The Strong and Precious Art Foundation hosted an exclusive private jewellery exhibition ishowcasing a selection of Ukrainian jewels.
The event, held on 11 April in Washington DC, featured six jewels, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship, heritage, and symbolism inspired by Ukraine.
Hosted at Ukraine House, the venue is a hub for Ukrainian culture and hospitality, and the occasion marks the second Strong and Precious exhibition in the USA.
Marianna Falkova, executive director of Ukraine House, and Ruslan Falkov, director of International and Governmental Relations at Ukraine House, stated: “We express our gratitude to the Strong and Precious Art Foundation and the founder, Olga Oleksenko, for showcasing these six unique pieces to our local community.
“Each piece carries a rich history, transforming the act of wearing jewellery from a display of wealth to an embodiment of cultural heritage.”
Tiffany Stevens, CEO General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) interviewed the Strong and Precious Art Foundation’s founder, Olga Oleksenko, offering insights into the inspiration behind the pieces.
JVC is a 107-year-old non-profit organisation working on ethics and policy in the jewellery industry.
Prioritizing consumer protection through advertising, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering, JVC has recently been working with the government and trade on Russian diamond sanctions and diamond traceability.
Oleksenko is a curator of private collections, a collector and art connoisseur, and was the boutique director for Van Cleef & Arpels for over a decade in Kyiv.
As a reaction to the war in Ukraine, she founded Strong and Precious to elevate contemporary Ukrainian fine jewellery design, with a mission of sharing the symbolism and beauty of the Ukrainian jewellery school globally.
Oleksenko said: “There is international awareness that the war in Ukraine is entering a new stage of escalation.
“Ukrainians deserve a peaceful and better life. Not by chance, Washington D.C. has become a new venue for the Strong and Precious exhibition ‘How Precious UA’.
The “Freedom” necklace by Nomis symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the necklace features pearls arranged in binary code spelling out the word ‘freedom,’ serving as a beacon of hope in challenging times, and an homage to excellence in Ukrainian computer programming today.
Inesa Kovalova’s “Links Brooch” blends industrial structures with nature’s beauty, symbolising the unity between the East and West of Ukraine.
Made of titanium, 18K gold, and adorned with natural diamonds and a heliodor stone, this piece is a testament to the country’s rich heritage and resilience, with both the heliodor gemstone and the titanium mined in Ukraine.
The “Kolosinnia” necklace by Yuval’ Studios pays homage to Ukraine’s spirit, incorporating elements inspired by the country’s diverse landscapes.
Crafted with golden wheat ears, symbolic of the south, and a whorl resembling a mountain road in the Carpathians, the necklace is a celebration of Ukraine’s natural beauty and strength.
The “Trypillia” necklace by GUNIA Project is handcrafted in 18k gold and features symbols from the Trypillian culture, including the famous Venus figure at its centre, representing a modern twist on ancient craftsmanship.
The “mUAvement” Ring from Drutis Jewellery draws inspiration from a vision of a tender and intricate world where enduring elements converge to propel humanity forward.
The ring features a topaz sourced from the Volyn region. Crafted from Ukrainian materials, including steel from Mariupol and nickel, the cog of the ring embodies local craftsmanship and resilience. Encased in 18k gold, the ring symbolizes the cherished unity and spirit of freedom intrinsic to the Ukrainian people.
The black onyx and diamond Blackout Earrings reflect the dark streets of powerless Kyiv during the 2022 blackout.
All images photographed by Radomskiy Photography.
