As my debut collection takes shape, I am turning my attention to the other aspects of creating a jewelry brand - and let me tell you, there are many! One of the key decisions is to figure out how to package the jewelry.
Packaging is crucial because it literally frames the product. When a client receives a piece, they will see and touch the packaging before the actual jewelry.
I had an appointment with a packaging supplier in Tokyo last week and visited their showroom. This was a completely new experience for me and I had a lot of fun examining all sorts of boxes and pouches. I found a box that matched my vision and chose a sample in a color scheme I like (creme/brown/gold). Everything seemed pretty straightforward. The only small snafu was that they don’t sell inserts for the box (jewelry is almost always positioned in an insert when sold so that it doesn’t tangle or scratch in the package).
As I cycled home pondering how to get an insert for the box, an idea struck: What if the insert was reusable and also wearable?
I love pretty much any traditional Japanese craft. One of my favorite forms I’ve tried before is aizome, the art of dyeing cloth with indigo. I thought that a really powerful packaging idea would be to dye a small handkerchief and use that as the insert.
As soon as I got home I rushed off my bike to fold a handkerchief into a box insert. I’m still playing around with the best configuration, but I think the idea is worth exploring. The gold jewelry pops beautifully against the indigo cloth and I like that the collector can wear the handkerchief as a hair or neck scarf if they’d like.
So because of this little problem of a supplier not providing a foam box insert, I may have a new brand color scheme (cream/gold/indigo), a sustainable and unique packaging solution, and a new traditional craft that I get to do more frequently.
New piece: Cascading Hoops
Gold hoops are a wardrobe staple for most women. I wanted my own take to be organic and appear as if it has movement.
I am really pleased with how these hoops turned out. To me, the hoops look like they were torn into creation with ease - which I love - but in reality it took quite a few attempts until I made a version with the right thickness, ribboning, and shape.
The streaming texture of the Mitsuro wax pulls the eye over the piece, giving visual interest to a classic shape. The hoops look and feel luxurious in gold, but also a bit undone due to the texture.
The other week I bought a few Akoya pearls. I love these hoops so much that I want to make a one-of-a-kind version incorporating those pearls. So stay tuned over the coming months!
Works in-progress
This past week had a heavy focus on rings.
At metalsmithing school I am working on a ring with a symmetrical pillowing design. The Sensei gave me a few pointers about how to hold the ring and the most efficient way to position the file over it. I’ve really noticed an improvement in my skill and speed at shaping rings.
In my home studio, I progressed a knotted ring that I’ve been refining for a while. I tried a few versions of the ring with different bands, but I think the latest version with the thin, rounded band looks the cleanest.
What inspired me recently:
My boyfriend and I spent a lovely weekend in Kyoto for Kyotographie! It is a photography festival that we go to annually where different artists from around the world host exhibitions in unique temples and venues throughout the city. I particularly enjoyed the Komorebi ceramic art installation by Inma Barrero and Graciela Iturbide’s photography exhibition.
