For one day in Washington, two organizations come together to highlight Ukrainian jewelry and the beauty of its artisans.
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Washington, D.C. April 16, 2024-
Why is it so important to support artists? From designers, to embroiderers, to jewelers, the people who make the items we love and treasure, should hold a greater value than the sparkling dress or necklace we wear. But, all too often, while the items grace the pages of sparkling adverts, the voices of the people who make them are unheard and their acknowledgment is rarely made. In the fashion industry, this lack of acknowledgement has allowed corruption, human rights violations, and the misuse of money to run rampant throughout the industry.
The jewelry industry is no different. This is why two organizations, with a mission to highlight artisans and prevent corruption, came together for an evening to support artists and their livelihoods; in particular Ukrainian jewelers impacted by the war.
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In mid-April, the Ukraine House hosted Olga Oleksenko, founder of The Strong and Precious Art Foundation, and Tiffany Stevens, CEO and General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC). The topics for discussion revolved around supporting artisans to bolster local economies and celebrate culture and resilience. The private jewelry exhibition displayed an array of stunning Ukrainian jewels. The function, graced by local attendees and media representatives, highlighted six exceptional jewels, each narrating a distinct tale of artistry, ancestry, and symbolism drawn from Ukraine.
This event signifies the second Strong & Precious exhibition in the USA, following the NYC Jewelry Week displayed last autumn at Mriya Gallery in Tribeca. Marianna Falkova, Executive Director of Ukraine House, and Ruslan Falkov, Director of International and Governmental Relations at Ukraine House issued a shared statement saying “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.”
Highlights of the evening included the “Freedom” necklace by Nomis. Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, the necklace features pearls arranged in binary code spelling out the word ‘freedom.’ Inesa Kovalova‘s “Links Brooch” is is a testament to the country’s rich heritage and resilience, with both the heliodor gemstone and the titanium mined in Ukraine. The “mUAvement” Ring from Drutis Jewellery is crafted from Ukrainian materials, including steel and nickel from Mariupol. The cog of the ring embodies local craftsmanship and resilience.
“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,” Tiffany Stevens said. For nearly 110 years, JVC has been a nonprofit has focused on ethics and policy in the jewelry industry. Their primary focus lies in safeguarding consumer interests through scrutinized advertising, battling corruption, and combating money laundering. Recently, JVC has been instrumental in liaising between the government and trade sectors regarding diamond traceability.
In May, the Strong and Precious Foundation will continue representing Ukrainian artisans at the GemGenève. The prestigious event showcases the finest gemstones from around the world and the foundation will present a collection of jewels paying homage to the Trypillians, a group of people who lived in what is now Ukraine between 5,500 BC – 2750 BC.
“Our mission is to nurture Ukrainian talent and support the development of the country’s jewellery industry,” Olga said. “Keeping Ukraine in the spotlight is crucial, especially as its citizens persist, needing hope, aid, and international support during the war. We are delighted to see our designers growing their brands, many as a direct result of the exposure gained through the Strong & Precious collaboration,” she explained.