CollectionsFeb 16, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s Tribute to TennesseeCollectionsFeb 23, 2024
Piece of the Week: Guzema’s ‘Freedom’ for Ukraine Pendant
Ukrainian jewelry designer Valeriya Guzema’s charitable “Freedom” collection is inspired by hope for the country’s future.
Saturday will mark two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UNICEF offered a painful-to-read description of what life has been like for the people there since Feb. 24, 2022.
“The children and families of Ukraine have endured almost two years of escalating violence, trauma, destruction, and displacement. Children continue to be killed, wounded, and deeply traumatized by violence that has sparked displacement on a scale and speed not seen since World War II,” it said.
A total of 3.7 million Ukrainians have been displaced internally due to the fighting, as per a joint study by the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and the Ukrainian government, while another 5.9 million Ukrainians have left the country.
Families have been separated and lives lost while civilian infrastructure, like schools and hospitals, continue to be destroyed, said UNICEF.
For jewelry designer Valeriya Guzema, founder of Ukrainian brand Guzema, hope remains.
“Since the beginning of the full-scale war that Russia has unleashed on our native land, we Ukrainians have been giving our souls every day to fight for freedom,” she said.
“For us, freedom has two colors—yellow and blue, the colors of our national flag.”
Guzema set up a charitable foundation, the Guzema Foundation, to support the people of Ukraine.
All proceeds from sales of jewels in her “Freedom” collection are donated to the cause.
This week’s Piece of the Week pick is Guzema’s “Freedom” heart-shaped pendant, available in 14-karat yellow or white gold on blue and yellow silk strings, a nod to Ukraine’s flag.
The heart shape is “a tangible expression of gratitude for every contributor,” said Guzema.
The pendant can be worn as a necklace or a bracelet, depending on how the wearer ties the silk cords.
The collection, said Guzema, was inspired by her “unwavering hope” for Ukraine’s future.
Available online, the large version of the pendant retails for $700 while the smaller version is $320.
Related stories will be right here …
UNICEF offered a painful-to-read description of what life has been like for the people there since Feb. 24, 2022.
“The children and families of Ukraine have endured almost two years of escalating violence, trauma, destruction, and displacement. Children continue to be killed, wounded, and deeply traumatized by violence that has sparked displacement on a scale and speed not seen since World War II,” it said.
A total of 3.7 million Ukrainians have been displaced internally due to the fighting, as per a joint study by the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and the Ukrainian government, while another 5.9 million Ukrainians have left the country.
Families have been separated and lives lost while civilian infrastructure, like schools and hospitals, continue to be destroyed, said UNICEF.
For jewelry designer Valeriya Guzema, founder of Ukrainian brand Guzema, hope remains.
Valeriya Guzema, founder of jewelry brand Guzema, wearing the “Freedom” pendant
“Since the beginning of the full-scale war that Russia has unleashed on our native land, we Ukrainians have been giving our souls every day to fight for freedom,” she said.
“For us, freedom has two colors—yellow and blue, the colors of our national flag.”
Guzema set up a charitable foundation, the Guzema Foundation, to support the people of Ukraine.
All proceeds from sales of jewels in her “Freedom” collection are donated to the cause.
This week’s Piece of the Week pick is Guzema’s “Freedom” heart-shaped pendant, available in 14-karat yellow or white gold on blue and yellow silk strings, a nod to Ukraine’s flag.
The heart shape is “a tangible expression of gratitude for every contributor,” said Guzema.
The pendant can be worn as a necklace or a bracelet, depending on how the wearer ties the silk cords.
The collection, said Guzema, was inspired by her “unwavering hope” for Ukraine’s future.
Available online, the large version of the pendant retails for $700 while the smaller version is $320.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement RingsFasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas EmissionsLate last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
Weekly QuizFeb 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment ServiceThe secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond DistrictOne of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ WatchThe brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond CollectionThe jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New CollectionThe collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to NashvilleThe trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ CharmFrom the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another WritedownThe moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2025
Registration Opens for Stuller’s Bench Jeweler WorkshopThe workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New OwnersTwo attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.
MajorsFeb 06, 2025
Oscar Heyman Employee Celebrates 60 Years With the Company Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
Hamilton Jewelers Revamps Palm Beach BoutiqueThe fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday SeasonIn its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in FebruaryCelebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.
MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, MembershipScheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.
SourcingFeb 04, 2025
New Deal With Botswana Is Done, De Beers Confirms The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.
