Washington DC witnessed a dazzling display of Ukrainian heritage and craftsmanship as the Strong and Precious Art Foundation unveiled an exclusive private jewellery exhibition on April 11th.
The event, held at Ukraine House, a prominent center for Ukrainian culture and hospitality, showcased six exquisite jewels, each bearing testament to a rich narrative inspired by Ukraine’s cultural legacy.
This marked the second exhibition by the Strong and Precious Art Foundation in the United States, solidifying its commitment to promoting Ukrainian fine jewellery on the global stage.
Marianna Falkova, executive director of Ukraine House, and Ruslan Falkov, director of International and Governmental Relations at Ukraine House, expressed their gratitude to the foundation and its founder, Olga Oleksenko, for bringing these unique pieces to the local community.
In their statement, they emphasized the significance of each jewel, not merely as adornments of wealth, but as embodiments of cultural heritage and storytelling.
Tiffany Stevens, CEO General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), conducted an insightful interview with Olga Oleksenko, delving into the inspiration behind the showcased pieces.
The JVC, a venerable non-profit organization dedicated to upholding ethics and policy standards in the jewellery industry, has been actively engaged in initiatives concerning consumer protection and ethical sourcing, including recent efforts in collaboration with government and trade bodies on issues such as Russian diamond sanctions and diamond traceability.
Olga Oleksenko, a curator of private collections and a seasoned art connoisseur, founded Strong and Precious as a response to the conflict in Ukraine, with a mission to elevate contemporary Ukrainian fine jewellery design and promote its symbolism and beauty worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Oleksenko underscored the importance of promoting Ukrainian culture amidst global awareness of the escalating conflict, stating that the exhibition, titled “How Precious UA,” held in Washington D.C., symbolized a call for peace and a brighter future for Ukraine and its people.