History
The origin of an expertise…
Manufacture du Grenat is synonymous with a long-lasting family know-how. Everything began in 1945 when Georges Privat, the grand-father from the Averyron, settled in Bourg-Madame, a lovely town located in the Cerdagne, in the department of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Settling in Prades
In 1979, Jérôme, his son, decided to settle in Prades, a town of history, culture and arts, which is famous worldwide for its international festival of classical music – ‘Festival Pablo Casals’.
The family-owned firm is growing
‘Casa Perez’ is named in honour of Jérôme’s wife and is perpetuating the skills of traditional arts and crafts. Henri Privat has been continuing developing the business with his wife Sandrine since the ninetie.
Creation of the brand
In 1994, Jérôme and his son Henri created the brand Joyaux Catalans® in order to not only assure finely crafted jewels but also protect Catalan traditional know-how while offering 100% local production.
Opening a secret world
In 1995, they decided to open their workshops to the public in order to share their passion for their art, and reveal the secrets of the manufacturing process of the Joyaux Catalans. At that time, the workshops were visible from the street only and the first conducted tours were arranged for organized groups only.
The workshops were extended
In 1999, an additional workshop for lost wax casting was created and the distribution network was extended to jewellers located beyond the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
Great success for our conducted tours
In 2002, the increasing success of the visits to the workshops lead us to carry out extension works. An entrance opening onto the square of Prades was created, an area with 50 seats dedicated to exchanges and share was built, and the access to the workshops was improved.
100% local production
In 2012, the Manufacture du Grenat was awarded the “Origine France Garantie” (Guaranteed French Origin) certification label for their jewellery brand of Joyaux Catalans®.
An invention award
In 2003, as they were aware of the importance of further enhancing the quality of their jewels, they invented a process for improving the reflector (foil). Since then, the Joyaux Catalans® have been made by using this patented technique making the foil unchanging. They were awarded the ‘SEMA’ prize (arts and crafts prize) in the same year for this invention.
Recognized expertise
In 2007, thanks to its know-how, the company was awarded the ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ (Living Heritage Company) label by the Ministry of Crafts and Trade. This mark of State recognition is managed and controlled by the ‘Institut Supérieur des Métiers’.
A dynamic company
In 2008, the company was awarded the ‘Mercure d’Or’ for its dynamism, innovations and quality of its services.
A concept unique in France
During all these years of constant evolution, the idea of creating an area unique in France in order to combine both activities – a “Tourist site” and a “Manufacture of jewels” germinated in the Privat family’s mind. The Manufacture du Grenat was set up in 2010 at the entrance of the town of Prades.
High-quality tourist site
In 2011, the new establishment joined the prestigious circle of high-quality tourist sites and was awarded the ‘Qualité Tourisme’ and ‘Qualité Sud de France’ labels.
100% local production
In 2012, the Manufacture du Grenat was awarded the “Origine France Garantie” (Guaranteed French Origin) certification label for their jewellery brand of Joyaux Catalans®.
Accessible for disabled visitors
In 2013, the Manufacture du Grenat was awarded the ‘Tourisme et Handicap’ (Tourism & Disability) label for its commitment to cater for visitors with motor or mental impairment.
Creation of the Croix du Canigou®
2014 was the year of the creation of the crosses Croix du Canigou®. These jewels were created in tribute to Georges Margouet, Joseph Tasias and Notre Dame La Réal’s Boy Scouts.
Miss Roussillon crown
In 2015, a unique creation was produced: Miss Roussillon crown. Anaïs Marin was elected Miss Roussillon 2015 on Tuesday 28 July 2015 in Port-Barcarès.
The new workshop store
In 2017, the shop was reorganized.
Manufacture du Grenat over time…
Since 23 years, this family-owned firm has been receiving, sharing and passing down their know-how. This convivial interactivity helps visitors discover skills related to the garnet, jewellery and Catalan history, and also reveals the manufacturing techniques specific to the famous Joyaux Catalans®.