PROJECTS
NOVEMBER 2023
NYC Jewelry week
Strong & Precious Art Foundation participated in the NYC Jewelry Week 2023 for the first time. Olga Oleksenko presented the ‘How Precious UA’ exhibition, showcasing six unique jewelry masterpieces crafted by contemporary Ukrainian jewelry designers. The exhibition was showcased at Mriya Gallery in Lower Manhattan — the first Ukrainian art space in New York that aspires to foster an appreciation for Ukrainian artistic expression, build a cultural bridge, and give a platform for Ukrainian creativity to a global audience. Through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, immersive experiences, and engaging programs, Mriya strives to inspire dialogue, spark creativity, and broaden perspectives.
Two foremost jewelry experts, Victoria Gomelsky and Melanie Grant, joined Olga Oleksenko in presenting her ambitious project to the audience. The editor-in-chief of JCK magazine and jewelry expert Victoria Gomelsky hosted a press event to explain the project to the media and present the newest artistic photo campaign entitled ‘Shining Woman’. Melanie Grant, an award-winning British Jewelry Author, Writer, Curator, and Executive Director of the Responsible Jewellery Council, presented the Strong & Precious project with Olga Oleksenko to guests during a cocktail. Ukrainian designers Alyona Kiperman from Nomis brand and Dana Drutis from Drutis Jewellery came to New York to participate in person at the event.
NOVEMBER 2023
Gem Genéve
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation participated in the GemGenève jewelry trade show in November 2023. This is the fourth time the Foundation has participated in the exhibition, and its first appearance was in May 2022, just a few months after the war in Ukraine outbursts.
This year's showcase includes NOMIS, Drutis Jewellery, Yuval' Studios, Inesa Kovalova, Zhernov Artifactory, newcomers Kleom, and The Organic Jewellery. These brands form the core of contemporary Ukrainian jewelry-making, gradually gaining importance internationally due to their savoir-faire, innovation, and artistry.
Olga Oleksenko, CEO of the Foundation, said: 'For the past two years, we've been presenting over 12 Ukrainian jewelry brands and designers, and this year we introduced more newcomers. GemGenève has become a starting point for the international recognition of many Ukrainian jewelers, and we're glad to help our talented designers shine globally. For us, this event is a chance to introduce Ukrainian jewelry art to a discerning audience, true jewelry connoisseurs, and experts from all over the world, and we're sparing no effort to make this discovery especially exciting and memorable.'
JUNE 2023
Jewels Basel
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation proudly presented a stunning array of Ukrainian jewelry designers at the renowned Jewels Basel exhibition in Basel, Switzerland.
The event organizers carefully select distinct and innovative jewelry each year. Among this year's representatives, including Ukrainian products, were pieces that impressed visitors with their artistry, innovative design, and rare gemstones.
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation introduces jewelry enthusiasts and global experts to Ukraine's heritage, astounding them with the exceptional skill and creativity of Ukrainian jewelry masters. The How Precious UA collection displayed Ukraine's deeply rooted and valuable cultural identity through jewelry — a blend of flawless aesthetics and powerful symbolism.
The exhibition, set in a magical baroque-style venue that's already become the event's signature, complemented the main philosophy of the collection — all jewelry pieces were displayed on wheat branches, symbolizing life's beauty and richness, even during times of war.
The event showcased jewelry works from Ukrainian brands and designers, including NOMIS, Inesa Kovalova, Drutis Jewellery, Gunia Project, Yuval’ Studios, as well as one piece created directly by the foundation.
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation debuted with a set of onyx earrings named "Blackout." These pieces were inspired by photos of a blackout in Kyiv, where the subtle line of light from car headlights was distinctly visible.
MAY 2023
GemGenève
Strong&Precious Art Foundation unveiled their 3rd project at this year’s GemGenève 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.
