On the note of uncommon luxury jewelers and their designs is that of Japanese jeweler Yoshinobu Kataoka of Kataoka Jewelry.
From what I’ve seen its very common for Japanese jewelers to convey the dainty feeling of all their designs. Kataoka is not exception to this ‘rule’. I think it has something to do with the modest Japanese culture- nothing too flashy or too over the top.
What especially caught my attention with Kataoka’s designs is that he literally drills holes in diamonds for his necklaces. Similar to Martin Margiela’s split sapphire ring, this jeweler is unafraid to ‘cut corners’ (in this case holes) to create new and refreshing looks.
I mean, diamonds to a lot of people are sacred things and the larger the better right? There’s always talk of quality and imperfections of diamonds lowering the price of shiny rocks but kataoka throws that idea away. He treats diamonds as you do with less pricey precious stones (rose quartz etc) the idea that you can manipulate a piece of rock to create wearable aesthetically pleasing pieces, albeit dainty expensive ones.
Needless to say, I love the idea of drilling holes into diamonds. It kind of reminds me of a passive aggressive front on blood diamonds and the diamond industry in general. Americans and I believe millennials are instilled with this idea that diamonds are forever. In addition that for a man to love a woman is to commit by spending one third of his annual income by buying her a diamond ring women are taught to aspire to the idea of marriage and the idea that getting ‘the ring’ is a common goal. That is not to say that is the case for all women, I am merely providing my musings.
But I digress. Most jewelers in this day and age I feel must confine by societal standards to make a living. That’s just how it is.
Current Song:
Hands to myself
By: Selena Gomez
Shine & Starfire 