Watch & Jewelry
March 31, 2015
CORE JEWELS: The meticulous craftsmanship that underpins our creations.
CORE JEWELS
The Craftsmanship Behind CORE JEWELS
From cutting to design and finishing, black diamonds present a unique challenge distinct from the 4Cs of white diamonds. Here, we introduce CORE JEWELS' new collection alongside their dedication to jewelry making.
Text by Eizaburo ToyamaPhoto by Jamandfix
Designs That Let Black Diamonds Shine
Although the name includes "diamond," black diamonds offer a completely different aesthetic and appeal compared to the standard 4Cs. Therefore, simply using designs meant to enhance white diamonds and casually setting black diamonds as a color variation won't work. This is because the inherent qualities of a transparent, highly refractive stone and the simple color black are too fundamentally opposed.
At the time of its founding, CORE JEWELS also struggled with this issue. How could they create designs that maximized the allure of black diamonds, for which there were no established precedents? Through trial and error, they arrived at two solutions: one, the pavé setting, where small black diamonds are densely packed; and the other, a technique that showcases brilliance through flat surfaces. Both, needless to say, are a craftsman's nightmare.
An Unrelenting Pursuit of World-Class Quality
The cuts of black diamonds available on the market are often more varied than those of white diamonds; even at the same 1 carat weight, some are flat, while others are pointed. Furthermore, stones with a weaker black hue are frequently treated with radiation to enhance their color. CORE JEWELS, however, insists on natural stones and never employs such methods. Maintaining uniformity under these conditions requires meticulous selection during procurement and often involves costly recutting in Japan.
To dismiss CORE JEWELS' pieces as expensive at first glance would be a significant misjudgment. In the world of black diamonds, where standardized criteria are not yet fully established, CORE JEWELS' black diamonds can be confidently stated to be of the highest quality globally.
Seeking Japan's Traditional Coolness
Designer Masanori Yamazaki states, "We didn't start with the material; black diamond was simply the most suitable medium to express ourselves." The diamond's hardness, strength, and beauty, combined with the color black's depth, rebellious spirit, and independence—all align perfectly with CORE JEWELS' concept.
However, while black diamonds are their main icon, they are not the sole focus. The collection also features numerous items crafted with luxurious 18-karat gold and platinum, finished with both delicate and robust detailing.
This reflects a desire to "express a coolness, a quiet satisfaction, akin to how ancient Japanese people took pride in the linings of their kimonos." This sentiment can be seen in designs for necklaces and rings that evoke a subtle Japanese aesthetic. These pieces are created by first imbuing them with a grand concept, then stripping away the design to its absolute essentials.
Simple yet passionate. The world of CORE JEWELS is brimming with such profound allure.
