out again! The prices are generally quite reasonable, and the staff are friendly, even if it's crowded.

Another expensive jeweller's I went in my hunt for a place to replace my watch strap. There are…read moresome really beautiful pieces in here. I'm never one to get excited about rings, but the subtle ones can have such intricate carvings on and it makes me feel quite happy being surrounded by beautiful shininess. Still, with the most expensive things coming in at over £5000, this isn't really in my budget! They're very professional and will measure you for ring size and talk through your needs. You can get quite a lot of personalisation with size, engravings and metal, so it's worth popping in even if they don't seem to have what you want. There's also a good range of neecklaces, gifts, bracelets and earrings. They have loads of designer watches including Versace, Lacoste, Diesel and Calvin Klein.

I've only been in here to try to get a watch strap replaced, and wow did I feel out of place! I was…read moreterrified of accidentally getting dirt on something. Still, it's great for window shopping and engagement daydreams. The gist: expensive jewellery, especially watches and diamonds. The cost: Most things are well over £50 The names: Tagheuer, Gucci, DKNY and lots more. Top tip: even shops like this have sales, and the savings could be in the hundreds, so well worth watching out for. Great for: gifts - they can engrave keyrings and jewellery. They are also experts on weddings gifts. Not so great: If you're not looking to spend a fair amount of money!

Another national jewellery, watch store that has found it's way to Oxford, Ernest Jones have…read moreperhaps one of the larger ranges available in the city centre. Interestingly, each jewellery, watch store seems to have it's own particular range and there is little duplication across stores so it is worth having a look elsewhere. The staff at Ernest Jones are very helpful with allowing you to look at items and try them on. Prices, as would be expected are significant, though sales do happen and bargains can be found!

I felt humiliated. I went to the shop today with rings that had a decent diamond value, one with a…read morecertificate and receipt of purchase. This had taken me years to pluck up the courage to do. I spoke initially to a lovely young lady who looked at the rings and then went to get her father. Who was friendly but dismissive, telling me they dealt with the more unusual and in brief made me feel like I had wasted his time, despite taking potentially over 2.5k worth of goods. I would beg for a bit of humility.....

Really chatty once you get them talking. Whether you walk away with just a chat or a small…read morepurchase, it'll will be interesting. I came in to look around, and they were quite happy and willing to just bring stuff out behind the cases and glass and talk about it. From the outside it's a bit intimidating, as you do have to buzz to get in, and I think to get out as well. The shop space is quite small, since you walk straight into the counter area. There's really only comfortable room for 4, 6 if you want to be squished in tight and all know one another. They've got all sorts, from polished silverware, to animal cuff links, jewelry, and stuff you don't know they have unless you ask.

We came in find a travel souvenir gift, something to remember our trip to the UK. This shop is…read moresmall but plenty to choose from. The inventory was not the typical mass manufactured items that I saw in a few of the other local jewelry shop. This shop has a long history in the UK, 7 generations. I thought that was kind of cool.. I got myself a vintage ss bracelet designed by some fancy designer lol. I'm really enjoying Oxford much more than London.

I am grew up in Oxfordshire and moved to California in 1990. I buy all my jewelry (except Tiffany…read morepurchases) from Payne & Son. Andrew, Judy and the team at Payne's are so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. And, as a family business that's been in Oxford since 1790, I know I can trust the authenticity and quality. My first visit to Payne's was in 1984 when my husband and I got engaged. We bought our rings (mine a diamond solitaire and his a simple gold band) and the level of service we received from Andrew was second to none. Over the years, I have purchased diamond rings, pendants and a bracelet as well as birthstones and silver christening items. All have been of the highest quality. If you are considering purchasing jewelry or silver gifts you must check out Payne & Son. You'll be delighted you did