The tradition of using jewelry in Ukraine is old and developed. For centuries, Ukrainian men – but mostly women – have been wearing jewels made from metal, glass, stones, and other natural and artificial materials. The most widespread pieces are coral necklaces, Venetian glass beaded necklaces, and metal pendants (dukaches and crosses made from gold, silver, copper, or brass). Here, we’d like to share with you several photos of beautiful, ornate, and intricately made jewelry items worn by Ukrainian women during the last 200 years.
Vintage Venetian glass necklace with brass decorative clasp called “chepraha”. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Ornate necklace made of mother-of-pearl beads called “balamuty”, Venetian glass beads, and brass beads and crosses. Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Necklace made of Venetian glass beads and silver coins called “dukaches”. Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Jewelry set typical for central and eastern Ukraine. It consists of a string of large mother-of-pearl beads called “balamuty”, several strings of coral beads, a string of fake pearl beads, and a large brass cross with gems. Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Another variant of a traditional Ukrainian jewelry set. It consists of 2 strings of mother-of-pearl beads called “balamuty”, several strings of tiny coral beads, a string of fake pearl beads, and a metal jewelry piece called “dukach”. Also, you can see a bridal wreath made from glass beads and different metal, glass, and yarn elements. Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Ukrainian traditional necklace typical for western Ukraine (Carpathian region). It is made only from brass – crosses, jingle bells, springs, and a large round clasp. By the way, similar jingle bells were worn by men and women of Kyivan Rus’ (the 9th-13th century). Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
A married woman (on the right) and a young girl (on the left) in Ukrainian folk costumes and jewelry from western Ukraine (Carpathian region). They are wearing jewelry sets that include a Venetian glass necklace, several coral necklaces, a bead weaving necklace, and necklaces made from silver coins and tiny glass beads; the older woman also has a necklace on, called “zgarda” that consists of brass crosses on brass wire. Their headdresses are interesting as well: the married woman uses a large colorful kerchief tied in a certain way and the girl is wearing a bridal headgear, sort of a forehead band. It consists of many, many tiny metal, glass, foil, and bead elements; some of them move and jingle when a woman moves. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Vintage white Venetian glass necklace. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Vintage black Venetian glass necklace. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Vintage Venetian glass necklace. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Jewelry set that consists of a necklace and a bracelet. They are made from beautiful and ornate Venetian glass beads. Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Beautiful jewelry set that consists of a necklace and earrings. They are made from ornate Venetian glass beads and metal elements; the necklace is adorned with a dukach (coin with an intricate setting and a gem). Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Modern coral necklace and earrings with brass beads and decorations. Roksolyana Shymchuk Ethno-gallery (Lviv, Ukraine)
Vintage coral necklace with silver adornments. It has many rows of cylindrical coral beads. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Beautiful brass necklace called “zgarda”. It is typical for western Ukraine (Carpathian region). The necklace includes various brass crosses and jingle bells, Venetian glass beads, and brass springs. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Various brass clasps of a necklace called “zgarda”. These clasps are called “chepraha”. Usually, they are round or rhomboid and often decorated with solar symbols. They are placed at the back of the neck of a wearer. Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
Brass necklace called “zgarda” from western Ukraine (Carpathian region). You can see the crosses and the back clasp called “chepraha”. This necklace is made by a craftsman Yaroslav Tyminskyi
Decorative brass cross on a chain made by Ukrainian craftsmen from western Ukraine (Carpathian region). Kobrynsky National Museum of Folk Art (Kolomyia, Ukraine)
