On the Road Again: To Perpignan, France!
If you know me at all, you know I love to travel. My most recent trip took me to a small town in southwest France: Perpignan. Why Perpignan? It has been a bee in my bonnet for years. I happen to adore the distinctive jewelry that bears its name — Perpignan garnet. I’m always on the hunt for pieces set with those fiery, glowy stones — preferably antique, with an inexplicably modern appeal. Think classic rivières, halo rings, romantic swagged collars, or crisp line bangles (there’s a gorgeous one in the shop right now).
Also, nothing motivates me quite like a missed opportunity. Years ago, on a road trip from the South of France to Barcelona, I passed just miles from Perpignan — but couldn’t make the detour. I was convinced I had driven right past a hoard of Perpignan jewels just waiting for me to scoop up. So when planning a trip to Barcelona this past May, I knew I had to cross the Pyrenees into French Catalonia and finally get to Perpignan!
Was it worth the wait? Absolutely.
If you're a devotee of Perpignan garnet jewelry — you know who you are — and you are in the area, go for the day to Perpignan. Start your morning at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a dramatic 13th-century fortress with sweeping views over the town — all the way to the Pyrenees. Currently, the palace in partnership with the Institut de Grenat hosts a beautifully curated and comprehensive exhibition on Perpignan garnet jewelry. You’ll find exemplary pieces that showcase the artistry of this distinctive regional jewel, along with fascinating history and insights into how each piece of Perpignan garnet jewelry was made — from the cutting and polishing of the signature rose-cut stones, to the placement of tinted foils behind them to enhance their color and glow. I definitely did audibly gasp once or twice at some of the beautiful jewels on display.
A display of 19th century Perpignan garnet jewelry, on view at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca.
Closer look. Gorgeous color.
Swagged or bib collar, viewed at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, similar to one available in my shop.
Gorgeous demi-parure, with convertible brooch/pendant, viewed at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca.
Once you’ve feasted your eyes, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the old town. Then, take your time wandering and stopping in to nearby shops. With luck, you might spot a hidden Perpignan garnet treasure — though fine 19th-century examples are getting harder to come by. More recent, vintage pieces are more common, and you’ll notice that their garnets tend to skew redder, rather than the rich raspberry-pink of the older jewels (which I personally prefer). If you find a great, antique example you love, within your budget, give it serious consideration. There is no regret quite like the one you feel for a one-of-a-kind jewel left behind thousands of miles away.
Bonus detour: Collioure.
After Perpignan, I highly recommend a visit to nearby Collioure, a ridiculously charming seaside town that so beguiled Matisse he moved there to paint. I wandered without an agenda (isn’t that the best), taking in the landmark castle and panoramic sea views. I refueled over lunch at an outdoor café packed with locals enjoying the menu du jour. Just a tip: unlike nearby Spain, lunch in this area is eaten early — try to sit down before 2 p.m. or you risk missing the kitchen window!
After a delicious meal, I did a bit of shopping for espadrilles — the rope-soled shoes traditionally worn by both men and women in this region. The shop I visited proudly displayed a photo of Salvador Dalí wearing a pair, complete with long ties wrapped around his ankles. How could I resist. I finished my day with a tour and tasting at a local wine cave located in a 13th century Dominican convent. This was simply a perfect day trip. Go - and you’ll see why Collioure was voted France’s Favorite Village in 2024. You’re welcome — in advance!
Want to see more Perpignan garnet jewelry?
If you’re curious to see some examples of Perpignan garnet jewelry, take a look below at a few of the current and sold Perpignan jewels from my shop — or visit the informative website of the Institut du Grenat. If you’d like to add to your jewelry book library, I can recommend Grenat de Perpignan: Le bijou sang et or by Laurent Fonquernie. It’s great for a deeper appreciation for the savoir-faire and traditions that went into every piece of Perpignan garnet jewelry. No wonder they are beloved heirlooms — symbols of French Catalan pride — passed from one generation to the next.
I’m always looking for Perpignan jewels for my shop, so keep your eyes open, or reach out to me with any questions on the available pieces!
XO, Yvonne
Glorious, Glowy.
We have a deep admiration for Perpignan garnet jewels — captivated by their color and glow. We even recently traveled to Perpignan, and was beyond excited to view a comprehensive exhibition at the Palace of the Kings of Majorca of the history of the garnets and distinctive jewelry that are the pride of French Catalonia. We might have gasped more than once at the sight of some of the jewels in the display.
For you collectors, you know that good pieces of antique Perpignan jewelry are becoming increasingly hard to find. So, how delighted were we to spot this draped beauty tucked in the corner of a jewelry shop — quietly awaiting discovery! As soon as we tried this on, it was love — so romantic, such an elegant display of the 10 gorgeous foiled Perpignan garnets, and so French, with its design of draped chains.
We see wearing this day or evening, with a crisp white shirt or a little black dress — and everything in between.
Marked with French horse’s head (in use 1838-1919) and other unidentified mark.
18k gold, Perpignan garnet.
Dimensions and weight:
● 16.5 inches long
● Largest garnet (the bottom teardrop pendant) measures 11 mm long x 6.2 mm wide (in bezel)
● 10.2 grams
Period: Late Victorian/Edwardian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. There are a few minor dings to the back of the closed back, domed settings — quite commensurate with age, and not affecting the beauty or integrity of this antique. Please ask us for additional views if desired.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Magnetic, Glowing
We have a soft spot for Perpignan garnet jewels.
