Dr. Tetyana Kovalenko, Chairwoman of Elite Stone Group, reflects on her family’s marble legacy, the artistry behind Made in Italy craftsmanship, and how sustainability and innovation are redefining luxury stone in contemporary architecture
Natural stone and marble used across bespoke interior applications
Natural stone and marble used across bespoke interior applications

What inspired the creation of Elite Stone and its focus on luxury natural stone?

The creation of Elite Stone builds upon a strong family heritage that predates the company itself, originally centred exclusively on marble quarrying. Our flagship quarry, Calacatta Gold in Carrara, is not only one of the most prestigious materials in the world but also one of our best-selling. Calacatta Gold belongs to the luxury goods segment and has historically been sought after for high-end projects, so the path into the luxury building field was already set.

When I began working in this field after graduating in geology in Rome, I developed a deep passion for the world of luxury, which inspired me to establish Elite Stone as a brand focused exclusively on luxury-segment natural stones — extending far beyond just Calacatta Gold. Through continuous research, passion, and significant investment in luxury marbles, Elite Stone has grown into the company it is today, offering an extensive selection of over 300 varieties of luxury materials. Each is meticulously curated and readily available in our warehouse to meet the needs of discerning architects and designers worldwide.

Another driving factor when I entered the business was recognising that Italian artisanal marble craftsmanship was highly segmented, and that few companies truly spoke the same architectural and design language as designers and architects. This insight led to the creation of our dedicated project division, composed of highly skilled artisans, engineers, and architects.

This team allows Elite Stone to transcend the traditional role of simply supplying marble. We now offer a full-cycle service — from initial professional consultation and design collaboration to meticulous fabrication and final delivery. This integrated approach has elevated our ability to meet the sophisticated demands of luxury projects and deepen partnerships with designers, ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with their vision.

How do you select and source the rare marbles and onyx in your collection?

In addition to materials from our own quarries, we source marbles and onyx from quarries around the world. Our selection and sourcing process is deeply rooted in over 20 years of personal experience, combined with close collaboration with architects and designers. We apply rigorous professional criteria similar to those used in evaluating diamonds — assessing colour, structure, the presence of defects, and overall rarity.

This highly specialised evaluation requires extensive direct quarry experience and expertise. Beyond the technical assessment, a refined understanding of our clients’ tastes and current design trends is essential to ensure that each material not only meets the highest quality standards but also resonates with the specific aesthetic vision of each project.

What sets Elite Stone apart from other premium stone suppliers globally?

What truly sets Elite Stone apart is our unique combination of heritage, expertise, and vertically integrated operations with full transparency. As the only producer in Dubai offering direct-from-quarry Italian marble with a clear and honest pricing structure, we ensure our clients know exactly where their stone comes from and how it was sourced.

Built on decades of family tradition in marble quarrying, we bring unmatched knowledge of luxury natural stone — from sourcing rare and exceptional materials to meticulous quality control. Our dedicated project division of artisans, engineers, and architects provides end-to-end solutions, from expert consultation to precision fabrication, ensuring every detail reflects the vision of architects and designers.

Moreover, we combine Italian heritage with a strong Middle Eastern presence, delivering global standards with local expertise. Our Dubai branch was established to provide the region with immediacy, exclusivity, and consistency. With access to over 300 luxury stone varieties, many of them exclusive, we don’t just supply materials — we create true works of art for prestigious projects worldwide.

How does Elite Stone collaborate with architects and designers to create bespoke solutions?

Collaboration lies at the heart of Elite Stone’s philosophy. We work closely with architects and designers from the earliest concept stage, offering expert guidance on material selection, finishes, slab layout, and technical feasibility. Our dedicated project division — comprising skilled artisans, engineers, and architects — ensures every detail is thoughtfully addressed.

To bring bespoke projects to life, we offer specialised services such as custom engineering, production, and unique surface finishes. We have also developed innovative products, including backlit walls, custom stone doors, and other bespoke solutions that push the boundaries of natural stone design.

We see ourselves as creative partners, translating ideas into tangible, refined surfaces that elevate each space through unparalleled craftsmanship.

