Stonecutting: A Contemporary Twist on an Ancient Art Form

April 20, 2021

By Katerina Perez

9 min read

The origins of stonecutting as an art form date back to ancient times, when stone served as the basic material for almost everything. Scientists ascribe not only an applied function but also the first-known attempts at aesthetic self-expression to stone ‘handicrafts’ found by archaeologists on every continent of our planet. Today, technological advances offer artists a huge array of materials and techniques for these purposes, but some remain focused on perfecting the skill of stonecutting, continuing in the footsteps of Fabergé.

In the world of jewellery, it is currently the Russian school of stonecutting that, judging by most of the top exhibitions, is one of the strongest but not one of the most prominent. This is why I have decided to introduce you to the key proponents of the art form and to the incredible potential of this historic skillset.

Anatoly Sorokin

The pieces that emerge from Anatoly Sorokin’s stonecutting workshop can’t be summarised as mere representations, compositions or unique stones. Rather, they’re a dialogue, a dialogue between man and nature, aimed at strengthening communication between the two. For the purposes of this ‘conversation’, Anatoly has selected natural stones, believing that each of them, like a person, has its own energy, memory and strength. The craftsman appreciates not only each individual specimen but also creates whole ensembles from them: from exclusive interior designs and Florentine mosaics to canvases made of the finest cuts of stone, selected in a surprising manner for their colour and pattern. Anatoly sincerely considers stone to be nature’s most perfect invention, especially if they fall into the hands of an expert. But at the same time, as he philosophically explains: “People come into this world and die, but stones live on for millennia.”

‘Filin’ Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

‘Filin’ Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

 'Flowers' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

'Flowers' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

 'Boyhood' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

'Boyhood' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

 'Cranes' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

'Cranes' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

 'From the depths of the Earth' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

'From the depths of the Earth' Florentine mosaic from the creative workshop of Anatoly Sorokin

Denis Bogomazov

The works of the Ekaterinburg-based stonecutter are quite easy to spot… naturalistic forms, a keen attention to detail and subject matter, all combined with a high level of workmanship. During his 26-year career, Denis has participated in more than 70 different exhibitions, from local to international, professional to personal. The saying “it’s not about winning, it’s the taking part that counts,” does not apply here however: Denis has received numerous Grand Prix awards and his creations have been included in exhibitions at Russian state museums, in addition to being displayed as part of private collections in the USA, Germany, Australia, Italy and China. I think the incredible eyes he creates for his subjects are always recognisable as well! The eyes do not just reflect, they breathe soul into carved aquamarine, jade, citrine, topaz, chalcedony, quartz and other natural stones, revitalizing them. It already seems as though, any minute now, the rat will start eating cheese, the salmon will flap its tail, and the dragon will recount his exploits and adventures.

Citrine frog crafted by Denis Bogomazov

Citrine frog crafted by Denis Bogomazov

 An amethyst and opal octopus by Denis Bogomazov

An amethyst and opal octopus by Denis Bogomazov

 Nishapur turquoise  and garnet dragon crated by Denis Bogomazov

Nishapur turquoise and garnet dragon crated by Denis Bogomazov

 Coquette by Denis Bogomazov carved from amethyst, opal and blue topaz with silver

Coquette by Denis Bogomazov carved from amethyst, opal and blue topaz with silver

 'Rats on cheese' by Denis Bogomazov crafted from jade and onyx

'Rats on cheese' by Denis Bogomazov crafted from jade and onyx

 A red salmon carved from amethyst and citrine by Denis Bogomazov

A red salmon carved from amethyst and citrine by Denis Bogomazov

Ekaterina Kostrigina

A ‘Petersburg classic’ is how many define the work of St Petersburg jewellery designer, Ekaterina Kostrigina, and this seems to be a very accurate description. The harmonious blend of past traditions and techniques with modern ideas has become Ekaterina’s calling card. In her jewellery, she uses carved gemstones as well as precious stones, pearls and enamel to create a single sketch composition. For example, in the Bear and Wolf pendant, Squirrel earrings and Horse cufflinks, elements of carved sapphirine, agate, tsavorite and smoky quartz are the central elements, while in the case of her sacred scarab beetles and her floral pieces, carved stones simply serve to highlight the overall tone.

