Obradoiro Joyeros

Obradoiro means "workshop" in Galician, and at Obradoiro Joyeros that's exactly what it is - no metaphor intended. The brightly lit workshop at the back of the showroom is visible from the street, and once inside, while you're browsing rings and earrings, you can watch the work happening right behind the glass. Everything in the display cases is made on the spot.

The founder, José Luis Sánchez Pazos, came into the jewelry trade in 1977. In 1989 he opened his first workshop, and by the time of the World Expo 92 in Seville he had built up a sizeable operation supplying the best jewelry stores in the country. His most celebrated project of those years was a collaboration with Sargadelos, the famous Galician porcelain manufacturer. Together they created pieces combining Sargadelos porcelain with gold, silver, pearls and precious stones. The partnership lasted over 30 years and earned several national awards. José Luis has collected a long list of national and international prizes in jewelry design over the years.

The hallmark of today's Obradoiro in A Coruña is bold, colorful jewelry set with semi-precious stones: jade, agate, and quartz in a range of colors. Worth singling out is the Trilogy collection - bimetallic rings and earrings in gold and silver set with rows of clear quartz - alongside original pendants and bracelets in carved jade.

The shop sits right in the heart of A Coruña's old town, with its cobbled streets, Romanesque churches and old city walls. A short walk away is the main square Praza de María Pita, and close by are the sculpture park Jardines de Méndez Núñez and the seafront promenade. A Coruña doesn't usually make it onto the standard tourist trail through Spain, but if you find yourself in this lovely city, Obradoiro is worth a visit. You'll leave with a piece of jewelry that gives you something to talk about.