William Morrison Jeweller in Inverness, Scotland

When I was planning my trip to Scotland, I was under the impression that I’d stumble across countless antique stores — I mean the country is SO old compared to the USA. Alas, my desires didn’t quite materialize. But you know how they say quality over quantity? That, I did find to be true. I’ve already shared Joseph Bonnar in Edinburgh with you, and now I want to share my discovery in Inverness, William Morrison Jeweller.

I actually came across this this shop, founded in 1902 by a Jewish immigrant named Isaac Finkelstein, completely by accident. I had just gotten some cash out of the ATM, and the rain started up. So, I dashed into the nearest door, which was the entrance to the Inverness Victorian Market, a small arcade of shops and eateries.

Not only was this a nice respite from the rain, but when I spied the trays of antique jewelry in the window, I knew I had to investigate further. The shop is not large, yet very well organized and brimming with merchandise. I love how in Scotland the antique jewelry is called “second hand.”

Time flew by as I tried on different pieces and chatted with William, the owner. His father was friends with Isaac, which is how he ended up now owning the store. He delighted me with tales of the store being haunted — and how feathers often appear overnight in the shop, even though there are no openings to the outside. (Yes, I ate these stories up!) He showed me a photo of Isaac and even a receipt dating back over 100 years.

The shop basically hasn’t changed at all since its founding, and the original grandfather clock still marks the time.

While I spent quite a bit of time pouring over all the jewelry…

…I couldn’t resist leaving without this rose gold snake ring from 1914. William was kind enough to look up its hallmark, which hails from Chester. I wonder who it originally belonged to?

I’m so glad that fate (and the rain) brought me to this store, and I really enjoyed speaking with William.

I spent a few nights in Inverness, and one of the main reasons I wanted to visit was so I could see the Culloden battlefield and the standing stones at Clava Cairns. (Any other Outlander fans reading this??) Since I was traveling by train, I decided to hire a private guide for the first time in my life. Man, did I luck out. I found David Laidlaw, the owner of Scenic Routes, online. He was extremely responsive over e-mail before my trip (I had actually hired him for more than one day), and as soon as I met him in person, I knew I had made the perfect choice.

 

 

Visiting Culloden battlefield

 

 

Clan Fraser stone at Culloden Battlefield

 

 

Magical moment at the standing stones at Clava Cairns

Not only did David take me to these places on my list, but being born and bred in Inverness, he had many other special places to show me as well. Oh, and when you get hungry, two restaurants I really enjoyed are Hootananny and Black Isle Bar, which has quite amazing pizza in addition to their beer selection.

Inverness, thanks for the great visit!!

20 thoughts on “William Morrison Jeweller in Inverness, Scotland”

    1. So delighted to learn of your discovery! William Morrison has been our
      jeweler for many years and trips to inverness meant always to trip to
      the store! thank you.

      1. Jeanne, I’m so glad to hear that! I will be in Scotland again this summer, and I will most certainly be stopping by William Morrison while in Inverness. I’m really looking forward to it. 🙂

  1. OMG! I really enjoyed this post!!! Ok. So I’m Scottish and biased, but it was s really fun read and experience you shared!
    Thank you!
    🤗
    Karen

  2. What a wonderful adventure you had in Scotland! LOVE the ring, it is beautiful. I am an Outlander fan too:))

  3. Love that snake ring!
    Don’t have anything like it. Although I have been to Scotland before!
    I wish I had a David LOL

    Love

    Bianca

  4. I stumbled over your post and really loved it! Isaac Finkelstein was my grandfather – I didn’t ever meet him nor have I been to Inverness as my father emigrated to South Africa where I was born and still live…but perhaps one day!
    Your ring is also really lovely.
    Thank you for putting up the pictures and sharing your joy at being in the shop.

    1. Your comment brought a HUGE smile to my face, Susan! Your grandfather really started something special and I hope you get to visit Scotland one day. It’s truly one of my absolute favorite countries I’ve ever been to. And… I still wear that ring every day!

  5. Hello Amy,
    Thank you so much for your kind comments and excellent exposure which you have given our shop.
    Really glad you are pleased with the Victorian snake ring which you purchased during your visit.
    It would be a great pleasure to meet you again sometime.
    Kindest Regards,
    William Morrison.

    1. I’m so sorry that I didn’t see this comment when you wrote it! I’ve now been twice to your shop, and I just love it. xo

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