Step into the Workshop of Rodić Jewelers: ‘Today, Hand-Crafted Jewelry is a Rarity’

Zlatarnice Rodić (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

If you take a walk from Zagreb’s Main Square to the Cathedral, you will probably pass by a small shop in Bakačeva street and find a window display full of jewelry.

At Zlatarnice Rodić, opportunities are endless: engagement rings and wedding bands, Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation gold, traditional Croatian jewelry from Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Split and Rijeka, as well as various custom-made gift options perfect for that special someone.

Besides retail, Rodić Jewelers are well-known for their expertise in hand-made items for a large network of clients.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

Custom-made orders vary from golden crucifixes and tombstones for the Church to gilded jewelry boxes as a unique present for a loved one. Many times, these projects demand high skill and knowledge.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

“In this day and age, hand-crafted gold and silver jewelry is a rarity. More and more, the market is overflowing with imported, generic products, while jewelers focus on earnings by selling large quantities. We strive to keep the family tradition alive by offering handmade products that we put our effort, time and heart into. Our clients recognize our approach, although it’s not always easy to tell whether or not a final product is unique. This is why trust is a very important element of working with people. You need to listen to their ideas, and of course – love what you do”, explains Tomislav Rodić, who chose to forge his own career path in the family business.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

In search of precisely that type of jewelry – carefully hand-made pieces – we stepped into their traditional gold and silver workshop. Their work in designing and manufacturing jewelry and precious items out of gold and silver is based on many years of knowledge and technique passed on within the family. Additional elegance, intense colors and delicacy are achieved by use of precious and semi-precious stones.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

“Being part of a family business has its advantages and disadvantages. The mix of personal life and work without clearly defined working hours is definitely the biggest drawback. However, we have an amazing platform which gives us complete freedom for developing ideas and designs. Whether it be craftwork or business management – each suggestion is taken into account, and all with one goal: maintaining and upgrading the family’s knowledge and delivering the promised quality of the product”, says Tomislav.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

To fully understand the process behind the craftsmanship, we took a tour of the Rodić workshop. We bring you some on-the-spot photographs from the jewelry making process – have a look at the sketches and finished products, machine work, untreated silver, engraving process, and more.

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

Tomislav’s workshop (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

(Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

Should you get an idea for a beautiful gift or piece of jewelry that you long for and do not know where to find – send an email inquiry, or give the shop a call for a quote and lead time. You can find Rodić Jewelers at Bakačeva 11 and Jurišićeva 10 in Zagreb.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

With these expert goldsmiths, one thing is for sure – options are limitless.

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)

Rodić Jewelers (Photo credit: Jasen Čeko)