Innovation and Craftsmanship in Every Crystal

At Preciosa, innovation, precision, and craftsmanship define every crystal. Leading this process is Simona Holubová, Head of Product and Services, who balances creativity with technical excellence to develop products that meet market demands and sustainability standards.

Simona Holubová, Head of Product and Services

A Journey into Crystal Innovation

From custom luxury developments to portfolio-wide innovations, Simona’s role connects design, production, and customer needs. “It’s not just about what we can make—it’s about what makes sense for the customer, the supply chain, and the future,” she explains. Simona’s path began during her studies in International Business at the Technical University of Liberec. A summer job through Preciosa’s Crystal Challenge led to a full-time role, and by 2022, she was leading the Product and Services department.

Preciosa: What does your day-to-day look like in this role?
SH: It’s incredibly varied, which I love. A large part of my job is coordinating with other departments—R&D, Production, Sales, Quality—to make sure our portfolio evolves in a way that’s technically possible but also strategically sound. We’re constantly asking: Can we produce it? Can we scale it? And does it make sense for us to offer it long-term from both an economic and ecological perspective? At the same time, we’re taking on specific requests from some of our most important customers, many of whom require detailed certifications, audits, or sustainability assurances so there’s a lot of structure and planning involved.

Preciosa: Preciosa is known throughout the industry for its customized developments. How important is that to your work?
SH: It’s central. Many innovations start as custom projects. They push us technically and creatively, provide market insights, and strengthen customer relationships. Not every custom product becomes standard, but standout pieces often become portfolio heroes.

Preciosa: Speaking of portfolio heroes, what makes the ss3 Chaton Rose MAXIMA so technically impressive and commercially important?
SH: Our ss3 Chaton Rose MAXIMA isonly 1.40mm in diametr and yet it requires the same level of facet precision as larger stones. It has 12 precise facets instead of the industry-standard 8, delivering unmatched brilliance. It’s highly sought after for footwear, handbags, couture, and ready-to-wear, offering fluid, all-over sparkle.

Preciosa: What innovations are clients most excited about right now?

SH: Color remains a major focus. Brands want fresh, distinctive shades that align with their identity. Vivid Siam, our cadmium-free red, is a key highlight—vibrant, bold, and eco-conscious. It’s popular across fashion, accessories, and jewelry.

Preciosa: Do you have a personal favorite portfolio item?

SH: I love Malibu Blue for its boldness, but my all-time favorite is the pink Permanent Color Treated (PCT) cubic zirconia shades—they’re vibrant, joyful, and technically impressive.

Preciosa: What do you enjoy most about working at Preciosa?

SH: The variety, absolutely. Every day presents a new challenge—from custom client requests to product launches—and seeing ideas come to life on the runway is incredibly rewarding.