Pearl FALCO. SingaLife Weekly. Maiko Makito’s Interview with a Pearl FALCO Master Jeweler
Pearl FALCO wishes to thank SingaLife for featuring members of the Pearl FALCO community and team members in a series of six articles about Pearl FALCO’s “Jewelry Makers,” which we will be posting in the coming weeks. SingaLife’s original articles were published in Japanese, and are translated into English here. In this article, Maiko Makito introduces Pearl FALCO’s Master Jeweler, Mr Kunihiro Nakanishi.
Pearl Experts Make Ise Shima & Cultured Pearls Sing
Thanks to Ise Shima’s unique ecology and the dedicated efforts of so many people over the last 120 years, sustainable pearl cultivation continues to thrive here in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls.
Introducing Mr Kunihiro Nakanishi. Maker of Pearl FALCO’s World Class Luxury Pearl Jewelry
Born and raised in Mie Prefecture Japan, after graduating from high school, Kunihiro landed a job in the auto industry building engines. By the age of 25, Kunihiro understood how he wanted to dedicate his life’s work to making things with his own hands, and the journey began.
Before becoming an independent craftsman at the age of 30, Kunihiro worked under the apprenticeship of a goldsmith. All the while Kunihiro continued to hone his craft, a calling that continues to compel him to do great work every day.
For Mr Nakanishi, Handcrafting Heirloom Quality Luxury Pearl Jewelry Is “Just Another Day at the Office”
Even now as an independent young craftsman, Mr. Nakanishi reflects on how his ‘education’ is far from over. “The learning process never ends, which helps make every day’s new endeavors even more personally rewarding.”
As the jewelry industry becomes increasingly more mechanized, Kunihiro explains how his passion for making handmade works of art matches his vision, “To make exquisite one-of-a-kind designs that will satisfy customers for a lifetime and beyond.”
“In recent years, especially with the arrival of 3D Printing, it has become relatively easier to make jewelry, and cheaper lower quality jewelry seems to be making a comeback. Definitely not a path Pearl FALCO is interested in pursuing.”
In this process of helping to shape jewelry concepts from customers and designers, Mr Nakasnishi feels a tremendous sense of responsibility.
Inevitably, as the number of people involved in crafting handmade jewelry in Japan continues to decrease, the rarity of “handmade” luxury jewelry made in Japan becomes more precious than ever.
Mr Nakanishi Can’t Think of Anything He Would Rather Be Doing
Mr Nakanishi explains how, “Today’s design is the last work I am involved with in helping to shape, a concept that drives me to do my level-best with every design. This is what drives me.”
“Grown in nature, no two pearls are ever alike. Unlike diamonds made beautiful by shaving, pearls are different from other forms of jewelry in that a sphere cultivated in nature is made into exquisite works of jewelry with a symmetrical balance of left, right, front, back, top and bottom.”
Without Exception, Great Design Involves Collaboration with Customers and Fellow Designers
As with any human endeavor, there are always challenges and difficulties. However, the sense of accomplishment when making jewelry that helps Pearl FALCO customers realize a moment in their lives to be cherished and a chapter as yet to be fully realized, continues to captivate Mr Nakanishi’s imagination.
Mr Nakanishi, with eyes shining like jewels, “In the present age when the number of not only metal engravers but also craftsmen continues to decrease,” Mr Nakanishi wants to leave the “taste” that craftsmen today create great works that will have a connection with and will be fully appreciated by future generations.
A Few of Mr Nakanishi’s Favorite Nature-Inspired Flowing Akoya Pearl Designs
What It Means to Be a Luxury Pearl Jewelry Maker from Ise Shima Japan
As any native of Ise Shima Japan will tell you, climate change is having a significant impact on sustainable Akoya pearl cultivation practices throughout the region. When Akoya Pearls are incorporated into a design, Mr Nakanishi is underlining that bond with nature that Akoya Mother Oysters require to create some of the world’s finest pearls. An understanding and appreciation we hope you will be able to share with friends and family, as we all work together to alleviate the worst effects of climate change.
In Jewelry Design, It’s About the Wearer
In design, just as architects might consider the future occupants of their designs, or graphic designers might think about their viewing audience, first and foremost, jewelers have the wearer of their jewelry in mind.
How will this piece feel to the touch or on the skin? How will this design inspire gratitude, confidence, or maybe a positive or empathetic tone for the wearer and for the important people they are with?
Great Design Is Never Forced, It Flows
In nature, orthogonal angles, shapes and symmetry are far more subtle and elusive than we tend to appreciate.
Of these works shown, Mr Nakanishi experiments with nature inspired flowing designs, integrating White Baby Akoya Pearls with 18K Gold Diamond ‘Flowing Lines’ to create asymmetrical pendant arrangements.
As Mr Nakanishi explains, “I can sense when the design process is ‘headed in the right direction.’ It is when I become increasingly enthusiastic about what is taking shape before my eyes.”
A delicate balancing act, weaving Akoya pearls with gold and diamonds into simple and elegant one-of-a-kind works of art. As expected, these latest designs are quickly becoming popular best sellers in both Singapore and Japan.
Of course, we welcome you to explore these and other designs, ask about custom designs you may have in mind or maybe set up a time to visit our Singapore Gallery.
Pearl FALCO has been sharing handcrafted luxury pearl jewelry with our customers and clients for over 30 years. With your continued support, we look forward to serving you, your family members and friends for now and the next 30 years!
