The Jewel Box | Japan's Jewellery Almanac

Japonista · Japanese Jewellery Almanac

The Jewel Box

Made here. Arrived here. Cherished here. Seven ways into Japan's world of adornment, from the smallest pearl to the signatures of the great houses.

07 Chapters94 EntriesCollector's Library
Enter the Model Atlas
Chapter 01 / 07 · 23 Entries

Houses

The signatures of Japan and the international maisons collected here.

Japonista product photograph: Mikimoto Five-Row Akoya Pearl Choker, Graduated 3.5 to 7.3 mm, Yellow Gold Clasp, Case and BoxMikimoto01AkoyaExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: TasakiTasaki02PearlsSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: 4°C4°C03TokyoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Vendome AoyamaVendome Aoyama04TokyoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Star JewelryStar Jewelry05YokohamaSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: ageteagete06TokyoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: AHKAHAHKAH07TokyoSearch the archive ›Japonista product photograph: Tiffany & Co. Atlas Narrow Open Bangle, Sterling SilverTiffany & Co.08New YorkExplore models ›Japonista product photograph: Cartier B.love Ring, 18 Carat Gold, Double Band, Pink Sapphires and Diamond, Japanese Size 12 (EU 52)Cartier09ParisExplore models ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Allegra Domed Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Citrine and Diamond, Japanese Size 9Bulgari10RomeExplore models ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel 01A CC Clip-On Earrings with Black Rhinestones, Gold Tone, Made in France, with BoxChanel11ParisExplore models ›Japonista product photograph: Hermès Alea Bracelet, GM, Sterling Silver, 11 LinksHermès12ParisExplore models ›Japonista product photograph: Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Long Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold, Mother-of-Pearl, 90 cmVan Cleef & Arpels13ParisExplore models ›Japonista product photograph: Dior Vintage Domed Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond-Set Chevron Pattern, European Size 52Christian Dior14ParisExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Louis Vuitton × Takashi Murakami Panda Necklace Top in 18K White Gold with Diamonds and Gemstones, LimitedLouis Vuitton15ParisExplore models ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Goro'sGoro's16TokyoSearch the archive ›Japonista product photograph: Chrome Hearts 22K Gold 1 Ball Tiny CH Cross Charm Pendant, 1998 Stamped Bail, 11.7 gChrome Hearts17SilverExplore models ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: TrifariTrifari18CostumeSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: MonetMonet19CostumeSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Miriam HaskellMiriam Haskell20CostumeSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: BaccaratBaccarat21CrystalSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: LaliqueLalique22GlassSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: SwarovskiSwarovski23CrystalSearch the archive ›
Curated in Japan · 23 subjectsExplore all jewellery
Chapter 02 / 07 · 15 Entries

Stones

Nature's alphabet, read by origin, colour, cutting and care.

Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Allegra Ring, 18K White Gold, Citrine, Garnet and Diamond Pavé, Japanese Size 13Diamond24DiamondExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Akoya Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings, 18K Yellow Gold, Case and Service CertificateAkoya Pearl25AkoyaExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: South Sea PearlSouth Sea Pearl26South SeaSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Tahitian PearlTahitian Pearl27TahitianSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Freshwater PearlFreshwater Pearl28FreshwaterSearch the archive ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Vintage Bypass Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Oval Emerald and Diamond, Japanese Size 11.5Emerald29EmeraldExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chopard Happy Diamonds Clown Pendant Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, 60 cm Rope ChainRuby30RubyExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Sun Motif Ring, Yellow Sapphire and Diamonds, 18K Gold, Japanese Size 12, RefinishedSapphire31SapphireExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: JadeJade32HisuiSearch the archive ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Tubogas Cuff Bracelet, 18K Yellow Gold, Coral DiscsCoral33SangoExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: AmberAmber34KohakuSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: TortoiseshellTortoiseshell35BekkoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Rock CrystalRock Crystal36SuishōSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Power StonesPower Stones37IshiSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: BirthstonesBirthstones38TanjōsekiSearch the archive ›
Curated in Japan · 15 subjectsExplore all jewellery
Chapter 03 / 07 · 8 Entries

Metals and Marks

An intimate vocabulary of precious metal, purity and hallmarks.

Japonista product photograph: Hermès Ever Kelly Platinum Wedding Band, Pt950, Size 57, with Box and CertificatePlatinum39Pt900Explore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Allegra Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Blue Topaz, Peridot and Pink Tourmaline, Japanese Size 12Yellow Gold40K18Explore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Allegra Ring, 18K Yellow and White Gold, Cabochon Citrine, Peridot and Topaz, Japanese Size 11White Gold41K18WGExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Allegra Ring, 18K Pink Gold, Tourmaline, Amethyst and Blue Topaz, Japanese Size 16Pink Gold42K18PGExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chrome Hearts Cemetery Cross Ring, Sterling Silver, Japanese Size 23, 30.2 gSilver43925Explore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel CC Heart Clover Clip-On Earrings, Tortoiseshell Resin, Gold-Plated, 1995Gold-Plated44PlatingExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: 18K Yellow Gold Kihei Chain Necklace, 50 cm, 100.1 g, 9.1 mmKihei Chains45KiheiExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: HallmarksHallmarks46MarkSearch the archive ›
Curated in Japan · 08 subjectsExplore all jewellery
Chapter 04 / 07 · 11 Entries

Forms

From a pendant top to a ceremonial hair ornament: begin with silhouette.

