Ukrainian Folk Jewelry Embroidered Floral Choker with Shells and Medallion

Slava Ukraini! In an effort to support Ukraine’s independent artisans and small shops, I have brought in a variety of Ukranian handicrafts directly from Ukraine.

This ethnic Ukrainian choker features beautiful floral embroidery with shells and an antique pendant. Often, such chokers would be worn with other necklaces of multiple strands of beads such as coral.

Adjustable. The embroidery section is 11.5” long, and the overall length is 16”

Beaded necklaces (namysto) are one of the oldest forms of women’s ornaments in Ukraine. They have many names – monysto, busy, korali – testifying to their long history and important role in Ukrainian culture. They are not just adornments, but also carried deep symbolic significance.

Traditionally, there are two types of neck jewelry: a string of beads called namysto, and coins called dukach. Combined together, they form a monysto or sometimes widely refereed to as namysto. Common materials are metals, stones (with corals often used to symbolize youth and health), wood, leather, glass, etc.  They were generally protective or informative, for instance, they could tell how wealthy the family was as since six strings of coral beads could cost as much as a pair of oxen).

Ancient versions of women’s necklaces were made of brass. They resembled small spiral tubes, along which various coins (for wealthier ladies) or crosses (named “cross zgardy”) were strung in rows. There were also many varieties of metal beads: