Are you looking for unusual creations featuring Kazakh national "oyu" patterns? These craftsmen don't limit themselves to traditional materials and reinterpret native styles in innovative ways. QazMonitor has curated a list of five handmade brands that offer a fresh perspective on Kazakh traditional ornaments.
Juliette’s Stuff
Juliette's Stuff presents a wide collection of handmade products from the founder, Julia Alexandrova. She describes her brand as "the jewelry of modern Romeo and Juliet, who had a little more luck with their relatives and had a happy ending." The accessories are made of pearls, mother-of-pearl, beads, steel, and other materials. Initially, almost all jewelry featured floral designs, but the nomadic ethno-style has also appeared in the latest collections.
Price range: ₸12,000–60,000
Location: Astana; delivery available
Korkem Exclusives
The Korkem Exclusives brand focuses on sewing Kazakh national "taqia" hats. Completely handmade, each one is unique. They also create patchwork blankets and pillows using the "qūraq körpe" technique. Korkem Exclusives is a frequent participant at local fairs and festivals.
Price range: ₸7,000–19,900
Location: 82/1 Karmysov Street, Almaty; delivery available
Arbor
Arbor offers a collection of wooden brooches and other accessories featuring national ornaments and petroglyphs. The pins are decorated with mini chains and are monochrome and laconic. They can be worn on jacket lapels or shirt collars. An unusual find is their chains for glasses.
Price range: ₸1,000–3,000
Delivery: Available for Almaty only
Ornament.ai
Ornament.ai specializes in punch needle embroidery based on original illustrations. They offer home decorations such as panels, table mats, mirrors with soft frames, small coasters, and patches for clothes. In addition to national patterns, tulips, yurts, and piala cups, their products often feature elements inspired by Almaty, including apples, Medeo, and Kok-Tobe. All works are made in a calm color scheme close to natural shades.
Price range: ₸5,000–35,000
Location: Almaty; delivery available
Mosmos
Mosmos Jewellery Shop offers minimalist sterling silver, aquamarine, labradorite, and strawberry quartz jewelry. The pieces are unisex and adhere to the principle of simplicity in detail. Despite their subtlety, the national style is clearly recognizable.
Price range: ₸12,000–55,000
Location: Almaty; delivery available
