Three-strand carnelian necklace with 18K gold-plated brass zgardas and spirals, with earrings

Three strands of deep wine-colored carnelian, dozens of gilded zgardas, and handcraftsmanship that carries the rhythm of an ancient tradition.

This set came to life slowly — almost meditatively. Every brass spiral was shaped by hand, coil after coil, so the metal would preserve the organic texture and character of true handmade work instead of looking factory-perfect. These spirals became the structure of the piece itself, holding the entire composition somewhere between the past and the present.

The inspiration came from traditional Ukrainian zgardas — protective ceremonial necklaces worn for generations in the Carpathian Mountains. With this piece, I wanted to preserve their strength and architectural beauty while reinterpreting them in a more contemporary, almost ceremonial form.

The brass zgardas are finished in 18K gold plating, giving the metal a deep warm glow that contrasts beautifully with the translucent carnelian. Under light, the stones seem to glow from within — dark red, alive, like frozen fire.

The earrings complete the set with a delicate detail: the ear wires are made of gold-plated silver for comfortable everyday wear.

Created entirely by hand. Not just jewelry — an artifact carrying the memory of Ukrainian form and symbolism.