Japonista product photograph: Cartier Spartacus Necklace, 18 Carat White Gold, Rectangular Link Chain, 45 cm, Lobster Clasp, Red Presentation CaseNecklaces47NecklaceExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel 1982 CC Pendant Necklace, Gilt Figaro Chain, VintagePendant Tops48PendantExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel 31 Cambon Shop Sign Brooch, Black Resin, Chain and Crystal CC, Spring 2024 (24S), with BoxChains49ChainExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Mikimoto Five-Row Akoya Pearl Choker, Graduated 3.5 to 7.3 mm, Yellow Gold Clasp, Case and BoxChokers50ChokerExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: BVLGARI Astrale Shield Design Ring, K18 Yellow Gold, Multicolor Gemstones and Diamonds, Size JP10 (US 5.25)Rings51SizeExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Vintage Tubogas Earrings, 18K Yellow and White Gold, Ribbed Bands, 27 mmEarrings52PiercedExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Baroque Pearl and CC Filigree Clip-On Earrings, 1980sClip Earrings53ClipExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel 99A Vintage White Resin CHANEL PARIS Link Bracelet with Silver-Tone Chain JointsBracelets54BraceletExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Black Leather Double-Strap Bangle with CC Print, Gilt Buckles, Autumn 2001 (01A)Bangles55BangleExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Plaque Pin, Gold ToneBrooches56BroochExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Black and Gilt Chain-Motif Hair Barrette with CC, 1997 (97A)Hair Ornaments57KanzashiExplore pieces ›
Curated in Japan · 11 subjectsExplore all jewellery
Chapter 05 / 07 · 16 Entries

Motifs

Tiny symbols with surprisingly long cultural lives.

Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Ribbed Heart Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Peridot and Blue Topaz, Japanese Size 13Heart58HeartExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Camellia Brooch, Crystal Pavé on Gunmetal, Autumn 2000 (00A)Flower59HanaExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Beret Brooch with Bow, Gilt Metal, Early VintageRibbon60RibbonExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Cross Brooch, Coloured Glass on Black Resin with Crystal Border, Gold Tone, Spring 2008 (08P)Cross61CrossExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chrome Hearts Butterfly Wrap Ring, 22K Gold, Japanese Size 11Butterfly62ChōExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Cartier Vintage Coiled Snake Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Emerald Eyes, European Size 53Animal63AnimalExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: CameoCameo64CameoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: InitialInitial65LetterSearch the archive ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel Crowned CC Clip-On Earrings, Polished Gilt, Autumn 1996 (96A)Crown66CrownExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Chanel CC Star and Feather Clip-On Earrings, Faux Pearl and Crystal, Gold Tone, 2019 Cruise (C19K), with BoxStar67HoshiExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Hermès Tassel Necklace, Sterling Silver, Open Quatrefoil Pendant, 81 cmClover68CloverExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Bvlgari Tubogas Serpent Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Heart-Cut Tourmaline, Diamonds, Japanese Size 10Serpent69SerpentExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Gianni Versace 1990s Six-Medallion Medusa Coin Bracelet with Greek Key Borders, Gold Tone, Made in ItalyKey70KeyExplore pieces ›Japonista product photograph: Gianni Versace 1990s Medusa Coin Bracelet, Fine Gold-Tone Links, Signed Clasp, 19.5 cm, with PouchCoin71CoinExplore pieces ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: AngelAngel72AngelSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: EternityEternity73EternitySearch the archive ›
Curated in Japan · 16 subjectsExplore all jewellery
Chapter 06 / 07 · 12 Entries

Crafts and Places

Japanese places and the workshops that make material memory visible.

Original Japonista editorial illustration: Toba and Ise-ShimaToba and Ise-Shima74PearlsSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: UwajimaUwajima75PearlsSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: KōfuKōfu76GemsSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: OkachimachiOkachimachi77MetalsSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: GinzaGinza78HousesSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: NagasakiNagasaki79BekkoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: KōchiKōchi80SangoSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: OwariOwari81ShippōSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: WajimaWajima82Maki-eSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Mokume-ganeMokume-gane83MetalSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: ObidomeObidome84SashSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Edo KirikoEdo Kiriko85GlassSearch the archive ›
Curated in Japan · 12 subjectsExplore all jewellery
Chapter 07 / 07 · 9 Entries

Reading a Piece

The collector's instruments: marks, papers, measurements and evidence.

Original Japonista editorial illustration: Condition RanksCondition Ranks86GradeSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Maker's MarksMaker's Marks87StampSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: CertificatesCertificates88ReportSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Guarantee CardsGuarantee Cards89CardSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Original BoxesOriginal Boxes90BoxSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Japanese Ring SizesJapanese Ring Sizes91SizeSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: Silver CareSilver Care92CareSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: AuthenticityAuthenticity93ProofSearch the archive ›Original Japonista editorial illustration: International DutiesInternational Duties94DutiesSearch the archive ›
Curated in Japan · 09 subjectsExplore all jewellery
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Every piece has a history. Begin with the house, the material, the motif or the maker's mark, and follow the clues into Japonista's collection.

Japonista Curation & Concierge · Japan