Valencia, Spain Spain is an unusual European country. This uniqueness is due to the fact that for a long time, from the 7th to the 15th centuries, Spain was subordinate to the Moors. And the neighborhood, and then the confrontation between Muslim and Christian cultures, intertwined and gave rise to unique works of art that have no analogues in all of Europe.
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This is manifested not only in architecture and dance, but also in decorative and applied arts. Due to the constant raids of invaders, the museums of Spain cannot surprise with a large number of jewelry, because... many are now presented in exhibitions in other countries, but it would be hard to say that Spain does not have jewelry art. All doubts about this disappear when you see the masterpieces presented by famous Spanish jewelry brands. Graceful, bright, one might say, passionate jewelry in Spanish makes an indelible impression.
Valencia - the city of fire carnival
It is no secret that the Spaniards are a cheerful people who love carnivals and fireworks, and Valencia is a city where this is especially revered. Among the many noisy holidays, the most important is Fallas. Local residents, women, girls and even girls, dress in traditional outfits: handmade silk dresses, embroidered with multi-colored threads, complemented by brooches, beads and earrings.
Spanish comb-painettes
Mother-of-pearl peinet
The hairstyle using a traditional paynet comb and a lace mantilla cape deserves special attention. Their history goes back centuries and carries echoes of the Arab conquests. The paynet was traditionally made from tortoiseshell or ivory and richly decorated with carvings. The classic paynet is a comb with 5-6 teeth, 20 cm high. These days, Spanish women wear these combs on holidays and other special occasions. Finding a peinet made from carved bone or tortoiseshell is quite difficult and expensive, but plastic combs are sold everywhere from 3 to 20 euros - they are inexpensive and protect the turtle population, which is also important.
Valencia is also famous for its porcelain. It is used to make not only elegant dishes and interior items, but also jewelry. In the very center of the city is the National Museum of Ceramics, which is located in the building of the Marquis De Dos Aguas mansion. Here you can get acquainted with the life of high society of the past, see ceramics, furniture, and jewelry.
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National Ceramics Museum in the center of Valencia (Museo Nacional de Cerámica). Photo: ilovevalencia.ru
But not far from Valencia, in the town of Tavernes Blanques, there is an entire porcelain factory or, as it is called because of its impressive size, “porcelain city”. The Lladro factory was founded about 60 years ago by three brothers, and now employs approximately 2,000 people. Tours are regularly held here, during which you can immerse yourself in the work of the factory, witness the birth of elegant and surprisingly delicate products, and also buy something as a souvenir from the huge assortment of the local store.
It is impossible not to mention the unique series of jewelry created for Lladro by artist Bodo Sperlein. His porcelain birds from the Magic Forest collection create an atmosphere of lightness and harmony with nature.
Magic Forest porcelain jewelry from Lladro and Bodo Sperlein
If a trip to the Lladro factory is not included in your plans, then porcelain jewelry can be purchased near the Cathedral of St. Mary (the Holy Grail is also kept there), where a small souvenir market is organized. For relatively little money, although the place is touristy, you can easily become the owner of elegant earrings, rings and bracelets with plant and floral motifs.
Toledo: gold of the ancient capital.
Toledo is an ancient, stunningly beautiful city, the first capital of Spain. Walking along its streets, it is sometimes difficult to believe that you are in a modern city, and not on the set of a film about the Middle Ages. In this place, literally everything is imbued with history: the brilliant El Greco created his masterpieces here, in Toledo there is his museum and grave, as well as many Gothic cathedrals and squares.
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Surely, many have heard about “Toledo gold” - although it is both gold and not gold at the same time. We are talking about products made using the ancient damask technique. Its meaning is as follows: a pattern is applied to a steel surface, then thin gold or silver wires (or thin plates) are inserted into it, then the product is subjected to oxidation - treated with a certain composition and baked at high temperature. After such processing, the pattern of the precious metal becomes convex and bright - it turns out to be both a sculpture and an engraving at the same time, and the steel becomes black. The result is a beautiful contrasting pattern.
Tariffs for marking products made of precious metals
Chanel jewelry
Applicable rates may vary from laboratory to laboratory and from region to region. For example, let's take the prices in force in Andalusia.
1. Warranty stamp (sample) for products without packaging (including metal analysis):
- Silver: 0.0232 €/g
- Gold: 0.1235 €/g
- Platinum: 0.1454 €/g
2. Warranty stamp (sample) of products in packaging (including metal analysis):
- Silver: 0.0232 €/g + 0.052 €/piece.
- Gold: 0.1235 €/g + 0.052 €/piece.
- Platinum: 0.1454 €/g + 0.052 €/piece.
3. Manufacturer's or importer's mark:
0.042 €/piece after preliminary verification in the Register of Patents and Trademarks of the authenticity and legality of the manufacturer's or importer's trademark.
