Valenza is an unremarkable-looking town on the right bank of the Po that quietly produces an enormous share of Italian fine jewellery. Most of the workshops are closed to casual visitors, but Valenza Gioielli, the trade fair held twice a year, opens the doors to professionals and serious buyers.
For everyone else, the Museo del Gioiello tells the story of the town's craft from the early 1800s onward. Several brands run outlet showrooms where you can buy pieces at workshop prices. Visit if you have a particular interest in jewellery design; otherwise it is mostly a stop on the way to the Po river itineraries.