Ukrainian folk costume is always complimented with such jewelry pieces as necklaces. And traditionally it is normal to mix and combine different kinds of necklaces, no matter what the shape, material, or price of them is. Brides even covered their neck, breasts, and stomach with various necklaces – from the chin to the waist. Despite the lack of a united style, Ukrainian vintage jewelry sets look very beautiful and balanced.
We’d like to offer you some examples of such mixed jewelry sets. All of them are vintage ones and were used as festive accessories. Ukrainian women wore these jewels 100-200 years ago. Today, they are kept and exhibited in folk museums.
Several rows of stone necklaces (fake coral), a string of coins combined with real coral beads, and a necklace made from mother-of-pearl called “balamuty”. Borshchiv district, Ternopil region (western part of Ukraine)
Combination of several strings of coins with metal decorations, several rows of coral, and two rows of glass beads made from Venetian glass. Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine (western part of the country), this area is called “Pokuttia”
Beautiful cross embellished with gemstones and many rows of coral necklace decorated with large metal beads. Central regions of Ukraine
Many rows of fake corals (made from smalt or clay) and three small icons of God called “molitovka” used as a necklace by religious women. Polissia region, northern part of Ukraine
Combination of several coral necklaces, pearl necklaces, and a row of dukach coins. Wedding jewelry of a wealthy woman from Kolomyia district, Ivano-Frankivsk region, the beginning of the 20th century
Combination of several coral necklaces, a pearl necklace, a glass-beaded necklace, and a bead weaving necklace. Wedding jewels of a wealthy woman from Kolomyia district, Ivano-Frankivsk region, the beginning of the 20th century
Traditional jewelry set from Zalishchyky district, Ternopil region (western part of Ukraine). It consists of many rows of coral necklaces, several rows of glass beads (including Venetian glass), a large silver coin called “dukach”, and a narrow bead weaving choker called “sylianka”
Set of jewels from Borshchiv district, Ternopil region (western part of Ukraine). The necklace consists of many rows of coral and a narrow bead weaving choker called “sylianka” adorned with silver coins
Jewelry pieces from Bukovyna region of Ukraine (western part of Ukraine, close to the border with Romania). The jewelry set consists of several rows of Venetian glass beads and several rows of ordinary glass beads
Necklaces from Verkhovyna district, Ivano-Frankivsk region (Hutsul region, western part of the country). The set consists of several rows of simple glass-beaded necklaces, a stone necklace, and a string of large metal crosses called “zgarda” (it’s a traditional Hutsul jewelry item)
Expensive jewelry set from Horodenka district, Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine (western part of the country). It consists of many rows of glass-beaded necklaces made from Venetian glass and a string of large silver coins called “dukach”