4. Advisory chemical analysis:
- Gold analysis: 30.25 €/analysis
- Silver analysis: 18.92 €/analysis
- Platinum analysis: 35.28 €/analysis
Madrid - the royal city
Madrid is a city where business centers and ancient Catholic churches coexist, multinational, modern, but at the same time measured and calm. Masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, palaces and cathedrals - if you list everything this city is famous for, it could take a lifetime. And, of course, the Spanish capital gave the world the most talented jewelers. The National Museum of Decorative Arts with a fund of 40,000 exhibits will introduce you to the masterpieces of Spain. It features antique furniture, carpets, fans, boxes and jewelry.
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The most famous shopping area is Salamanca, with many jewelry and antique boutiques where you can buy jewelry from famous Spanish brands. Among them, for example, Lucuix is very interesting. The products harmoniously combine Spanish traditions and modern trends. Costume jewelry is created using Swarovski crystals, genuine leather and gilding. You can buy these jewelry in many cities in Spain, and in Madrid at Calle del Pez, 27, office 216. Considering that the entire line of jewelry is considered premium, the prices are appropriate, but you can find something at a very reasonable price: for example, bracelets for 50 euros.
Lucuix rings
YANES Jewelry
Another Spanish brand that creates stunningly beautiful jewelry is YANES. This company is rightfully considered royal: almost immediately after the birth of the company, Spanish monarchs became its regular clients. Jeweler Claudio Yanez founded his brand in 1881 in the town of Malpica de Tajo, and since then, each subsequent generation of the family (and there are already five of them) has continued the successful jewelry business of their ancestor. YANES jewelry combines the splendor of the East and European restraint, floral and geometric patterns, and all this is complemented by a scattering of precious stones.
YANES jewelry takes pride of place in the Spanish National Heritage Foundation and can also be found in many museums in Spain and other countries. The YANES boutique in Madrid is located at Calle de Goya, 27. It is worth noting that for jewelry of such a high level the prices are quite reasonable. For example, hoop earrings cost from 870 euros, and a ring decorated with a diamond path costs about 2,000 euros.
Lua Marta
Minimalist jewelry with simple lines. This is how this brand is defined, which many discover through social media.
These are simple products suitable for any look.
They're especially nice to wear when you just want to throw on jeans and a white t-shirt. Her turquoise stone rings are best to complete this look.
We have presented you with the most famous Spanish jewelry firms of 2021.
Barcelona - the pearl of Spain
This city is literally imbued with creativity; people are painting, dancing, singing here at every step - and all this against the backdrop of the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi. Catalonia is the place where you understand that Salvador Dali was destined to be born here; his surrealism fits very naturally into the local atmosphere. A large, bright and noisy city contains everything: a rich history, the latest fashion trends, natural beauty and the sea. In such a multifaceted place, jewelry is also special.
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While strolling through the numerous shopping streets, do not miss Carrer de Montcada - silver jewelry is made and sold here. Be sure to visit Carrer del Call street, it is simply strewn with jewelry shops. Another jewelry house has brought good fame to Barcelona, which is definitely worth telling about.
Masriera - the magnificent jewelry of this company is in many museums around the world, and their “calling card” is cloisonné and stained glass enamel, complemented by painting.
Bagués Masriera Jewelry
It all started when founding father Joseph José Masriera Vidal opened a jewelry workshop in Barcelona in 1839. Gradually production expanded, and the brand became known throughout the world. In 1915, two jewelry houses - Masriera and Carreras - merged, and the Masriera i Carreras brand was born, which was sold to Bagues in 1985. Today, the Bagués Masriera brand successfully continues the jewelry traditions of the Masriera family, and their enamel products continue to win the hearts of customers.
In the very center of Barcelona, at the Bagues Hotel, there is the Masriera Museum - the magnificent jewelry of this company is gladly shown to everyone. And the store of this brand in Barcelona is located at Passeig de Gràcia, 41.
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The brand's products are quite expensive, and are more suitable as a gift for some truly special occasion. On average, a jewelry house pendant will cost about 400,000 rubles.
Not far from Barcelona is the city of Figueres, where the great Salvador Dali lived and worked. Its famous theater-museum, located in the same city, is considered one of the main attractions. What is interesting there for a jewelry tourist? And the fact that there is a whole hall of jewelry created according to the sketches of the king of surrealism. Looking at them, you recognize the hand of a master - no one else has ever dreamed of this.
Theater-Museum of Salvador Dali in Figueres, Spain. Photo: barcelonalove.es
A couple of final tips
There is quite a lot of Turkish gold in Spain (its quality is very questionable), and it is sold at European prices, so be careful and ask for certificates. Also, the Spaniards, although they are charming people, are also quite cunning, so carefully examine the product before purchasing, even in expensive stores, so as not to miss a chip or some other defect.
In general, these people have one weakness - they love children very much, so be sure to take them with you: if they don’t give a discount, they will definitely give the child a small trifle. Because the Spaniards are warm and very welcoming people, just like their country.
Gold&Roses
This Madrid company is already on everyone's lips. And the fact is that their plans leave no one indifferent.
They make jewelry that lasts and you want to wear it forever. It seems impossible, but they suit you no matter your style and the occasion you wear them, which is the result of extensive experience in the jewelry sector.
Even Queen Letizia herself wore 18K gold jewelry from this brand with precious natural stones.
