It is probably no secret that women in Ukraine have had a strong love for jewelry since ancient times, with necklaces holding a special place among them. The image of a Ukrainian woman that has formed in the world's imagination seems incomplete without a vibrant red coral necklace. There is some truth to this, as one of the characteristics of Ukrainian women was their love for adornments. As far back as 1805, the renowned German traveler Otto von Huhn observed that regardless of a Ukrainian woman's wealth — be she wealthy or poor — she always appeared neat and never denied herself necklaces.
However, the necklace not only served a decorative function but also a protective one. Every ancient culture had its own beliefs and notions about magical protection. Among Ukrainian women, one such attribute was precisely the necklace with beads. They believed that it protected them from the evil eye, malicious people, and evil spirits. Because it held significant value, Ukrainian women passed down the adornment from generation to generation. It was also believed that the older the necklace, the stronger its defensive power. Of course, the richness of the accessory also played a significant role in its "protective impact." In short, the more lavish and colorful the accessory, the more potent it was considered to be.
Superstitions also played a role. For instance, Ukrainian women once believed that if the necklace's thread with beads or pearls broke, it foreshadowed misfortune for them and their families. This is why every owner of such a cherished ornament treated and saved it as a treasure.
As for the aesthetic function, women in Ukraine had their special perspective on it. Besides being skilled homemakers, Ukrainian women were also known for their refinement. Keeping up with fashion trends and appreciating adornments were their characteristic traits. Therefore, every housewife (in Ukrainian — "gazdynia") had her own collection of jewelry.
In ancient times, the first women's necklaces were crafted from natural materials readily available in everyday life: berry stones, vegetables, grains, and sometimes even bivalve mollusk shells. Later, these were replaced by metal, glass, and stone counterparts. As fashion, traditions, and crafts developed in Ukraine, necklaces began to be produced with amber, pearls, and semi-precious stones. However, such adornments were distinguished by their value, so only wealthy Ukrainian women could afford them.
Of course, one article cannot fully convey all the beauty and complexity of Ukrainian necklace culture. That is why we invite you to follow the link to explore handmade necklaces with beads created in the finest Ukrainian traditions.