"Hanazakari" hairpin/pendant/ring. K18 yellow gold, platinum, amethyst, emerald, green garnet, sapphire, diamond, morganite, ruby."Hanazakari" hairpin/pendant/ring. K18 yellow gold, platinum, amethyst, emerald, green garnet, sapphire, diamond, morganite, ruby.

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Art or craft? japanese high jewelry

2019.10.11

4. Express yourself with jewelry created using the latest technology
Beauty of Kyoto: “Imayo”

One of the roles of jewelry is to fill your soul with moisture. This gorgeous spherical jewelry allows you to admire the flowers of the four seasons: cherry blossoms, wisteria, maple, and plum blossoms. The motif is carefully crafted in every detail, and the color selection of the jewels is a work that evokes emotion. It can be worn as a hairpin or as a ring by attaching an arm.
"Hanazakari" hairpin/pendant/ring. K18 yellow gold, platinum, amethyst, emerald, green garnet, sapphire, diamond, morganite, ruby. 50,000,000 yen excluding tax

European and American high jewelry is said to be characterized by its dynamic design and craftsmanship. On the other hand, Japanese jewelry has a design that embodies a ``delicate'' sensibility and a refined technique of ``precision.'' The brilliance of Japanese high jewelry, which is considered both art and craft, creates jewelry that seems to penetrate the soul. Premium Japan will introduce carefully selected brands.

Jewelry generally refers to accessories introduced from the West, such as necklaces, earrings, and rings, but accessories can also be expanded to include obidome, which are essential to Japanese clothing, as well as hairpins and combs, which were popular from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. It has been said that Japan has no history of jewelry, but this is only limited to Western jewelry.

 

Imayo in Kyoto has been producing Japanese ornaments for over 150 years. Established in 1861, the company incorporated domestically available materials such as tortoiseshell, jade, and coral into its haberdashery products, and as it began to interact with other countries in the 1900s, it began handling diamonds and colored stones as well. In recent years, they have started developing original brands, releasing ICHAROI in 2010 and kagayoi, introduced here, in 2014.

"Hanaougi" ring. Platinum ruby ​​(2.68ct), pink sapphire (1.45ct), diamond (4.12ct). 10,000,000 yen excluding tax "Hanaougi" ring. Platinum ruby ​​(2.68ct), pink sapphire (1.45ct), diamond (4.12ct). 10,000,000 yen excluding tax

It looks like a brooch at first glance, but it's actually a ring. The large ruby ​​is designed to fit between your fingers, and the gentle flow of the tassel creates an elegant look on your hand.
"Hanaougi" ring. Platinum ruby ​​(2.68ct), pink sapphire (1.45ct), diamond (4.12ct). 10,000,000 yen excluding tax


Jewelry themed on hydrangeas, Japanese flowers that bloom all at once in early summer. Jewelry themed on hydrangeas, Japanese flowers that bloom all at once in early summer.

A collection that expresses the encounters of people passing through the grid-like streets of Kyoto. When you look at it up close, you'll be amazed at its detailed construction and expressive power. It can be worn as a brooch or a pendant to change the look. It is highly versatile and fun-filled jewelry.
"Hana Koushi" brooch/pendant. platinum diamond. (16.64ct, 3.76ct) 18,000,000 yen excluding tax

The concept of kagayoi is "Awakening the brilliance." The designer who worked on the development said that by looking at Japan from the outside while living abroad, he sensed Japanese culture and goodness that he had not noticed before. When he returned to Kyoto, he began to draw out the unique charm of this country in his designs. The design drawings were realized using traditional craftsmanship techniques that have been passed down in Imayo for over 150 years and computer technology. At first glance, craftsmanship and computers may not seem to match, but Imayo believes that cutting-edge technology is necessary to improve precision, and this flexibility is the key to kagayoi's beauty.

"Kaguruma" necklace. Platinum diamond (0.50ct, 14.00ct). 18,000,000 yen excluding tax "Kaguruma" necklace. Platinum diamond (0.50ct, 14.00ct). 18,000,000 yen excluding tax

A necklace inspired by the lightly spinning wheels of a glittering imperial carriage.
"Kaguruma" necklace. Platinum diamond (0.50ct, 14.00ct). 18,000,000 yen excluding tax

``Imayo'' explains that kagayoi is ``not a Japanese-style design brand.'' The design source is Kyoto's traditional features, but it is the essence, and the finished product is calculated to match every style of fashion for modern women, from everyday fashion to special occasions. When dressing up for a ceremony overseas, wearing a kagayoi is sure to attract attention.

Text by Ikuko Watanabe (INK inc.)
Photography by ©IMAYO

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