Founded in 1953, Granát Turnov grew out of a- centuries old tradition of goldsmiths in the Turnov region in Czech Republic. When workshops were nationalized in 1948, forming a cooperative was the only way to preserve this heritage. Just a few years later, in 1961, Granát joined forces with another cooperative, Precious, specialized in gem cutting. This merger ensured a steady supply of cut stones for their craft. And when raw stones became scarce, Granát took matters into its own hands—opening its first mine near Podsedice in 1996 and a second one near Dolní Olešnice in 2018.

Today, the cooperative oversees the full cycle of production—from mining gemstones to crafting and selling exquisite jewelry. It is the largest producer of gold and silver jewelry set with Czech garnets while also working with moldavites, diamonds, pearls, and other stones. Granát owns eight stores, runs a visitor gallery in Turnov, and manages the Czech Garnet Museum in Prague and sells its creation through its e-shop, local partners, and exports to Europe and the United States, with Japan on the horizon.

Sustainability is part of its ethos: water used in mining is kept in a closed cycle, and production waste is carefully processed by authorized companies.

Currently, the cooperative has about 160 employees of whom around 100 are worker members. Only employees with at least 10 years of service can become members, a rule that fosters long-term commitment. The workforce is predominantly women, and the cooperative ensures equal pay for equal work while also providing opportunities for people with disabilities. To encourage future generations to carry on the craft, Granát collaborates closely with the High School of Applied Arts in Turnov.

The cooperative is governed by an elected Board of Directors with day-to-day operations managed by heads of the sections. Membership represents an important stability factor for the cooperative.

Over the decades, Granát has weathered theft, fraud, declining demand, and competition from imitations. The COVID-19 pandemic posed the hardest challenge yet: stores were closed, goods unsold, but salaries still had to be paid. “At that time, we lost all our financial reserves,” recalls Pavel Tvrzník, Chairman of the Board. The subsequent war in Ukraine only deepened financial difficulties, forcing the suspension of retirement benefits for members. Yet, through the loyalty and sacrifice of its members—some working on reduced salaries—the cooperative pulled through.

Support from the Union of Czech Production Co-operatives (SČMVD), the town of Turnov, and the Liberec Region has been key, offering training, financial aid, and joint promotion through initiatives like Crystal Valley, which highlights regional crafts and tourism. Granát also contributes to local life by supporting the AC Turnov athletic club and working with the Museum of the Bohemian Paradise.

Looking ahead, 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives, will be a milestone year: Granát Turnov will represent Czech craftsmanship at EXPO Osaka, Japan, with a special jewelry collection inspired by the Czech Pavilion—including a luxurious gold set adorned with garnets, moldavites, and diamonds. The cooperative will also showcase its artistry at Crystal Valley Week in Liberec.

Granát Turnov is more than a jewelry maker. It is a cooperative that has preserved tradition through resilience, nurtured community ties, and proudly carries Czech heritage into the future—proving that cooperation can turn even the toughest challenges into lasting beauty.

Granát Turnov is a member of SČMVD, our Czech member.