Luxury Jewelers Embraced Japanese Craftsmanship
Top designers have integrated traditional Japanese techniques and materials into modern high-end jewelry collections.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Jewelry
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Luxury jewelry houses are increasingly incorporating centuries-old Japanese artistry into their latest designs. Brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Asprey have partnered with master artisans to feature materials like traditional lacquer and vintage textiles.
Why it matters
Designers are turning to Japanese craft traditions as a design language, valuing the philosophy of preservation and the deep artisan knowledge passed down through generations. This shift reflects a move toward incorporating specialist techniques that emphasize longevity and respect for raw materials.
Van Cleef & Arpels has maintained a 20-year partnership with lacquer master Junichi Hakose, who applies 10 distinct coats of lacquer to components. Meanwhile, historical houses like Kondaya Genbei, founded in 1738, now supply materials for modern limited-edition pieces.
The players
Van Cleef & Arpels
This prestigious French luxury brand has been creating high-end jewelry and watches since its founding in 1906.
Silvia Furmanovich
She is a designer recognized for incorporating unique materials and international craft techniques into her high-jewelry collections.
Junichi Hakose
He is a master lacquer artisan based in Wajima who has collaborated with global luxury houses for over two decades.
Genbei Yamaguchi
As the 10th-generation head of the Kondaya Genbei house, he continues the family legacy of traditional Japanese textile artistry.
George Inaki
He is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist who creates jewelry designs in New York with production facilities based in Japan.
The details
From the use of 1890s-era boro textiles by Katey Brunini to the intricate lacquer work performed in Wajima, these collaborations merge French production with Japanese refinement. For instance, Van Cleef & Arpels crafts its pieces in France before sending them to Japan, where artisans undergo a rigorous process of drying and sanding between each layer of lacquer.
Timeline
1738 marks the founding year of the Kyoto obi-making house Kondaya Genbei.
1890s textiles are being repurposed in contemporary jewelry collections.
1973 was the year Van Cleef & Arpels first established a presence in Japan.
September 2026 saw Silvia Furmanovich debut a bracelet at the Homo Faber craft show.
October 2026 is the scheduled release for a new collection by Silvia Furmanovich for Asprey.
Roadmap
The integration of Japanese artistry highlights a broader industry shift toward preserving endangered manual techniques in an age of automated production. This strategic focus positions established houses to differentiate their inventory through authenticity and the promotion of generational craftsmanship.
Consumers can expect these limited-edition pieces to be available primarily through exclusive boutiques or high-end craft exhibitions. Prospective buyers should note that the extensive hand-crafting process, involving multiple layers of material application, may lead to longer lead times and higher price points compared to mass-produced items.
The takeaway
The rise of artisan-led jewelry highlights a transition toward valuing long-term heritage over rapid production cycles. Collectors seeking high-value pieces should prioritize items that document the specific origin of their materials and the identity of the master artisan involved.
What happens next
Silvia Furmanovich is scheduled to release a new collection for Asprey in October 2026.
Further reading
Explore more about global trends in the Jewelry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Times News.
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