Brass workshop from Kosiv: Hutsul craftsmanship in designer jewelry
Hutsul brassworking is not just working with metal, but a whole philosophy. In every casting of brass lives the memory of the Carpathians: symbols that were read on the zghards back in the times of Kyivan Rus, forms that were passed down from father to son, ornaments that are read like an old legend. In this article, we talk about the Brass Workshop from Kosiv — about tradition, materials, technologies, and the products that our masters create today.
What is Hutsul brassworking
Brass is the folk name for a copper-zinc alloy, which has been a material for making Hutsul jewelry and ritual items since ancient times. In the Carpathians, brassworking developed as a separate craft, distinct from jewelry making: the master worked not with silver or gold, but with a more accessible and warm metal, which, despite its simplicity, allowed for the creation of products of truly high artistic level.
Hutsul brass is primarily protective symbolism: suns, swastikas, lunas, tridents, crosses, and jingles. These signs were not decorative details — they had meaning, were read by contemporaries, and were meant to protect the owner. Wearing a brass ornament meant being part of a certain tradition, having your own protective charm that works.
Our Brass Workshop — in Kosiv, the heart of Hutsulshchyna
The workshop operates in Kosiv — a city that has historically been and remains one of the main centers of Hutsul crafts. Here, generations of masters continue the traditions of carving, weaving, brassworking, and other crafts. Our workshop is part of this tradition: we do not imitate ancient samples, but work in the living continuity of the craft, combining forms tested by centuries with modern technologies and materials.
All products are original and protected by copyright. This means that you receive not a stamped souvenir, but a specific item created by a specific person based on a specific idea.
What our workshop produces
The workshop's assortment includes over 200 products — from the simplest beads for author’s jewelry to complex zghards and necklaces that become family relics. The main groups of products:
Protective pendants
“Sun”, “Svarha”, “Heart”, “Angel”, “Bird”, “Owl”, “Flower”, “Ukraine” — symbolic motifs with protective meaning.
Crosses
Brass crosses of various shapes — from classic to author’s, such as “Ear of Wheat”. We select them for children's or adult chains.
Beads and fittings
Cast beads — smooth, textured, lace — and spacers. The basis for author’s zghards, gerdans, and modern jewelry.
Rings and signet rings
Including “Trypillia” and other models based on ancient motifs. They can be adjusted in size by simple squeezing.
Necklaces and zghards
The most complex work of the workshop — chest ornaments made of cast elements, often combined with natural coral, shungite, and ceramics.
Laser engraving
A service for applying text, logos, or ornaments on metal, wood, glass — for personalized gifts and customization.
You can view the full assortment of the workshop in the “Brass Workshop” section — there are over 200 products ranging from 1 UAH to over 22,000 UAH.
Necklaces — the pride of the workshop
The most complex and recognizable products of the workshop are Hutsul necklaces and zghards. These are chest ornaments traditionally worn with embroidered shirts or other festive attire. Today, they are also worn with everyday clothing — a necklace easily becomes the accent of any outfit without claiming to be “costumed”.
Each necklace is assembled by hand from cast brass elements, often combined with natural materials — pressed coral, shungite, ceramics, Murano glass, and silver-plated copies of ancient coins. Here are a few popular models:
Cast brass “Pandora” — our main material
Most of our products are made from “Pandora” cast brass of Italian production. This material differs from ordinary costume jewelry in several ways.
- Solid cast body — the product does not have a thin decorative layer that quickly wears off, but is made of solid metal.
- Free of harmful heavy metals — “Pandora” brass contains no nickel, making it suitable even for people with sensitive skin.
- Renewable shine — if the metal darkens over time, the original shine can be restored by simply rubbing it with a sturdy fabric (denim, felt) or a drop of olive oil.
- Warm glow — brass has a distinctive golden hue that stands out among cold silver and white alloys.
How a brass product is born
The journey from idea to finished ornament goes through several stages. It all starts with a sketch — the master draws the detail in a format that can then be transferred into a mold for casting. Next, a mold is made into which molten brass is poured. After solidification, the detail is removed, and the longest stage begins — manual processing: cleaning off remnants, polishing, finishing the surface, patinating where necessary.
If it is a necklace or zghard — after processing the individual elements, they are assembled into a composition, connected with soldered rings, and complemented with coral, ceramics, or other natural materials. The standard production time for an order is from 7 to 14 days. More complex works may take a little longer.
How to care for brass products
Brass is a living metal. Over time, it darkens, acquires a noble patina, and this is not a defect, but a natural property of brass. Many owners even consciously leave the patina — it adds depth and “age” to the product. However, if you want to restore the original shine, there are a few simple ways:
- wipe the product with a soft dry cloth (denim, felt) — this is enough for slight darkening;
- apply a drop of olive oil to the cloth and treat the surface — for a deeper shine;
- use a special brass cleaning agent from jewelry stores.
What to avoid: abrasive pastes, aggressive household chemicals, prolonged contact with water (especially chlorinated), perfumes, and cosmetics on the product itself.
Orders, delivery, custom works
All products from the workshop can be ordered online with delivery throughout Ukraine via “Nova Poshta” and “Ukrposhta”. We also ship abroad — conditions are discussed individually. The standard order fulfillment time is 7–14 days, as each product is made for the customer.
If you want to order a unique item based on your own sketch or replicate a model that is not in the catalog — write to us through the contact form. The master will discuss the details, materials, and timelines with you.
Frequently asked questions about brass products
What is brass and how does it differ from ordinary brass?
Brass is the folk Hutsul name for brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. In a narrow sense, brass products in the Carpathians traditionally referred specifically to jewelry and ritual items made of hand-crafted brass, created based on Hutsul motifs. Thus, any brass is brass, but not every brass product can be called brass — it must carry the Hutsul tradition of form and symbolism.
Does “Pandora” brass contain nickel or other allergenic metals?
No. “Pandora” cast brass of Italian production contains no nickel or other harmful heavy metals. This makes it safe even for people with sensitive skin, for whom ordinary costume jewelry often causes irritation.
Why has the product darkened — is this a defect?
No, this is a natural property of brass. The metal oxidizes in the air over time and acquires a noble patina — a darker, warmer shade. Many owners consciously leave the patina because it adds depth to the product. However, if you want to restore the shine — simply wipe the product with a sturdy fabric (denim, felt) or a drop of olive oil.
How long does it take to make an order?
The standard production time is 7–14 days. Complex products (large necklaces, zghards, orders based on individual sketches) may take a little longer. The exact timeframe is provided by the master after confirming the order.
Can I order a product based on my own sketch?
Yes. The workshop accepts individual orders — you can replicate any model from the catalog or create your own based on your sketch, photo, or description. Write to us through the contact form with your idea, and the master will discuss the details, materials, and cost.
Do you ship products abroad?
Yes, we do. Shipping and payment methods for abroad are discussed individually with each client, as they depend on the destination country, weight of the product, and other details.
Can brass products be worn daily?
Yes. “Pandora” brass is a durable material that withstands daily wear well. It is advisable to remove the jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, and not to apply perfumes or cosmetics on them — this will prolong the life of the product and preserve its shine.
Is a brass necklace a suitable gift?
Yes — it is one of the most popular gift options from our workshop. A brass necklace or protective pendant is not just an ornament, but an item with symbolic meaning, character, and a Carpathian history. A wonderful choice for a woman on her birthday, anniversary, wedding, to wear with an embroidered shirt, or for a holiday.
View the full assortment of the Brass Workshop
Over 200 products — from simple pendants to author’s zghards
Go to the catalog →
