Five jewellery boutiques near the Cologne Dom Christmas market

Bulgari
Founded in Rome in 1884, Bulgari is one of the world leaders in the field of fine jewellery. Its creations have been worn by the rich and famous for more than a century, adorning the necks, ears and wrists of everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Angelina Jolie, with the former being perhaps its most high-profile devotee. Bulgari’s continued success lies in its ability to adapt without losing its classical, timeless aesthetic.

Bulgari, Wallrafplatz 1, 50667 Cologne, +49 (0)221 270 5650

Meissen
The first company to produce porcelain in Europe, Meissen was established in Germany in the early 18th century, developing its signature cobalt blue underglaze in 1720. To protect itself against imitators, it developed a signature mark to identify its genuine porcelain, and to this day every Meissen piece is hand painted with the crossed-swords logo. Visit the Cologne store and browse the stunning and original array of jewellery, some of which incorporates the porcelain that started it all.

Meissen, Wallrafplatz 3, 50667 Cologne, +49 (0)221 258 5677

Swarovski
Producing perhaps the most famous crystals in the world, Austrian jewellery brand Swarovski has been using progressive technology to produce beautiful pieces since 1892. Each season sees an extensive range of new creations hit its boutiques, with trend-led statement pieces alongside those with a more timeless and elegant feel.

Swarovski, Wallrafplatz 8, 50667 Cologne, +49 (0)221 250 9506

Chopard
When young watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard opened his workshop in a small Swiss village in 1860, few could have imagined how the business would grow. Since then Chopard has gained a reputation for precise and reliable timepieces; today Chopard is one of the most respected names in the world of fine jewellery and watches, producing classic yet show-stopping pieces built to last.

Chopard, Domkloster 2, 50667 Cologne, +49 (0)221 925 7990

Montblanc
Montblanc, established in 1906 by Hamburg banker Alfred Nehemias and Berlin engineer August Eberstein, began as a manufacturer of luxury pens. The combination of the founders’ business and design expertise allowed the company to flourish, branching into jewellery and watches as well as writing tools. The brand has an understated aesthetic which allows the incredible materials – from precious metals and stones to the finest leathers – to take centre stage.

Montblanc, Wallrafplatz 7, 50667 Cologne, +49 (0)221 250 9580