The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail demonstrated by many Japanese designers have long been valued by art and jewellery lovers around the world. Over the years, the country’s superlative artistry has also inspired other jewellery designers globally.

Jewellery by Mitsuhiro Matsuda

Jewellery by Mitsuhiro Matsuda

Jewellery by Mitsuhiro Matsuda

Designs by Jurio Fujita

Inspired by the beauty of plum blossoms, this necklace designed by Kazuo Kikui is set with rubies and diamonds

In today's market where changes are inevitable, three established jewellery designers from Japan share their secrets to staying passionate about their craft.

Mitsuhiro Matsuda

With over 43 years of experience in the jewellery industry, Mitsuhiro Matsuda started his career as a product designer. “Creating houseware and different types of products made me realise the importance of relating creativity with one's everyday life,” said Matsuda.

After learning jewellery production techniques at a friend's workshop, Matsuda focused on producing limited-edition jewellery pieces. “I use natural coloured gemstones, pearls and diamonds in my designs – mostly rare gems from my personal collection over the years,” he added.

He used to work for a jeweller in Europe where he learned about stringent requirements from European clients. This helped strengthen his skills as a jewellery designer and craftsman. All jewellery pieces marketed under Matsuda's Tokyo-based company, Giono Co Ltd, are handmade. Many of Giono's customers are collectors in their 40s and 50s who appreciate the products' quality and rarity. In recent years however, Matsuda has entertained more customers aged 20 to 30 years old who are on the lookout for more unique and personalised designs.

Apart from Japan, Giono also sells to Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and other parts of Asia. “There is heightened knowledge about natural gemstones in Asia. I am fascinated by the demand for new ideas in the market. It inspires me as a designer,” Matsuda said.

Kazuo Kikui

Abiding by the motto “God resides in the details,” Kazuo Kikui designs jewellery pieces with the aim of pursuing perfection. Kikui is creative director at Feel Co Ltd from Japan.

Nature's enthralling beauty provides Kikui with boundless inspirations and enthusiasm to create fine jewellery pieces for the modern woman. “I only use diamonds of the highest quality and carefully select coloured gemstones based on their aesthetic appeal and exceptionality,” remarked Kikui.

The designer enjoys creating handcrafted artwork adored by jewellery lovers who appreciate limited and elegant designs. He also draws influence from Edwardian and Art Deco styles, which figure a lot in his collections. In order to demonstrate the unique fire and brilliance of diamonds, Kukui applies a special diamond setting technique.

In May 2005, Kikui held his first exhibition in New York where he debuted his personal brand. Today, Kikui's customers, including celebrities and jewellery collectors, are spread across the US and Asia.

Jurio Fujita

Designer and jewellery artist Jurio Fujita views craftsmanship as an indelible part of jewellery making. “I enjoy designing and creating jewellery pieces with my own hands. I have a lot of fun injecting the designs with my personality and uniqueness,” stated Fujita.

Drawn to the mysterious and exotic charm of ancient art, particularly Greek and Egyptian culture, Fujita's work is filled with vivid images and sculpture-like forms.

The powerful yet delicate temperament of Mother Nature is another important inspiration for Fujita. Seemingly mundane image of leaves, nuts or bean pods are brought to life in his creations, symbolising vitality.

Fujita remains active in the jewellery scene and is currently chairman of the International Jewellery Designer Association in Hong Kong and director of Japan Jewellery Designers Association.