In ancient times the garnet was extracted from the flanks of the Pyrénees but it was only from 1750 that it was considered a valuable stone by the Catalans. The cutting of the stone is just one aspect of the work, the jeweller must prepare a gold mounting giving it a particular shape, a convex base, then encase the stone in the gold setting. Both jewellers in the town will help you to discover this ancient craft brought to this region by the greek traders and passed down from generation to generation.
-Casa Perez “Les Joyaux Catalans”
Commentary and video, visit of the workshop throughout the day. No admission fee. Groups by prior arrangement.Tél : 04 68 96 21 03.
-Bijouterie Calvet “La Griffe Catalane”
An exhibition on “The garnet and its history”, tools, and slide show. No admission fee. Groups by prior arrangement.Tél : 04 68 96 07 18.
http://bijouterie.calvet.free.fr/