Hello everyone.
I'm Omori, the designer.
Memories, recollections, warmth, scents – in our daily lives, there are moments when a small trigger causes a piece of memory that was dormant deep in our hearts to fall into place and become vivid.
The cameo reform I'm introducing this time is a story that began from just such a moment.
One day, I received this inquiry via Instagram DM:
"I'd like to reform a cameo necklace my father gave me as a souvenir from a business trip to Europe when I was a child, into a brooch that I can wear on special occasions, like celebrations. However, it might not be a real cameo, but would it still be possible to work with it?"
It seems the customer saw our past reform examples and contacted us.
And they consulted with us, bringing a design drawing for the brooch that they had carefully thought through themselves.
The design, meticulously crafted over a long period, was packed with attention to detail, and just looking at it conveyed the customer's passion.
Receiving that sentiment, it was the moment I resolved to dedicate myself fully to this project.
First, to see the cameo necklace, they made an appointment and visited our store.
The material surrounding the cameo was not common for jewelry, and there was some concern about whether it could be processed.
However, we found a method suitable for the customer's desired design and concept, and decided to proceed with a design that utilized the existing frame surrounding the cameo.
Cameo necklace before reform
The customer's desired design was for gold to radiate around the cameo, with pearls scattered randomly throughout.
To suit celebrations and formal occasions, we carefully adjusted the details to create a gorgeous and modern impression.
In the final design proposal, to maximize the charm and memories of the precious cameo, we retained the antique-style decoration and added randomly spreading gold lines to the outer frame.
Pearls were a mix of Akoya and freshwater pearls, with a random arrangement of various colors and sizes such as white, pink, yellow, gray, and black.
Cameo brooch after reform
This created a three-dimensional effect, resulting in an elegant design that harmonized with the cameo's orange color and the gold.
The finished brooch measures approximately 5cm in height and 4cm in width, giving it a substantial presence.
Cameo brooch after reform
When the customer saw the finished product, they were extremely satisfied.
For the customer, the cameo necklace they brought in was a precious item filled with childhood memories.
It was a gift from her father, sent via airmail, with the wish that she would wear it for her piano recital when she was in elementary school.
As an adult, while organizing her belongings, she found the airmail and was reminded of its existence.
"I felt my father's kindness anew, and I want to wear this cameo for my son's special day." I am truly honored to have been entrusted with a reform imbued with such feelings.
Cameo brooch after reform
Reform is not just about redesigning.
It's about imbuing that jewelry with thoughts and memories, and bringing it back to life in a way that fits a modern lifestyle.
And it's an important process of supporting the wearer until they can cherish it.
I am truly grateful to have been able to help weave such a wonderful story.
And I hope that the revived memories, recollections, warmth, and scent through this reform will continue to shine for the customer and their family.
In fact, along with the cameo brooch, I was also entrusted with two earring reforms.
The story of these earrings will be in the next blog post. Please look forward to it.
Cameo Brooch Reform
Item: Brooch
Material: K18
Gemstones: Akoya, freshwater pearls
Production period: Approximately 3 months
Design: Kanae Omori