The blood-red Czech garnet is one of the country’s most distinctive traditional gemstones and a popular souvenir for visitors shopping for jewellery in Prague. Mineralogists call this transparent, fiery-red stone pyrope. It has long been regarded as a national stone and a mineralogical symbol of Bohemia.
Garnets occur in several colours around the world, but the Czech garnet is particularly known for its rich red appearance. After cutting and polishing, even relatively small stones can produce an intense sparkle. According to tradition, garnets are associated with vitality, joy and protection.
Where Czech Garnets Come From
Czech garnets were formed deep beneath the Earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure. Volcanic activity brought them closer to the surface, and erosion deposited them in pyrope-bearing gravels. Known deposits are found in the Bohemian Central Highlands, where Czech garnets are still mined today.
Buying Authentic Czech Garnet Jewellery in Prague
One of the safest places to buy authentic jewellery is Granát Turnov, the traditional Czech cooperative associated with the mining, cutting and production of Bohemian-garnet jewellery. Its official Prague shops include locations on Panská, Dlouhá and Havířská streets, as well as a museum and sales gallery on Karlova Street.
Shopping tip: Buy from a reputable jeweller and ask for a certificate of authenticity. Be especially cautious when a supposedly valuable garnet item is offered at an unusually low price.
Prices depend on the design, the number and size of the stones, and whether the garnets are set in silver or gold. Small silver items can be relatively affordable, while rings, necklaces and more elaborate pieces may cost considerably more.
- Best known for: deep-red pyrope gemstones
- Traditional setting: silver or gold jewellery
- Recommended purchase: certified jewellery from a reputable seller
Hi!
I got a necklace and a bracelet from a Cze lady vising us, and i believe, its garnets, actually my husband told me so, my husband is a Cze man. The most beautiful deep red stone… The lady came in a Safari group to my country and she knew a friend of my husband’s who lives in the Cze Republic, and he hooked her up with us.
What a pleasant lady!
I got this lovely gift from her and no one knows how i treasure it!
I really like this stone! It looks so aristocratic and stylish! I bought a wonderful necklace in a small shop on Panska street. The seller speaks English and was very helpful. If I may, I want to recommend shop Museum Magic Garnet, because they spent with me a lot of time and help me to make a right decision. And, as they told me, wherever you buy garnet, always ask about the sertificate of garanty.
This was my third time in Prague, and my second visit to this beautiful museum garnet Panska 6! Friendly people, perfect service, wonderful garnet! I bought fantastic earrings and pendant for my wife!
Hello. Prague is historical city with sightseeing places. Garnets are part of Czech. If you will go to Prague, you should go to Museum of Garnet. Address of this museum Panska 6, Prague 1. Just go.