The most prestigious shopping zone in downtown Vienna – also called the “Golden U” – stretches from Hofburg Palace and Kohlmarkt via Graben to Kärntner Strasse. Formerly the location of numerous court-appointed jewelers, international luxury brands such as Cartier, Chopard and Tiffany are the present-day answer to exclusive glittering dreams.

Classic Viennese jewelers Haban have been a guarantee of exquisite quality for decades. Boasting two locations – at Graben and in Kärntner Strasse – they sell all the major watch and jewelry brands, from Rolex and Patek Philippe to Gucci. Their in-house goldsmith studio specializes in the creation of wedding rings, necklaces and earrings, and also undertakes expert jewelry and watch repairs.

The marble and wooden entrance designed by star architect Hans Hollein at Schullin on Kohlmarkt is reflection of what lies inside – modern design coupled with perfect craftsmanship. The extravagant contours and colors of Schullin jewelry are captivatingly appealing. Delicate coral branches, for instance, are grouped together like chili peppers to create an eye-catching necklace.

The Dorotheum , the world’s most venerable auction house, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2007. Rare items of jewelry, from art deco to the modern age, can either be acquired at auction or nerve-sparingly purchased direct at the Kärntner Strasse branch or eleven other outlets in Vienna.

Cartier

1., Kohlmarkt 1,
Tel. +43–1–533 22 460,
www.cartier.com

Chopard

1., Kohlmarkt 16,
Tel. +43–1–533 719 719,
www.chopard.com

Tiffany

1., Kohlmarkt 8–10,
Tel. +43–1–535 39 50,
www.tiffany.com

Haban am Graben

1., Graben 12,
Tel. +43–1–512 12 20,
www.haban.at

Haban

1., Kärntner Strasse 2,
Tel. +43–1–512 67 30,
www.haban.at

Schullin

1., Kohlmarkt 7,
Tel. +43–1–533 90 07,
www.schullin.com

Palais Dorotheum (auction house)

1., Dorotheergasse 17,
Tel. +43–1–515 60–0,
www.dorotheum.at

Dorotheum Jewelry

1., Kärntner Strasse 36,
Tel. +43–1–513 32 02,
www.dorotheum.at