We visited a gemstone polishing studio in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Since Kofu was a crystal excavation site, gem polishing workshops have flourished in the area since ancient times.
Even now, a dedicated polishing studio is carefully polishing made-in-Japan loose gemstones, and we have been using them in our original jewelry for a long time.
At Shimizu Kiseki, which we visited this time, we were able to observe the polishing process of Sakura Incut, a mysterious cutting in which cherry blossoms float in the loose stone.
Let's start with the room of gemstones.
Like a museum, gemstones from all over the world are waiting to be polished.
Then we went to the polishing craftsmen's workroom.
We took the time to observe the process, starting from rough sizing to the final cutting of the cherry blossom pattern.
The angle and strength at which the tool is applied to the grinder can only be done with years of experience, a true craftsmanship.
We felt our backs once again straightened up as we wanted to carefully and firmly tailor such a carefully cut loose piece into jewelry.
The cutting of cherry petals is said to lose its shape if the angle or force is changed even for a moment.
What a delicate cutting!
It makes me feel even more attached to it.
Please look forward to our next article on jewelry made from these loose pieces.
