New Book Celebrates Resilience and Creativity of Ukrainian Jewelers

A comprehensive new volume, ‘Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine’, shines a spotlight on the dynamic and evolving landscape of Ukrainian jewelry design. Authored by researcher and curator Lucia Bondar, and published by Creative Publishing, the book introduces the work of 33 contemporary jewelers, designers, and artists, showcasing their diverse approaches to precious metals, stones, ceramics, and unconventional materials.

A testament to resilience and identity

The publication, supported by the nonprofit Strong & Precious Art Foundation, founded in 2022 by Olga Oleksenko, aims to position Ukrainian jewelry within a broader international art and design discourse. According to Oleksenko, the book reflects the rapid evolution of the field, particularly in response to the ongoing war. She stated, ‘This book reflects the rapid evolution of the field in response to the ongoing war. The Strong & Precious Foundation itself was born out of this reality, with a mission to support and amplify a new generation of creators. Today, we witness a powerful rise in expressions of national identity and the growing international recognition of Ukrainian jewelry.’

The book emphasizes the transformations within the Ukrainian jewelry industry since the full-scale invasion began. Many new brands and creative endeavors emerged during this period of profound upheaval and reevaluation of values. Author Lucia Bondar noted, ‘The war has significantly affected the jewelry sector in Ukraine: at its beginning, many creatives doubted whether jewelry would be in demand in such times. But once again, Ukrainians demonstrated their attraction to beauty and visual aesthetics despite everything.’

The Strong & Precious Art Foundation, founded by Oleksenko, plays a crucial role in championing Ukrainian jewelry artists. The foundation commissions and presents museum-level, non-commercial works through exhibitions, publications, and global platforms, fostering a community that systematically supports masters and designers.

Diverse expressions and materials

‘Ukrainian Jewelry’ features a wide array of talent, including established brands like Dukachi, Guzema, Oberig, Alona Makukh Jewelry, Jewelry Lab, and Katrina Jewelry. These artists are unified, as Bondar describes, by ‘a passion for their craft, a respect for tradition, and a distinctive visual style.’

Beyond fine jewelry, the book delves into creative fashion jewelry, ceramics, and experimental pieces. The ‘Rethinking Materials’ section highlights artists who are experimenting with unusual materials such as titanium, plastic, steel, wool, polymer clay, cellophane, and wood. A dedicated section explores the rich history and contemporary practice of ceramic jewelry in Ukraine.

The publication also includes significant feature articles, presented in both English and Ukrainian. One article by Natalya Hermenau discusses the use of precious stones from the Volyn deposit in the Zhytomyr region, exploring the historical foundations, current state, and future prospects of Ukrainian gemstones. Another piece by Yurii Melnychuk focuses on traditional folk jewelry prevalent in Ukraine, while Rostyslav Shmagalo highlights Ukrainian designer jewelry from the 20th and early 21st centuries.

A global platform for Ukrainian artistry

The book, which spans 224 pages, retails for $57 and is available for purchase on the Creative Publishing website. Bondar, the founder of Creative Publishing, has authored and co-authored 18 books on Ukraine’s creative culture, including topics like interior design, art, and gastronomy. This latest volume serves as both an artistic language and a vital tool for cultural preservation, showcasing the enduring spirit and innovative talent of Ukrainian jewelers on a global stage.