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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
