To the jewels that carry my father's scent.
Deep in a drawer, there were treasured items carefully stored away.
Cufflinks and tie tacks made of pearl, opal, citrine, and smoky quartz, a tie bar, and a loose amethyst stone. All of them once worn by her father. Most of them were men's items, so they remained quietly unused, as she couldn't wear them herself.
"I'd like to create one brooch using these," she said.
When she said that, I felt like I connected with the jewels.
The client had previously entrusted her jewelry remodels to a specific craftsman, but after his retirement, she hadn't been able to find another place for a while. Because these items were so precious, she couldn't just leave them anywhere. Amidst this, she made her way to 440showroom.
After taking them in, I continued to gaze at the jewels for some time.
Her request was "for the stones to be scattered, with volume yet lightness." Given her profession, which often requires wearing jackets, she wanted a piece that could be worn for both formal and casual occasions. She also wanted to wear it on her right chest, so I aimed to create a design that felt like the world was expanding towards the right.
The chosen motif was the "Symphoricarpos."
This deciduous shrub, native to North America, bears abundant pearl-like white berries in autumn. Even after its leaves fall, the white berries remain on the branches, maintaining their beauty throughout winter. Its flower language is "everlasting devotion." It is also said to be a flower to give to someone who is always gently by your side.
The gems that had been sleeping in the drawer and her feelings for her father overlapped with this plant.
At its center is a large oval-cut amethyst. Its deep purple becomes the heart of this piece.This amethyst was apparently a gift from her father to her mother. From husband to wife, and then to daughter. I once again felt the weight of time that the stone had connected.
A stem extends, with bright citrine and opal on the upper branches, and deep orange citrine and opal on the lower branches. A smoky quartz sits in the lower right, as if rooting itself.
And to the left, the most striking part of this piece. The berries of the Symphoricarpos are represented by pearls. Various sizes of pearls are three-dimensionally arranged, as if spilling from the tips of the branches.
The platinum leaves spread out at various angles as if swaying in the wind, creating breathing room between the stones.
The total length is about 7 centimeters. It's hard to convey in photos, but each branch has a different height, extending three-dimensionally in space like a real plant. I hope you'll notice that when you hold it.
Actually, I proposed two design options this time. The other modern design, which uses a triangular form, is currently in progress as a separate brooch. Two stories are about to be born, each in their own form.
On the day of delivery, I was delighted that she was pleased. And a little while later, she visited 440showroom again. To discuss a new brooch. The words she said then were,
"I love how Mr. Omori uses space."
Hearing that she had been unable to find anyone since her long-time craftsman retired made those words incredibly gratifying. I believe that her returning as a repeat customer is the most honest feedback.
When pinned to the right side of your chest, the plant expands to the right. There, your father's pearls, opals, and amethyst come to life in a new form.
Just like the flower language of Symphoricarpos, "everlasting devotion," your father's jewels will continue to be by your side. Changed in form, yet undeniably there.
Not in a drawer, but on your chest.
Next time, we will introduce two other pieces created from the same father's jewelry. Red stone cufflinks and a tie tack transformed into earrings and a brooch.
Pearl and Colored Stone Brooch Remodel
Item: Brooch
Material: Pt
Gems: Pearl, Amethyst, Citrine, Opal, Smoky Quartz
Production: Approx. 3 months
Cost: ¥814,000 (tax included)
Design: Kanae Omori
*Please note that the jewelry introduced in this article has a difference between the production and posting dates, so the cost may vary due to fluctuations in metal and gem prices. Also, the size, type, and design of gems are customized for each client.
Additionally, for this order, we traded in the client's existing metal, and the final payment was the amount after deducting the trade-in value from the above cost.
Consultations for remodels and custom orders are by appointment at the 440showroom in Hanzomon. If you have any concerns or questions before your visit, please feel free to contact us via our official LINE.
▶ [Consult via LINE]
▶ [Book your visit here]