This year, the Foundation has collected 6 extraordinary Ukrainian creative think tanks that presented their jewelry and explored the intersection of past, present and future of Ukraine through their designs and shapes. The members of the exhibition were both big and small Ukrainian jewelry designers and brands: NOMIS, Inesa Kovalova, Drutis Jewellery, Gunia Project and Yuval’ Studios.
"Through the seamless fusion of traditional symbols, innovative design, and impeccable craftsmanship, each jewelry piece became a work of art that reflects the essence of Ukraine's rich history and its contemporary spirit. Our aim was to transport visitors on a journey that transcends time, unveiling the deep-rooted connections between past and present, and illuminating the enduring beauty of Ukrainian culture. Every attendee has experienced the captivating allure of this exhibition and witnessed the talent of our featured designers," — Olga Oleksenko, the founder of the Foundation.
NOVEMBER 2022
GemGenève
Ukrainian jewelry brands made a notable appearance at the prestigious GemGenève, the international jewelry trade show held in Geneva from November 3-6, 2022. The exhibition was spearheaded by the Strong&Precious project, which aims to promote and popularize Ukrainian jewelry brands on a global scale. Notably, alongside contemporary creations, antique jewels by Josyp Marshak, Ukrainian jeweler of the 20th century, were showcased. Revered as the "Cartier of Kyiv," Marshak's exquisite pieces have found a special place in private collections and auction houses.
This marks the second time Ukrainian jewelry brands have been featured at GemGenève, following the resounding success of the initial Ukrainian exhibition held in May 2022. Olga Oleksenko, the founder of the Strong&Precious project, a jewelry expert and collector, emphasized the importance of showcasing Ukrainian culture, including jewelry, and expressed confidence in the appreciation and recognition of Ukrainian jewelry artists by discerning and knowledgeable visitors.
NOVEMBER 2022
Sotheby’s x S&P
Organized under the banner of the Strong&Precious Art Foundation, the primary objective of which is to showcase Ukrainian jewelry designers on the global stage, the event unfolded with great significance. Sotheby's, with the personal involvement of Marie-Cécile Cisamolo, the jewelry specialist and director of Sotheby's Geneva, took the initiative to orchestrate the auction.
Notable jewelry brands such as Inesa Kovalova, Drutis Jewellery, Rockah.brand, Nomis, Stanislav Drokin, and Oberig were featured in the auction.
Olga Oleksenko, a jewelry collector and founder of the art foundation, shared, "It is a truly significant event for the Ukrainian jewelry industry. I believe that this is just the beginning, and jewelry pieces from Ukrainian artists will conquer many more international platforms. The support we receive from the international community, both psychological and financial, is invaluable. Thanks to Sotheby's and our artists — another good project will be realized and we are grateful to our partners for this opportunity.”
MAY 2022
GemGenève
At the core of the Strong&Precious foundation lies the primary intention of introducing Ukrainian jewelry brands to the global community. The project's name itself conveys its essence—Ukrainian jewelers uniting to strengthen their presence and share their power with the world through their exquisite creations. When Olga Oleksenko initiated the foundation, the sole criterion for selecting jewelry was its Ukrainian origin. The showcased pieces encompassed diverse and unparalleled styles, ranging from contemporary designs with intricate architectural compositions to those inspired by the rich tapestry of national culture.
According to Olga, providing Ukrainian designers with a platform to express themselves is of paramount importance in today's landscape. The Ukrainian jewelry industry, still in its formative stages, brims with remarkable potential, even among designers who have just embarked on their creative journey. Notably, Yevheniia Filipenko, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Office at Geneva, visited the stand adorned with jewelry by Ukrainian designers, acknowledging their talent and artistry. Esteemed jewelry experts, including Vivienne Becker, Thomas Faerber, Ronny Totah, Marie-Cécile Cisamolo, Richa Goyal Sikri, Milena Lazazzera, and others, also graced the Strong&Precious stand, appreciating the prowess of Ukrainian talents in the field of jewelry.
