Garnets.

That’s what was on my mind when I took a day trip to Prague on my recent visit to the Czech Republic.

In my pre-trip research, I’d discovered that the Czech Republic was noted for its fine pyrope garnets. I was bound and determined to bring one back as a souvenir.

This did not prove as easy as I’d originally anticipated.

I didn’t think it would be that hard. After all, there were granát (Czech for “garnet”) dealers on every corner in Prague. The prices I saw were fairly reasonable; anywhere from 1500 to 1700 CZK (about $100-$115 USD)for a good-sized ring.

But a Czech friend gave me a tip: she said that garnets might be cheaper in Kladno. Many of the shops in Prague take advantage of the fact that many tourists are looking for garnets and are willing to pay whatever price they’re charged. She advised me to wait and look in Kladno.

Well, I got back to Kladno and began hunting down jewelry shops in the “walking zone” (an area with shops and restaurants where cars aren’t allowed). To my dismay, I found that many of the stores did not carry garnets. The stores that did had a very limited selection, and the pieces were even more expensive than they had been in Prague!

I had a sinking feeling that I might have to return to the US with ringless fingers.

But that’s when I walked into my last stop of the day: Klenoty Aurum.

The Klenoty Aurum jewelry store in Kladno’s walking zone.

The word “klenoty” simply means “jeweler” in Czech. This store had a GREAT selection of Czech garnets! It was an oasis of garnets in a garnet-poor walking zone. They had everything from earrings to pendants and, of course, rings galore!

Klenoty Aurum’s jewelry selection — including many garnet pieces!

After looking at several rings, I narrowed down my choices. Despite my limited Czech, the shopkeeper was able to communicate the prices (including some significant discounts!) to me. I finally decided on three rings: one for my sister, one for a friend, and one for yours truly!

The store manager was very helpful.

Klenoty Aurum also sells other jewelry, including fine watches. In fact, the company is known for being the first to sell Ebel watches in the Czech Republic.

As for me, I’m just happy with my pretty, new ring.

My new garnet ring.

So if you’re ever in Kladno, looking for garnets, be sure to hit up Klenoty Aurum! And for more on garnets, wait for January, when we’ll highlight garnets as that month’s birthstone!

Seeing Red (in a good way!),
Olivia

Ahoj (pronounced “ahoy”) from the Czech Republic!

Olivia is on location in Prague this week, and the jewelry scene in the Czech Republic is hot!

There are jewelry vendors everywhere, selling everything from everyday pieces to traditional Czech jewelry! I counted at least seven vendors on the Charles Bridge alone.

A vendor on the Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic.

Czech Glass Earrings on the Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic.

Traditional Czech Black Glass Jewelry near Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic.

Information about traditional Czech jewelry near Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic.

There was also a plethora of stores selling high-quality Czech (or “Bohemian”) garnets. I counted more than ten in Prague before I finally gave up counting them all.

A jewelry store selling high-quality Czech garnet jewelry in Prague, Czech Republic.

A selection of garnet rings in Prague, Czech Republic.

Even though garnets are the most well-known gemstone in the Czech Republic, many stores also sold beautiful amber pieces, as well.

Amber necklaces at a jewelry store in Prague, Czech Republic.

There are also many more well-known jewelry retailers in Prague, including Swarovski.

The Swarovski store in Prague, Czech Republic.

I’m still considering the pieces I want to bring home with me. I got a tip that Czech garnets are much cheaper in Kladno and other cities that don’t attract as many tourists. Once I make my final purchases, of course I’ll share them with you!

I’ll also be posting about a new friend I made during my stay. Marketa Hrabetova is even crazier about jewelry than I am!

In the meantime, na shledano to you all!

Keeping Things in Czech,
Olivia