The “Foggy Morning” jewelry set, crafted in 1982 by the Yekaterinburg master Vladimir Nikolayevich Ustyuzhanin, comprises a necklace, ring, and earrings. The pieces feature chrysoprase, cacholong, and pink agate, elegantly secured in a melchior bezel setting.
The centerpiece necklace is a composition formed by an openwork white metal chain with distinctive ball and rod-shaped links. An arc-shaped garland is attached to the chain, assembled from delicate green stone leaves, whitish-pink buds, and metallic spheres. The composition is complemented by two additional chains and three leaf-shaped stone pendants descending from the center.
The earrings and ring echo the necklace’s style. Each features three chrysoprase inserts framing the central pink oval cabochon, with the earrings further adorned by three spear-shaped pendants. The artist’s monogram — “UVN” — is discreetly placed on the ring’s band and the earrings’ clasps.
The “Foggy Morning” set is defined by its soft, floral motifs. The necklace is particularly luxurious: a mist creeping through the subtle interplay of bluish-green chrysoprase foliage, occasional accents of pinkish agate, and the matte pallor of cacholong. This symphony of stone, combined with the artist’s virtuoso craftsmanship, conveys a sense of refined femininity and harmony. Each expertly selected and processed element complements and enhances the others’ beauty.
Ustyuzhanin chose opaque samples of chrysoprase, a green variety of chalcedony. It is prized for its color range — from light bluish-green to deep emerald. One of the finest sources for this stone is located in Kazakhstan.
Ustyuzhanin often used melchior for his settings, as its subdued appearance focuses the attention on the natural beauty of the gems. Through exquisite floral motifs, Ustyuzhanin embodies his lyrical vision of the world. Having mastered the laws of jewelry craftsmanship, even in his youth, he emerged as a distinctive creative voice.