Flower earrings with carved amethyst and diamonds by Ekaterina Kostrigina

Flower earrings with carved amethyst and diamonds by Ekaterina Kostrigina

 Lilies of the Valley brooch by Ekaterina Kostrigina with enamel and carved flowers

Lilies of the Valley brooch by Ekaterina Kostrigina with enamel and carved flowers

 Flower brooch by Ekaterina Kostrigina with carved amethyst

Flower brooch by Ekaterina Kostrigina with carved amethyst

 Ekaterina Kostrigina cat earrings in gold with diamonds, jade and onyx

Ekaterina Kostrigina cat earrings in gold with diamonds, jade and onyx

 Ekaterina Kostrigina Squirrel earrings with diamonds, tsavorites and carved carnelian in gold

Ekaterina Kostrigina Squirrel earrings with diamonds, tsavorites and carved carnelian in gold

 Horses cufflinks in gold with diamonds, smoky quartz and garnets by Ekaterina Kostrigina

Horses cufflinks in gold with diamonds, smoky quartz and garnets by Ekaterina Kostrigina

Studio Svyatogor

Studio Svyatogor is one of the largest professional stonecutting workshops of the Ural school. It celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Here, they apply a complex volumetric mosaic technique using jewellery-making methods, similar to the approach taken by the craftsmen of the renowned Carl Fabergé. The workshop’s credentials are corroborated by certificates issued by the Kremlin Armoury, the Russian State Repository for Precious Metals and a special diploma from the German Association of Stonecutters. They create exclusive sculptures and compositions made of semi-precious natural stones, gemstones and precious metals that can become the crown jewel in any art collection or decorate the most sophisticated of interiors. You are likely to enjoy the subject of each piece: the mythical Satyr, the Serpent, Bacchus, the Sphinx and Shiva coexist with the fabulous Cheshire Cat and such historical figures as Peter the Great, Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Suvorov, Julius Caesar and Georgy Zhukov (the ‘Marshal of Victory’). From my experience, I can say that, regardless of the subject, it is interesting to examine each of these from every angle.

'Samurai on a Dragon' by Svyatogor Studios crafted in jade, agate, chalcedony, flint, aventurine, jaspilite and jasper with silver, gold and enamel

'Samurai on a Dragon' by Svyatogor Studios crafted in jade, agate, chalcedony, flint, aventurine, jaspilite and jasper with silver, gold and enamel

 'Puss in Boots' by Studio Svyatogor crafted using agate, flint, chalcedony, tiger's eye, opsidian and pyrite

'Puss in Boots' by Studio Svyatogor crafted using agate, flint, chalcedony, tiger's eye, opsidian and pyrite

 'Hunter' by Svyatogor Studios crafted in moss agate, jasper, flint and petrified wood

'Hunter' by Svyatogor Studios crafted in moss agate, jasper, flint and petrified wood

 'Artemis' by Studios Svyatogor brought to life in carved stone

'Artemis' by Studios Svyatogor brought to life in carved stone

 'Genghis Khan' by Studio Svyatogor crafted from agate, dolerite, jasper and aventurine with silver, brass and hot enamel

'Genghis Khan' by Studio Svyatogor crafted from agate, dolerite, jasper and aventurine with silver, brass and hot enamel

Anna Nova

The Anna Nova jewellery brand, founded in 2004 by Anna and Oleg Barinov in St Petersburg, has several related areas of focus: miniature interiors, luxury accessories (‘objets de luxe’), limited jewellery collections and items with a Russian Orthodox theme. Regardless of the purpose of the piece in question, Anna and Oleg masterfully combine the art of stonecutting with gemstones and metals, pearls and enamel, mosaics and engraving. Anna Nova’s compositions are extremely labour-intensive and intricate in their execution, varying from simple miniatures to complex masterpieces that have numerous details. 

Sculptural miniature owl by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature owl by Anna Nova

 Sculptural miniature mountain goat by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature mountain goat by Anna Nova

 Sculptural miniature Bulldog on a footstool by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature Bulldog on a footstool by Anna Nova

 Sculptural miniature oxen by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature oxen by Anna Nova

 Sculptural miniature snail carving by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature snail carving by Anna Nova

 Sculptural miniature Aries ram by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature Aries ram by Anna Nova

 Sculptural miniature musk ox by Anna Nova

Sculptural miniature musk ox by Anna Nova

This is not at all surprising given that the main artistic reference point for Anna and Oleg is what Russian jewellers were producing at the turn of the 20th century, including pieces by Carl Fabergé. Anna Nova’s works have been highly praised at exhibitions in both Russia and abroad, something which has led them to being exhibited at the Hermitage (St Petersburg, Russia) and the Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum (Idar-Oberstein, Germany).

Colours of Nature: Tiffany & Co. Unveils New Blue Book Jewels

continue reading

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.