Founded in 2018 by Ukrainian sisters Anna and Yelyzaveta Knyzhenko, Dukachi is a fine jewelry brand. The brand, which appeals to those seeking aesthetic perfection in their jewelry, has rapidly established a strong presence in the jewelry industry by offering a combination of elegance, quality, and originality. We met with Anna and Yelyzaveta Knyzhenko to discuss the origins of Dukachi, the success of its collections, and its future plans:

1.Can you share the origin story of Dukachi with us? Is there a special meaning or a hidden memory behind the brand name?
The Dukachi name is inspired by the traditional Ukrainian jewelry style, which often features coin decorations. Pieces like these were the most popular type of jewelry in Ukraine and we wanted to honor this tradition calling our brand by this very name. The name Dukachi reflects the rich history of Ukrainian jewelry, combining contemporary designs with traditional elements.

2. What is the single greatest inspiration for your jewelry designs, and how did your brand style evolve?
Our journey began with a deep sense of passion to preserve the Ukrainian cultural heritage which inspiredour very first designs. Ukraine has such a rich history and beautiful traditions and wanted to bring them to life through our jewelry. As our brand became bigger, we became inspired by nature, especially the unique and unusual aspects that often go unnoticed. Our designs are inspired by the
beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the joy of tradition. We love how these elements come together to create pieces that feel both traditional and fresh. Each collection is a celebration of the old and the new, offering a unique take on classic designs.

3. Do you have an upcoming project in Türkiye on the horizon? What’s your goal for the global market?
Absolutely. Dukachi has deep roots in the Ukrainian market, but our sights are set on global expansion. That includes making our way into Türkiye. The history and craftsmanship behind our jewelry have a universal appeal, and we believe our precious pieces can connect with people all over the world.
We’re on a mission to share the Dukachi story with the whole world, and our new collection, launching very soon, is our way of taking a big, exciting step towards making this vision a reality. We are proud to announce the launch of our new jewelry category: charms with “Lucky Doll” designs. Each doll is crafted in 14-karat gold and adorned with enamel and precious stones.
The design is intended to bring luck, protection, and inspiration to the owner. Combining deep symbolism and unique designs, modern jewelry is an exciting possibility to connect with people from different cultures while expanding Dukachi’s global presence.

4. I believe your most popular designs are Doll necklaces. How did you come up with the idea of combining Doll designs, which represent Ukrainian folklore, with jewelry?
Our doll necklaces are no longer a symbol of Ukrainian tradition; they capture what is now a universal sense of nostalgia. Dolls, once our dearest childhood friends, now evoke genuine happy feelings and reconnect us with the simpler, joyful times of our youth. We have redesigned these valuable figures as exquisite jewelry pieces. This transformation allows us to reach a broader audience and transcend cultural boundaries. Each Doll necklace is designed not only as a beautiful accessory but also as a source of luck, protection, and inspiration.

5. A few months ago, at the Paris Olympics, you had a project with the ladies of the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation. Where did the idea of supporting gymnasts as Dukachi come from?

Our collaboration with theUkrainian Gymnastics Federation was initiated at their request to partner with Ukrainian brands as a symbol of national pride. We were inspired by the athletes’ great confidence, strength and grace. Their journey is not only about competing; but also, about overcoming challenges and endurance. By supporting this project, we were able to recognize their accomplishments and share their inspiring stories on a much bigger platform.

6. We would like to ask your opinion about the “Lynx” collection. As far as I know, this collection is dedicated to Eurasian lynxes of the Carpathian Mountains and Polissia, listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.
The “Lynx” collection is a tribute to the Eurasian lynx, a symbol of wisdom, sharp vision and independence. It inspired us to create a collection that emphasizes the endangered status of this majestic animal, listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. Our aim was not only to reflect the physical beauty of the lynx, but also to convey its spirit and symbolism. Each piece in the “Lynx” collection is designed to embody the energy and grace of this mysterious animal that once roamed widely in Europe but is now almost extinct in many regions. The collection includes nine exquisite pieces of rings, earrings, a pendant, a choker, brooches, bracelets, brooches as well as rings, studded with natural and lab-grown diamonds, citrines and topazes in 14-karat gold. By celebrating such a rare and
endangered part of nature through jewelry, we hope to create awareness and appreciation. This collection is not only a celebration of their beauty, but also a reminder of the importance of protecting these animals all over the world.

7. Could you give us a heads-up on any new projects or collections you might have in the works?
As we have already mentioned, the “Lucky Doll” collection, which will be released very soon and will push the boundaries of the history of jewelry design, will deliver bold new interpretations intended to evoke cherished memories. We are thrilled to present our new collection, which we know will impress the world. We have more updates on the way, and we’re going to keep on growing and exploring new horizons in the jewelry industry. Stay tuned!