Ukrainian Talent Shines on the American Jewelry Scene — Valentyna Zhytnyk: From Runways to the Art of Fine Jewelry

Ukrainian jewelry designer Valentyna Zhytnyk is already a bright and influential presence in the American jewelry world. Earlier in her career she built a successful profile as a top fashion model, appearing on runways in Milan, Paris and New York — experience she later transformed into her own visual language in jewelry.

Her jewelry piece Zgarda has recently been accepted into the permanent collection of the House of Ukraine Museum in San Diego — making it the first Ukrainian jewelry artwork to receive this honour. “Initially, Zgarda was a digital project, which later transformed into a real piece of art” – says Valentyna.

In 2025, a digital version of Zgarda will be presented at Digital Jewelry Week in Milan, Italy, where it will once again appear as a modern symbol of Ukrainian identity expressed through digital innovation and artisanal craftsmanship.

Industry observers have already compared her career to that of Elsa Peretti (1940–2021) — a former fashion icon who became one of Tiffany & Co.’s most influential designers and created their iconic Bone and Open Heart collections, redefining American jewelry in the 1970s. Both Peretti and Zhytnyk came from the fashion world, worked with Tiffany & Co., and built their own distinctive design language in New York City that set trends rather than followed them.

Valentyna’s work under the L’Impé ratrice label continues to attract attention in the fashion world and is frequently worn by models from Elite & Next model agencies at castings, editorial shoots and high-profile events in New York. One of the moments she treasures most as a designer came during the Broadway premiere of George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City in April 2025. Among the distinguished guests that evening was supermodel Cindy Crawford, accompanied by her daughter Kaia Gerber and husband Rande Gerber. As they crossed paths, Cindy glanced at Valentyna and said, “Oh, nice earrings.” The pieces were from Valentyna’s own Amazonico collection for L’Impé ratrice — designed, hand crafted, and worn by the designer herself.

“That one-second exchange meant so much to me,” Valentyna recalls. “When someone who has defined beauty for generations notices your work, it’s the kind of recognition that stays with you forever. And also Cindy Crawford was my role model for years when I was in the modeling industry. It motivates me to keep creating for women who inspire the world.”
Valentyna Zhytnyk is gaining a stronger and stronger voice in American society — appearing on the red carpets herself of the Top 100 USA event, representing the Ukrainian creative community of artists at the United Nations headquarters in New York, and being accepted into the Women’s Jewelry Association Metro Chapter. With her growing influence in both fashion and fine jewelry, experts predict a bright future for Valentyna Zhytnyk — and perhaps the rise of a new Elsa Peretti?! Both jewelry designers and fashion lovers , both worked for

Born in Ukraine and building her success in America, I am certain we will be hearing the name Valentyna Zhytnyk for years to come.