January 31 – Jeweler’s Day
On January 31, jewelers around the world celebrate their professional holiday. Not many people know, but Jeweler’s Day actually originated in sunny Tashkent in 2001. The idea was conceived and promoted by the jeweler Mikhail Kutovoy.
Since jewelers in Uzbekistan were extremely busy in December and unable to organize corporate celebrations, a tradition emerged among them to gather and celebrate the New Year at the end of January. Collectively, they chose this specific date.
Later, on this holiday, Mikhail Kutovoy began organizing competitions for young jewelers. Although Mikhail is no longer with us, the tradition of celebrating their professional holiday remains among jewelers.
Mikhail Kutovoy was the first independent jeweler officially registered with the Assay Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
He was actively involved in public initiatives, organizing jewelry competitions and exhibitions and advocating for legislation that has only recently been adopted.
Mikhail trained jewelers, taught engraving and 3D modeling, and created the Torvet shoulder ornament.
He was also the first in Uzbekistan to use a high-precision CNC milling machine for jewelry making.
Below, we publish an article written by Mikhail in 2001, describing how the idea of this holiday was born.
Nowadays, jewelry has become widely accessible to the vast majority of people. These pieces not only carry material value but are also recognized as works of high art. Jewelry is an inseparable part of our attire. We give jewelry to our friends and loved ones, making it a significant cultural element.
Recently, especially with the introduction of the Law on Individual Labor Activities, people have gained an opportunity to experience the art of jewelry-making firsthand. Now, almost anyone can try their hand at creating a small miracle – a piece of jewelry.
Jewelry-making has been known since ancient times. When humans first encountered gold, they were captivated by its beauty, amazed by its ability to retain its golden color and shine under any conditions, and impressed by its malleability.
The noble beauty of materials, combined with the talent and technical skill of the jeweler, gives jewelry its sophistication, high artistic value, and unique expressiveness.
Jewelry, crafted by master artisans, serves not only as decoration but also carries an educational and cultural function. Jewelry: • Satisfies human aesthetic needs • Shapes artistic taste and cultural appreciation • Encourages creativity and craftsmanship
As our Republic experiences constant economic growth, the demand for high-quality artistic jewelry that meets modern fashion trends continues to rise.
Meeting this demand is the primary goal of jewelers in Tashkent. But what exactly is a jeweler’s profession? What is their daily life like?
I will start with the holiday. Over the past year, several significant events have occurred in the jewelry community of Uzbekistan.
Why January 31? Because on this day, the idea simply came to life. That’s all. It was spontaneous. The atmosphere had naturally developed, making it the perfect moment for such an idea to be born and celebrated. It doesn’t matter whether the state officially recognizes this holiday or not. The most important thing is that jewelers themselves decided that this day belongs to them – it is OUR day. It is not tied to any historical event, government decree, or official mandate. It comes from the jewelers themselves.
Over time, a critical mass of legally working jewelers emerged. These jewelers suddenly realized that they had something to be proud of – not forced pride, but genuine pride for their profession and for the money they earn.
Of course, sometimes we have to fight for our rights – as individuals and as taxpayers. People often ask, “Who are you?” Well, we pay our taxes and don’t depend on the government. But do you know who we really are? We are part of the community that shapes world history.
Who makes the President’s Cup? A shoemaker? A merchant? No. A jeweler. Jewelers enhance the prestige of the nation. World culture is largely defined by archaeological discoveries, and the majority of these discoveries are jewelry.
If someone calls themselves a jeweler, what does that really mean? What are their responsibilities? What are their rights? Right now, the profession of “jeweler” does not officially exist in our legal system. It is mentioned here and there, but if I wanted to officially write “jeweler” in my employment record, no one would approve it. In my records, it says: “Repair, manufacturing, and sale of jewelry and precious stones.”
There is always a risk that some bureaucrat might suddenly decide to ban us from selling jewelry. So, technically, I don’t sell jewelry – I mostly repair and make custom pieces. This means I must remove the word “sell” from my records, even though I didn’t put it there myself. And there are many such contradictions. But none of this matters. What truly matters is that we, the jewelers, celebrate our profession.