Strong & Precious art foundation will be making its third appearance at GemGenève this year, presenting yet another meticulously curated project that is set to astound and captivate its audience. Entitled “How Precious UA”, the project shines a light on the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture as a whole, showcasing and vividly depicting its rapid cultural development since time immemorial. A series of video materials on the exhibition will elevate the presentation of specifically handcrafted jewelry pieces, channeling the deep-rooted and treasured cultural identity of Ukraine. The presentation will showcase beloved and well-known national symbols such as wheat, sunflowers, storks and many more, painting a vivid picture of Ukraine’s rich cultural history.
‘Ukrainian culture has a rich history and strong appreciation for its cultural heritage, which it passes down through memory and significant artifacts. Strong & Precious aims to showcase this authenticity and reinvention over time, seamlessly integrating into the contemporary era,’ — share the founders Olga and Natasha. — ‘Through centuries, people have carried pieces of their identity through powerful symbols in pottery, folk clothing, music, and jewelry. The jewelry presented at the exhibition represents a fusion of the past and present, creating a path towards the future by using strong national symbols and the spirit of our culture. Most pieces are made with topaz from the Ukrainian Volyn deposit, renowned for its unique color, which adds to the authenticity of our designs.’
At this year’s exhibition, the Strong & Precious art foundation will present six breathtaking pieces that epitomize the intersection of traditional Ukrainian culture and contemporary design. This masterful fusion of past and present is a true testament to the foundation’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the timeless beauty of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
A selection of both big and small brands in Ukrainian industry will be showcased at the event, including Nomis Jewelry, Inesa Kovalova, Drutis Jewelry, Gunia Project and Yuval Studios.
Nomis Jewelry has masterfully created a black pearl necklace with a cross pendant, which represents the timeless concept of light and darkness. The pearls on the necklace are arranged in binary code to spell out the word “freedom”. Hence, the piece symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, with the black pearl reminding us that freedom always follows even the darkest times, searching for a glimmer of light.
Inessa’s brooch named ‘Links’ combines industrial structures and nature’s beauty with a Donbass industry-inspired structure made of titanium and 18k gold adorned with diamonds and a rare, high-quality sunny heliodor from Volodarsk Volynskii, symbolizing unity between East and West, man-made and nature, and the designer’s connection to Ukraine, with the stone’s life-cycle and production practices being important factors.
The idea behind Drutis Jewelry’s mUAvement Ring is that in a fragile and delicate world, there are simultaneously some permanent and fixed things that unite and drive people. Ukraine is driven by a Bright future for our country, which is represented by a clear, pure and natural Volyn Topaz. The ring’s cog has been crafted from Mariupol steel and Ukrainian nickel. The ring is set in gold, as we are driven by our precious united freedom-loving people.
The ‘Kolosinnia’ necklace by Yuval Studios serves as a symbol of Ukraine’s indomitable spirit, with a design inspired by the metallurgy of Donbas, golden wheat ears of the South, and a whorl resembling a twisting mountain road in the Carpathians.
GUNIA Project‘s one-of-a-kind gold and diamond necklace represents the unparalleled advancement and symbolism of Trypillian culture, accompanied by carefully developed packaging that follows the contours and texture of the Trypillian Venus.
Strong & Precious art foundation will proudly unveil their debut piece, a stunning onyx earrings set, intricately crafted to draw inspiration from the traditional vyshyvanka, a beloved Ukrainian embroidered shirt, in a fitting tribute to the occasion. It is the main item of the exhibition, created especially for the How precious UA.
The designers behind these creations drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Ukraine, its rich architectural heritage, and the captivating artistry of visual art. By seamlessly integrating these elements with traditional symbols, they have created a truly stunning collection that captures the essence of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition promises to be a true feast for the senses, a celebration of Ukraine’s vibrant and storied cultural history, expertly brought to life through the art of contemporary jewelry design.
About GemGenève
GemGenève represents a unique hub where jewellery designers, dealers in precious stones, retailers, collectors, connoisseurs and buyers both professional and private can all gather under the same roof. Over the course of four days, GemGenève offers an opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces and be inspired by a community of specialists in the field of gemmology and jewellery. It’s a laboratory of creativity and innovation, bringing together recognised designers and emerging talents, a world of design, of rare gems, of antique and contemporary jewellery. Created by exhibitors for exhibitors, GemGenève offers a platform for expression and exchange that encompasses passion, expertise and education.
For more information please visit https://gemgeneve.com/
Strong & Precious contact information:
Strong & Precious Website and Instagram.
Olga Oleksenko — curator of the Strong & Precious project, jewelry expert, collector.
Natasha Kietiene — curator of the Strong & Precious project, marketing communications expert of jewelry brands.
