The Tuscan Edit
Stories, objects, and places that define the handmade soul of Tuscany.
Welcome to The Tuscan Edit — the journal of Florence Factory.
Here we share the beauty of Tuscany as told through its makers: handcrafted objects, artisan stories, curated travel tips, and everything we love about Florence and beyond. If you’re looking for authentic inspiration and meaningful finds, this is where your journey begins.
What to buy in Florence: what’s actually local (and what isn’t)
What should you buy in Florence? Discover local crafts, Tuscan food and wines, and learn to spot souvenirs that aren't as Florentine as they appear.
What can you bring home from Florence to the USA?
Florence makes it very easy to buy something. The harder part is choosing what is actually worth taking home. From handmade leather and contemporary jewelry to art, ceramics and food, this guide looks at the objects that carry Florence through the people, workshops and techniques behind them — not just through the name printed on the front.
Buying jewelry in Florence: what travelers (american) should know
Buying jewelry in Florence means choosing between centuries of goldsmith tradition and a new generation of contemporary makers. Here is what travelers should know about Ponte Vecchio, Italian gold, handmade production and where to look beyond the obvious.
Why is Florence famous for leather? A guide to the craft behind the bag
Florence is famous for leather, but not everything sold in the city is made locally. This guide explains how to recognise quality craftsmanship, from materials and hardware to provenance, pricing and the way a shop presents its products.
U.S. Customs Duties: Buying in Florence vs. Ordering Online
A clear guide for U.S. shoppers: customs duties on online orders from Italy, plus the $800 personal exemption for travelers buying in Florence.
Florence to your suitcase: Tuscan gifts that travel well
Florence offers two kinds of souvenirs: the generic kind you’ll find anywhere, and the kind made here—by Tuscan artisans and designers. This guide sticks to the second: carry-on-friendly gifts with a real local signature. Think leather bags and sandals, quietly brilliant jewelry, hand-poured candles, ceramics and interior pieces, hats, eyewear, scarves and apparel—all made in Florence or Tuscany and curated by Florence Factory. Buy once, remember well, and ship with FedEx when your suitcase taps out.
How to Buy Authentic Florentine Crafts (Without the Guesswork)
Florence dazzles on the surface; the right object carries its depth home. This field guide helps you cut through market noise to find real Tuscan craft—materials that tell the truth, provenance before price, and details that age well. Plus, what to avoid (too-cheap street racks, copy-paste inventories, sellers who can’t explain the “how” and the “who”). Buy with clarity, not guesswork.
Not Just Another Outlet: Discover Florence Factory
Think Florence Factory is an outlet? Think again.
Discover a curated space where Florence’s top artisan-designers create unique, handmade jewelry and contemporary pieces you won’t find anywhere else.