Harmonic Art of Man and Nature

Not many people know that there are unique semiprecious stone deposits in Ukraine. Kyiv natives and visitors obtained a distinctive opportunity to attend the Ukrayinski Samotsvity semiprecious stones exhibition hosted by the St. Sophia National Preserve and to plunge into the fascinating world of gems, which has attracted people with their luxury for centuries.

Meanwhile, in the words of one of the organizers of the exhibition, Gloria Ltd. Commercial Director Olena SHVAYDAK, “semiprecious gemstones from Volyn district give place to none of the most famous deposits in the world... The wonderful work of the Ukrainian jewelers adds an incomparable beauty to the purest topazes and beryl.” True, the beautiful jewelry and set gems shown at the exhibition cannot help but stimulate admiration. Simply look at the Virgin Mary with Christ Child depicted on a wine topaz gemstone (in the photo), or Easter precious egg. Weighing 504.90 carats, it has over a thousand facets, and is indubitably one of the most valuable works both in terms of gem quality and masterful setting.

However, as one of the spectators noted at the exhibition, “dressed gemstones are marvelous, no doubt. But personally I prefer the part of the exhibition representing semiprecious stones in their natural condition. It is their natural purity and charming brilliance that reveal the essence of these gems.”

Simultaneously, it is worth mentioning that many gems have a biography of their own, adding some new fascinating shades to their beauty. It is interesting that the history of gemstones begins in ancient times. According to the experts, the approximate age of the Volyn topazes is 1,780,000 years! Perhaps there is no nation whose history in one or another way is not connected with the history of semiprecious stones. This is one of many interesting things which the qualified guides tell the visitors of the Ukrayinski Samotsvity exhibition.

For example, the very history of discovering the Volyn gem deposit is quite arresting. According to some versions, the first topaz in Zhytomyr oblast was found by a farm worker named Oles, who dreamed about marrying his employer’s daughter. Having no idea about the stone’s value, he gave it to a kulak, who was equally ignorant in gems and not only refused to give his daughter in marriage with the hired hand but kicked him out. It became possible to understand the meaning of the trove when due to a fire the gemstone which looked plain at first sight regained its fascinating beauty under the heat’s influence.