Mined in Perpignan, in the southwest of France, the garnets are a distinctive rose cut, set in crimped collets over tinted foil — for a display of color and sparkle that is instantly recognizable. Garnets are no longer mined in Perpignan, and good, wearable antique examples are increasingly scarce and in demand.
This bangle is absolutely gorgeous, with its row of 13 glowy, juicy Perpignan garnets set between two minimalist bands of gold. We love the negative space and the fact that the garnet line is uniform, not graduated.
The stones are the vivid pinkish/red that is characteristic of 19th century Perpignan garnet. This is an antique that has survived well over 100 years, yet it is so contemporary in look and feel.
A true treasure.
Gold is yellow, with pink tones (typical for antique French gold).
Marked with French rhino’s head and maker’s mark.
18k gold, Perpignan garnet.
Dimensions and weight:
● 6.6 inches (inside circumference); 58.4 mm x 49.5 mm inside diameters
● 7.3 mm diameter on the garnets
● 12 mm wide
● 2 mm deep
● 14.8 grams
Period: Victorian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. Two safety 8 latches are present, later additions. Under louping, we notice surface wear and tear and internal inclusions to the gemstones, normal and acceptable. Minor dings and an old repair on the backside of the bangle, also normal and acceptable wear.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Showstopping, Exceptional.
This boldly scaled Perpignan garnet beauty is a rare find of showstopping, vivid color and sparkle. A convertible pendant-brooch in the shape of a teardrop cluster, it centers on a large garnet, haloed by smaller stones, framed in gold, and bordered once more by a generous perimeter of round garnets. An articulated bail at the top and dangling garnet drops at the base allow for wonderful movement and light reflection.
The garnets are a delicious, intense pinkish-red, glowing with the shimmer of their foiled-back settings — the desirable berry color characteristic of older, antique Perpignan jewels. We are absolutely thrilled to add this to our growing offering of Perpignan garnet jewelry.
Suspend it from a period chain or a simple ribbon, or slip off the bail and wear it as a brooch on the lapel of a blazer. However you wear it, prepare for compliments coming your way!
Marked with French horse’s head (in use 1838-1919) in three areas (the removable bail, the body at the guide wire, and the pin)
18k gold, garnet.
Dimensions and weight:
● 70 mm long (including bail)
● 37 mm wide
● 6.4 mm deep (not including pin)
● 11 grams
Period: Victorian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. The gold is warm and rosy, in a hue that is characteristic of regional French jewels of this type.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Additional photos forthcoming. Please ask if desired sooner.
In the Pink.
These darling garnet floral earrings are classically Perpignan — from the distinctive rose cuts and settings of the garnets to this particular flowerhead design. In the comprehensive reference book about Perpignan garnets and jewelry, “Grenat de Perpignan - Le Bijou Sang Et Or”, by Laurent Fonquernie, we found several examples of this flowerhead, called “aubépine” (hawthorn).
We discovered these earrings in Spanish Catalonia, just across the border from Perpignan where we are confident these originated. We find no gold markings, which would have been on the original earring wires, which we believe were replaced many years ago.
These garnets have a lovely purplish red color and catch the light beautifully — all complemented by the pinkish gold. The earrings are lightweight and so comfortable. We’d wear these daily!
Unmarked.
18k gold, 14k gold (earring backs), garnet.
Dimensions and weight:
● 13.5 mm long x 13.5 mm wide on the flowerhead
● 6.2 mm deep (not including earring posts)
● 4.1 grams
Period: Early 20th Century
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. The gold is warm and rosy, in a hue that is characteristic of regional French jewels of this type.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Fiery, Luminous.
We discovered this rare beauty in Paris — chic, streamlined, casting a magical glow. Of course, we fell in love immediately. A rivière of high karat gold and luminous foiled garnets — so desirable and wearable. Perpignan garnet jewelry are distinctive for their particular rose cuts and collets with etched crimp lines and gold domed backs. Traditionally, these jewels were passed down in families, from mother to daughter over generations.
In this heirloom-quality hand-crafted rivière, 31 glorious garnets shimmer softly, reflecting light onto its wearer. Beyond its beauty, this rivière just feels marvelous on the body — smooth and substantial. Wear solo, or layer with other rivières or chains for your own individual statement.
The clasp is an integrated box clasp, with a later retrofitted figure 8 safety latch.
Marked with French eagle’s head and rhino’s head on the tongue of the box clasp and with maker’s mark.
18k gold, garnet.
Dimensions and weight:
● 17.75 inches/45cm long
● 10.5 mm wide
● 5.7 mm deep
● Garnets in their settings taper from 14 mm long x 10.5 mm wide to 7.5 mm long x 5.5 mm wide
● 33.5 grams
Period: Late 19th/ Early 20th century
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
A luminous marquise garnet cluster is the star, set with garnets from the Perpignan region in Southern France. These garnets, which are no longer mined, are cut and set in a distinctive way: rose cuts, elongated “marquise” cut, closed back, collet set with “claws” etched into the gold, and set over tinted foil.
Gorgeous color and presence on the hand.
Marked with French horse’s head (pre-1848) for minimum of 18k gold and an unidentified maker’s mark.
18k gold, garnet.
Dimensions and weight:
● 23.5 mm long x 12 mm wide x 5.4 mm deep (on the garnet cluster)
● 4.3 grams
● Ring size 8 US
Period: Victorian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. Of note, there are a few scratches on the central garnet, a few indentations on the reverse of the cupped settings for the garnets, and wear to the claws — all normal for a ring of this age and not detracting from beauty or durability.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.