What role does craftsmanship play in preserving the authenticity of “Made in Italy”?

Craftsmanship is fundamental to preserving the authenticity and prestige of the “Made in Italy” label. While high-quality raw material is essential, it is merely the potential to become a luxury surface. Only skilled and knowledgeable craftsmanship can transform it into a true luxury product. There is no standard process — each material and each block requires a bespoke, highly tailored approach.

At Elite Stone, craftsmanship embodies the deep-rooted Italian tradition of arte del maestro, where skills and knowledge are passed down through generations. This heritage ensures that every piece undergoes meticulous handwork by artisans who not only understand the technical aspects but also respect the soul of the stone.

This bespoke approach preserves and elevates each slab’s unique character, transforming it into a flawless, functional work of art. By harmonising time-honoured techniques with modern technology, we uphold the unmatched quality and heritage associated with Italian craftsmanship, reinforcing the global prestige of “Made in Italy” in the luxury natural stone industry.

How is sustainability reflected in your sourcing and production process?

Sustainability is an integral part of Elite Stone’s sourcing and production philosophy. Marble itself is a pure, carbon-free, and eco-friendly material, naturally formed over millions of years, making it one of the most environmentally harmonious materials available. Its durability and timeless beauty further support sustainability by offering exceptional longevity and reducing the need for replacement or renovation.

We prioritise responsible quarrying practices that minimise environmental impact and ensure careful management of natural resources. By working closely with our quarry partners, we support ethical extraction methods and promote sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Transparency is also key. Our clients can trace the origin of each stone and understand the sustainable practices behind it. Through this holistic approach, Elite Stone balances luxury with environmental responsibility, delivering timeless natural stone solutions with a positive impact on the planet.

What has been one of the most memorable or challenging projects you have worked on?

We proudly collaborate with some of the world’s most prestigious brands and developers. Elite Stone is a centralised supplier for the Richmond Group, which, among others, owns the Cartier brand — a testament to the trust placed in our expertise and quality.

One of the most memorable and challenging projects we undertook was for Cartier in Kuala Lumpur. Based solely on visualisations and design concepts, we engineered and produced uniquely curved backlit onyx walls, each rising eight metres high and intricately engraved with gold leaf.

This project required bespoke solutions at every stage — from the supporting structure and precision lighting integration to specialised production methods — all tailored to realise a singular vision. Our team’s ability to innovate and collaborate closely with designers allowed us to transform a complex concept into a breathtaking reality, exemplifying Elite Stone’s commitment to craftsmanship, technical excellence, and creative partnership.

How do you see natural stone and luxury surfaces evolving in future interior and architectural design trends?

Dr. Tetyana Kovalenko, Chairwoman of Elite Stone Group
Dr. Tetyana Kovalenko, Chairwoman of Elite Stone Group

Natural stone has been synonymous with luxury and sustainability throughout human history. Among these materials, Italian marble holds a singular legacy as an essential and timeless component of true luxury. Its unmatched beauty, rarity, and heritage represent the pinnacle of refined taste and artisanal mastery — a legacy that will remain steadfast even as design and technology evolve.

There is no other material that combines such enduring elegance with unparalleled durability. This makes natural stone the ideal choice for luxurious, long-lasting interiors and architectural works.

The Middle East’s growing focus on green and eco-sustainable luxury aligns perfectly with the ethos of natural stone. As the region embraces ambitious sustainability goals, the carbon-free composition, longevity, and recyclability of stone seamlessly support this new direction in luxury.

By harnessing innovations such as backlit and lightweight stone solutions, alongside digital technologies like 3D modelling and digital dry lay, designers can now visualise and execute sophisticated projects with greater precision. This reduces waste, minimises surprises, and pushes creative boundaries — all while honouring the artisanal craftsmanship that lies at the heart of Italian marble.

At the core of luxury is a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The legacy of Italian marble and the artisanal arte del maestro remains essential, ensuring that every surface is a work of art. Combined with advanced technology and sustainability, this legacy will continue to define the future of natural stone as the ultimate symbol of luxury.