The Strong and Precious Art Foundation recently held a private jewelry exhibition in Washington D.C., showcasing some of the finest example of Ukrainian jewelry.
This event took place at Ukraine House, a central venue for Ukrainian cultural events, displaying six unique pieces of jewelry that represent Ukrainian craftsmanship and cultural narratives and follows an earlier showing at NYC Jewelry Week.
In a statement, Marianna Falkova, Executive Director of Ukraine House, and Ruslan Falkov, Director of International and Governmental Relations at Ukraine House, said “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 jewelry from a display of wealth to an embodiment of cultural heritage.”
Industry Insights and Ethical Focus
At the event, Tiffany Stevens, CEO and General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), spoke with Olga Oleksenko, founder of the Strong & Precious Art Foundation. Stevens discussed JVC’s initiatives in consumer protection and ethical practices within the jewelry industry, particularly focusing on diamond traceability and sanctions related to Russian diamonds.
Olga Oleksenko discussed her motivations for establishing the Strong & Precious Art Foundation, emphasising her commitment to promoting contemporary Ukrainian jewelry design globally. Oleksenko’s background as a curator and her previous role at Van Cleef & Arpels in Kyiv inform the foundation’s mission.
“There is international awareness that the war in Ukraine is entering a new stage of escalation. Russia is bombing Ukrainian cities daily, along with the country’s energy infrastructure, civilian objects, and homes. Ukraine is on the brink of another blackout, and we consider it our duty to remind the world about the wonderful Ukrainian people, artists who continue to create, and remind the world of our beautiful, creative nation. Ukrainians deserve a peaceful and better life,” states Olga Oleksenko, Founder of the Strong & Precious Art Foundation. “Not by chance, Washington D.C. has become a new venue for our exhibition ‘How Precious UA’. It is a place where decisions are made that directly impact and support Ukraine. Within the exhibition, dedicated to modern symbols of Ukraine, there are black onyx and diamond Blackout Earrings, which reflect the dark streets of powerless Kyiv during the 2022 blackout. It is regretful that this symbol threatens to become relevant again if aid is not provided.”
Highlight Pieces and Symbolism
The “Freedom” necklace by Nomis, featuring black pearls arranged in binary code that spells ‘freedom’, symbolises resilience and showcases Ukraine’s capabilities in computer programming. The “Links Brooch” by Inesa Kovalova, which combines titanium and 18K gold with natural diamonds and heliodor, reflects Ukraine’s geographical and mineralogical diversity.
Other pieces showcased included the “Kolosinnia” necklace by Yuval’ Studios and the “Trypillia” necklace by GUNIA Project, noted for their designs inspired by Ukrainian landscapes and historical motifs. The “mUAvement” Ring from Drutis Jewelry, made with steel from Mariupol and nickel, symbolises unity and forward-looking optimism through its design and the use of a topaz from the Volyn region.
“In a world where artistry intersects with advocacy, the Strong and Precious Art Foundation stands as a beacon of both creativity and compassion. Through this exquisite exhibition, we not only celebrate the craftsmanship of Ukrainian jewelry but also amplify the voices of a nation in need. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a call to action for support and solidarity,” says Tiffany Stevens, CEO and General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
Cultural and Business Implications for Jewellers
This event not only highlights Ukrainian cultural heritage but also the intricate links between artistry, material sourcing, and ethical practices in jewelry design. For jewellers, these aspects can enhance their appreciation of global jewelry markets and the potential for ethical sourcing and narrative-rich collections.
For jewellers and retailers, these insights offer an understanding of how cultural events like these can influence design trends and consumer expectations, particularly regarding ethical sourcing and the narrative power of jewelry. Additionally, the involvement of figures such as Tiffany Stevens indicates an increasing focus on compliance and ethics, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in jewelry trade practices.
Upcoming Events and Foundation Information
For more details on the Strong and Precious Art Foundation’s future events and partnership opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website.
