The most famous Czech gemstone heads to Japan: Granát Turnov becomes a partner of Czech participation at EXPO 2025
A partnership agreement between the Granát Turnov jewellery cooperative and the Office of the Commissioner General for EXPO 2025 was signed on Tuesday, 9 July 2024, in the ceremonial halls of Wallenstein Palace, the seat of the Senate of the Czech Republic. The agreement was signed by Pavel Tvrzník, Chairman of the Board of Granát Turnov, Jiří Boudný, Vice-Chairman of the Board, and Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General for Czech participation at EXPO 2025. This partnership presents the jewelry maker—whose pieces have dazzled the likes of President Obama, Madeleine Albright, and Queen Elizabeth II—with a unique opportunity to introduce the deep red Czech garnet to jewelry stores across Japan.
"Our primary goal is to establish ourselves as an original jewelry manufacturer with world-unique Czech garnets on the Japanese market. We aim to acquaint our partners with the history, present, and future of Granát Turnov and fully leverage the commercial potential of our products," explains Pavel Tvrzník, Chairman of the Board of Granát Turnov, about the motivations behind the partnership.
"The Japanese have long admired the craftsmanship of the so-called 'golden Czech hands,' whether in glassmaking or luxury jewelry. I am convinced that the vibrant red Czech garnet, a symbol of Czech skill and tradition, will find a special place in the hearts of the Japanese. We are delighted to support the expansion of this globally unique gemstone into the Japanese market. EXPO 2025 is the perfect platform to showcase not only Czech products but also the stories and values behind them," says Ondřej Soška, Czech Commissioner General at EXPO 2025.
During the 26 EXPO weeks, the Czech National Pavilion will host a series of business and professional events, including workshops for smaller groups and events for existing or potential customers. A multifunctional auditorium, business lounge, and conference room will be available for these purposes. A schedule of individual conferences can be found in the Business Events Calendar. Companies still interested in participating in EXPO 2025 can submit their application using the form available on the website or by contacting partnership@expo2025czechia.com.
About Granát Turnov
Granát Turnov, an artistic jewelry cooperative, celebrated its 70th-anniversary last year. The cooperative is known for producing jewelry with unique Czech garnets, which are highly sought after by customers worldwide. Jewelry from Turnov has been presented as exclusive gifts to Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and other world-famous figures.
Czech garnets cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and Granát Turnov is the sole owner of the mining rights to the deposits in Podsedice and Dolní Olešnice. The craftsmanship and precision of its jewelers and stone cutters guarantee the highest quality products, with the gemstone’s signature vibrant red color that never fades. Each piece of jewelry is distinguished by the prominence of the gemstone over the metal, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship with a high degree of handwork.
About the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
In December 2022, after more than twenty years, the Office of the Commissioner General announced an open, anonymous architectural competition to design the National Pavilion for EXPO 2025. Thirty-eight studios have participated, and in March 2023 a jury of experts led by the world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning design: a glass spiral by Apropos Architects. The main structure of the building will be made of modern wood panels, while the façade will feature art glass, which has a centuries-old tradition in Czechia. The National Pavilion, which will be located on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay from April to October 2025, will provide a prestigious setting for Czech participation at EXPO 2025. The pavilion will house a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, restaurants, VIP lounges and a relaxation area overlooking the sea.
About the Czech participation at EXPO 2025
This will be the sixth time that Czechia has taken part in a world exhibition as an independent state. Ondřej Soška, who won the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selection process with his concept and theme "Talent and Creativity for Life", has been serving as Commissioner General since September 2022. Czechia aims to showcase not only what the Japanese already know and admire, such as Czech glass and classical music, but above all Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, promising start-ups and talent from the regions.
