NECKLACE

A necklace here (kolye) is a neck ornament, usually of a more elaborate, 'built' construction with a central accent, unlike a simple chain or a strand of beads. But in Ukrainian tradition neck adornment is a whole culture: coral namysto, dukach coins on a bow, zgardy and monysto were not merely ornaments but talismans, signs of prosperity and regional belonging. Red corals ('good namysto') were considered a symbol of health and abundance, and the number of strands showed a family's status. Contemporary Ukrainian jewellers reinterpret this heritage, uniting traditional motifs with the language of fine jewellery. A necklace completes a look, drawing the eye to the face and décolletage.