Reviving traditional ornamentation

• • Nune was an eye surgeon by profession
• • Traditional Armenian symbols are the root of her work
• • She treasures the delicate technique of enamelling

Nune Malakyan was a successful ophthalmologist and eye surgeon in Moscow when she decided to move to Armenia and start making jewellery. Nune is inspired by the potential to revive Armenian ornamental elements and to display them in bright and modern colours through vitreous enamelling. This craft can only be carried out by hand, one piece at a time, and therefore each piece is wholly unique and exclusive. Nune describes vitreous enamel as a technique worthy of traditional Armenian ornaments, as it is delicate and precise, and requires lots of work. Vitreous enamel is formed by grinding coloured glass down to a desired colour and texture, applying the powdery mixture to a base, and firing the piece in a muffle furnace. Nune works from a cosy studio in the centre of Yerevan and offers visits for small groups.