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.
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.
Gem Geneve November 2022
Ukrainian jewelry brands made a notable appearance at the prestigious GemGeneve, 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 GemGeneve, 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.
Sotheby’s x S&P November 2022
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.
Natalia Kietiene, ex-co-curator of the Strong&Precious Art Foundation and an expert in marketing communications for jewelry brands, 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."
Olga Oleksenko, a jewelry collector and founder of the art foundation, gratefully acknowledged the invaluable support, adding “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.”
Gem Geneve May 2022
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 and Natalia Kietiene 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 and Natalia (ex-co-curator till June 2023) , 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.
