Clara Stones is a jewellery workshop and boutique in Dubrovnik Old Town specialising in handcrafted red coral jewellery. Visitors can view finished pieces and see how Mediterranean red coral is cleaned, cut, shaped and polished in the workshop below the shop.
Red coral has a long history as a Mediterranean ornament and has traditionally been associated with vitality, good fortune and protection. At Clara Stones, it is combined with materials such as pearls, silver, gold and gemstones to create contemporary jewellery made in Dubrovnik.
Clara Stones quick overview
| Best for | Handmade jewellery, Adriatic red coral and distinctive Dubrovnik gifts |
|---|---|
| Location | Nalješkovićeva 3, Dubrovnik Old Town |
| Signature material | Mediterranean red coral - Corallium rubrum |
| Also works with | Pearls, silver, gold and gemstones |
| Special feature | Working coral workshop and Cabinet of Wonders |
Is Clara Stones worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you are interested in jewellery, traditional crafts or buying a more distinctive souvenir from Dubrovnik.
What makes Clara Stones different from a conventional jewellery shop is the workshop. Visitors can see stages of the coral-working process and learn how genuine Mediterranean red coral differs from imitation materials.
The boutique is small, so you do not need to set aside a large part of the day. It works well as a short stop while exploring the streets around Stradun.
Adriatic red coral jewellery
Clara Stones specialises in Corallium rubrum, the red coral species traditionally used for jewellery around the Mediterranean.
Raw coral branches do not resemble polished jewellery. Before they can be used, the outer layer is removed and suitable sections are carefully cut, shaped, drilled and polished. Much of the original material cannot be used in the finished piece, which is one reason high-quality red coral jewellery is expensive.
Clara Stones has been working to revive traditional coral craftsmanship in Dubrovnik since 2011, carrying out the production process in its Old Town workshop.
See how coral jewellery is made
The workshop is one of the most interesting reasons to visit Clara Stones.
Depending on what is being worked on during your visit, you may be able to see stages such as:
- Cleaning raw coral branches
- Dividing and cutting the coral
- Shaping individual pieces
- Drilling beads and other components
- Polishing the coral
- Combining coral with metal, pearls or gemstones
- Assembling the finished jewellery
The staff can also explain differences between genuine Mediterranean coral and other materials sold as coral.
How to recognise genuine red coral
Not every red piece of jewellery sold along the Mediterranean is natural red coral. Imitations can be made from glass, plastic, bone or other types of coral that have been dyed red.
Clara Stones recommends that genuine red coral jewellery should be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Natural coral can also show small differences in colour, texture and shape. These variations are normal in an organic material and do not necessarily indicate a flaw.
If you are buying coral elsewhere in Dubrovnik or Croatia, ask the seller exactly what material is being used and whether its authenticity and origin can be documented.
Jewellery inspired by Dubrovnik
Although red coral is the signature material, Clara Stones also works with pearls, silver, 18-carat gold and different gemstones.
Some collections draw directly on Dubrovnik's history and decorative traditions. The 1358 Dubrovnik collection (1358 established Dubrovnik's full self-governing status and liberty as the Republic of Ragusa), for example, combined red coral with traditional filigree forms inspired by the city's historical identity and independence.
This makes the boutique particularly interesting if you want jewellery that has a stronger connection with Dubrovnik than a mass-produced souvenir.
The Cabinet of Wonders
Below the boutique is Clara Stones' Cabinet of Wonders, a small collection of unusual natural objects, gemstones and curiosities displayed alongside the working jewellery studio. The name refers to the historic European tradition of private cabinets filled with rare objects, natural specimens and works of art - predecessors of modern museums.
Repairs, resizing and individual pieces
Because jewellery is made in the workshop, some pieces can be adjusted or resized depending on their design and materials. Clara Stones states that many bracelets can be resized, although additional charges may apply.
Opening hours
Clara Stones operates seasonally and opening hours can change during the year.
For summer 2026, the shop has announced opening hours of approximately 09:30-13:30 and 15:00-20:00 daily.
Where is Clara Stones?
Clara Stones is at Nalješkovićeva 3 in Dubrovnik Old Town, in one of the narrow streets just off the main pedestrian area.
The workshop is easy to include while exploring central Dubrovnik and is only a short walk from Stradun.
For more boutiques, markets and practical shopping information, see our guide to shopping in Dubrovnik.
Address and contact details
Clara Stones Jewellery
Nalješkovićeva 3
20000 Dubrovnik
Croatia
Phone: +385 20 321 140
Website: Clara Stones Jewellery