CollectionsNov 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Verdura for Chanel Cuff From the ‘30sCollectionsDec 08, 2023
Piece of the Week: A ‘Strong & Precious’ Brooch
Centered on a sunny heliodor, the “Links” pin was designed by Ukrainian jewelry artist Inesa Kovalova.
There was so much jewelry worth covering during New York City Jewelry Week 2023, it’s hard to know where to start.
But one of the pieces from the Strong & Precious Art Foundation seems like a good jumping-off point.
Founded in April 2022, just a few months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Strong & Precious is the brainchild of Ukraine native Olga Oleksenko.
Oleksenko is a jewelry connoisseur who was the director of the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Kyiv for a decade and, later, became the brand’s ambassador in Ukraine.
Strong & Precious is Oleksenko’s way of bringing Ukrainian jewelry designers and their talents to the fore in a time of conflict and difficulty for the country.
During Jewelry Week, Strong & Precious showcased pieces from five designers at Mriya, a Ukrainian art gallery in New York’s TriBeCa neighborhood.
The one-of-a-kind creations tell stories of blackouts, freedom, hope, the country’s heritage, and its natural resources.
Among the pieces was designer Inesa Kovalova’s incredible “Links” brooch.
Crafted in titanium and 18-karat gold, the centerpiece of the pin is an eye-catching 38.53-carat heliodor from Ukraine’s Volodarsk-Volynskii Mine, which is known for producing top-quality heliodors as well as fine specimens of another beryl, aquamarine.
Resembling a deconstructed paperclip, Kovalova found inspiration for the piece in the industrial landscapes of the Donbas region, an area of eastern Ukraine ravaged by war.
It symbolizes the unbreakable bond between eastern and western Ukraine, as well as between the country’s cities—expressed through the sleek, gray titanium—and its natural beauty, brought to life by this sunny heliodor.
Learn more about Kovalova and her work on her website.
Related stories will be right here …
But one of the pieces from the Strong & Precious Art Foundation seems like a good jumping-off point.
Founded in April 2022, just a few months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Strong & Precious is the brainchild of Ukraine native Olga Oleksenko.
Oleksenko is a jewelry connoisseur who was the director of the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Kyiv for a decade and, later, became the brand’s ambassador in Ukraine.
Strong & Precious is Oleksenko’s way of bringing Ukrainian jewelry designers and their talents to the fore in a time of conflict and difficulty for the country.
During Jewelry Week, Strong & Precious showcased pieces from five designers at Mriya, a Ukrainian art gallery in New York’s TriBeCa neighborhood.
Another shot of Inesa Kovalova’s “Links” brooch, this one taken at the Mriya gallery by the author
The one-of-a-kind creations tell stories of blackouts, freedom, hope, the country’s heritage, and its natural resources.
Among the pieces was designer Inesa Kovalova’s incredible “Links” brooch.
Crafted in titanium and 18-karat gold, the centerpiece of the pin is an eye-catching 38.53-carat heliodor from Ukraine’s Volodarsk-Volynskii Mine, which is known for producing top-quality heliodors as well as fine specimens of another beryl, aquamarine.
Resembling a deconstructed paperclip, Kovalova found inspiration for the piece in the industrial landscapes of the Donbas region, an area of eastern Ukraine ravaged by war.
It symbolizes the unbreakable bond between eastern and western Ukraine, as well as between the country’s cities—expressed through the sleek, gray titanium—and its natural beauty, brought to life by this sunny heliodor.
Learn more about Kovalova and her work on her website.
More on Collections
The Latest
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in ArkansasThey discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.
