ABOUT
Strong&Precious Art Foundation emerged in April 2022 as a response to the ravages of war with a simple question: What can we do personally to contribute to Ukraine today? With the lifelong connection to the world of jewelry, renowned for its power to embody beauty and uplift humanity, the Art Foundation turned its attention to Ukrainian jewelry art and design.
The core mission of Strong&Precious is to introduce the world to the rich origins and traditions of the Ukrainian jewelry school. It aims to showcase the wealth of historical roots and craftsmanship that have thrived for centuries, offering a deep dive into the opulent legacy of Ukrainian jewelry.
An endeavor involves not only spotlighting contemporary Ukrainian designers but also revisiting the recognition of established names and workshops that contributed to Ukraine's jewelry heritage in the early 20th century and even earlier. While the Ukrainian jewelry industry is still young and thriving, dozens of promising brands possess untapped potential. The Foundation believes it is crucial to provide a platform for Ukrainian jewelers to express their talents and perspectives nowadays.
FOUNDER
Olga Oleksenko
— jewelry connoisseur, curator of private jewelry collections, and an art collector. For the past 12 years, Olga Oleksenko was the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique director in Kyiv, afterwards, she became their brand ambassador in Ukraine.
She founded the Strong&Precious Art Foundation to demonstrate the depth of the Ukrainian jewelry school and its modernization to the whole world.
PROJECTS
GemGeneve May, 2023
Strong&Precious Art Foundation unveiled their 3rd project at this year’s GemGeneve May 11-14. The project, titled ‘How Precious UA’ shines a light on the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture as a whole, showcasing its reflection in the art of jewelry.
The exhibition immersed visitors in a captivating storytelling experience, showcasing the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship of Ukrainian artists. Through a blend of beautiful design and sophisticated symbolism, the exhibition celebrated the timeless beauty of Ukraine's cultural heritage, bringing it to life through the art of contemporary jewelry design.
Sotheby’s x S&P November 2022
In a momentous occasion, contemporary Ukrainian designers made their debut at Sotheby's auction house, showcasing their jewelry creations. November 4-10, 2022, attendees had the privilege of exploring these remarkable pieces at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva, while the online bidding took place on the last day of the auction. This event held a profound significance beyond the world of art and luxury, as all proceeds raised were dedicated to Superhumans, a not-for-profit organization serving as a rehabilitation center for adults and children who have suffered severe injuries during the war in Ukraine.
Gem Geneve November 2022
For the second time, the Strong&Precious art foundation unveiled Ukrainian jewelry brands at the renowned GemGeneve. Taking place November 3-6 in Geneva, this gathering attracted a distinguished audience of collectors, journalists, and enthusiasts of the captivating world of jewelry art, representing various places around the world.
GemGeneve May 2022
GemGenève, the annual exhibition devoted to professional jewelers and passionate enthusiasts, unfolded its 4th edition in Geneva from May 5-8. An exciting addition to this year's event was the inclusion of the "Strong&Precious" art foundation stand, curated by Thomas Faerber, showcasing exquisite creations by Ukrainian jewelers. The presence of Ukrainian talent added a captivating dimension to the show, capturing the attention and admiration of attendees.