Where does the uniqueness of Ukrainian design come from? We can only guess, but it’s no coincidence that these brands are gaining attention. What is certain is that both leading brands and emerging artisans are incorporating a sense of their homeland into their art. This is also the case with the jewelry made by Yuval’ Studios, where all of this is happening quite literally.
A wheat head in the ear, a jug of water around the neck. In almost all cases, the material heritage of folk art is inspired by the immediate environment of its creators—work, nature, and social life. Or just think of how, as children, we used to hang cherries on our ears and knit jewelry from wildflowers. These may be the first associations that Yuval’ Studios’ jewelry evokes, but dig a little deeper and you can feel the duality of the associations: living nature crystallized into jewelry.
The artists have drawn on their personal memories and their environment to create jewelry that is first and foremost a symbol of respect for their homeland.
The brand was founded in 2022, a year that marked a turning point not only in the life of Yuval’ Studios but also in that of Ukraine. As a result, their initial ars poetics has taken on a new meaning, with a strong emphasis on representing Ukraine’s natural and cultural heritage—hence the frequent appearance of wheat in their work, a multi-layered cultural reference and symbol of the important role of agriculture in the country.
The creative team originates from Mariupol, which is also a city of great significance. “Mariupol is a city that became a symbol of strength. It is full of contrasts and antinomies. Moreover, it is a city of incredible people. We grew up in a community, where people knew the cost of hard work, nevertheless they enjoyed themselves like there was no tomorrow. Mariupol was a special place that made us who we are and inspired us to create Yuval’,” reveal the founders.
Yuval’ Studios draws equally from Ukrainian folk art, nature, and the latest trends, all in a minimalist vein. This elegant-bohemian dichotomy is also reflected in the brand’s portfolio, which separates its precious metal collections from its ’fashion jewelry’. They also create bespoke pieces, which, like their collections, are handmade in their workshop.
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