Tokyo-based forging specialty store "Renshi" launches "full custom-made engagement rings" handmade by Japanese craftsmen in May. Full custom-made engagement rings" handmade by Japanese craftsmen will be available from May.

~Who chooses the diamonds and who makes the rings? One-of-a-kind, fully custom-made."

2024.05.30 10:00

錬士

Renshi" (Location: Taito-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Eiichi Kuniyoshi), a store specializing in custom-made forged wedding rings, started full custom-made engagement rings on May 1, 2024, following its forging wedding rings.

Renshi" URL: https://renshi.jp/

Fully custom-made forged engagement rings

■Fully custom-made forged engagement rings

Forging (tanzo) is a traditional manufacturing method in which rings are made by directly striking and forging metal. Compared to casting, in which metal is poured into a mold, forging increases strength, durability, texture, brilliance, and all other qualities. However, because the forging process requires a high level of craftsmanship and is not suitable for mass production, only a very small number of stores practice this method.

Forged-to-order engagement rings

Try to find a store that offers custom-made forged engagement rings. There are very few. This is because there are no craftsmen who can do it. Compared to wedding rings, engagement rings are much more complex to shape, so the skills required are much higher.

*Renshi's engagement rings

At Renshi, engagement rings can be fully custom forged. Designs are flexible. One-of-a-kind rings can be created.

In order to realize a rare forged engagement ring, it is important who is involved in the production.

Who chooses the diamonds?

"Which of several diamonds in a row will shine the brightest?" If this is the case, there are many who can tell.

If you can look at one diamond and know its grade and brilliance, then you have a good eye for diamonds.

Katsumiki Arai, GIA/G.G.

Selecting a diamond is difficult.

Selecting a diamond is very difficult. As a matter of fact, even sales staff at jewelry stores are rarely able to judge a diamond. You should not choose a diamond based solely on the content of the diamond certificate. Brilliance," which does not appear on the certificate, is the most important factor for experts.

*Leave it to GIA and G.G.

GIA/G.G. is the most authoritative diamond grading certification in the world. GIA/G.G. (Graduate Gemomologist) is the most authoritative diamond grading certification in the world. It is said that there are only about 2,000 people in Japan. Today, it is a very rare qualification, partly because it is no longer possible to obtain a "GIA/G.G." certificate in Japan.

Katsuki Arai

Born in 1989, Katsuki Arai is a GIA/G.G. in charge of diamonds for the Renshi brand. He was born in 1989 and has been a certified appraiser for more than 10 years, but in an industry where there is a shortage of young appraisers, he is one of the youngest in Japan.

He is a diamond expert who speaks Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, and is active not only in Japan but also in Asia. He explains each and every individuality of diamonds in easy-to-understand sentences, just like a great writer.

■Who makes the ring?

When considering the purchase of a ring, one usually wonders "which brand to buy" or "which store to commission.

However, from a professional's point of view, "who makes the ring" is most important.

*The sensibility of the craftsman.

Even if the design is excellent, it is the craftsman who finishes the final product. The finished product will have a different feel depending on the craftsman. It is important that the craftsman has not only the skills and knowledge, but also the "definition of beauty" and "sensitivity.

Rarity of craftsmen

Jewelry artisans become full-fledged craftsmen through experience. However, with the economic downturn, the number of jobs is decreasing, and the environment for artisans to grow is devastating. The number of skilled craftsmen is also decreasing due to the aging of the workforce. Sadly, Japanese technology is not being passed on and is in decline. However, even under such circumstances, a small number of skilled jewelry craftsmen remain.

Eiichi Kuniyoshi, representative of Renshi, introduces some of the craftsmen.

From left to right: Eiichi Kuniyoshi, Azuma Ito, Fumio Kuniyoshi

Azuma Ito

Azuma Ito is the best polisher among the craftsmen I have met so far. Even the most experienced craftsmen take a glance at his technique for bringing out the best in precious metals. His sense of aesthetics in modeling is outstanding, and the crispness and fluidity of his designs are wonderful. It was through my encounter with Mr. Ito that I decided to open a store specializing in high-quality engagement and wedding rings.

*Fumio Kuniyoshi

My father.

I have never met a better craftsman than my father when it comes to creating shapes that accentuate the charm of diamonds. The most expensive piece of my father's work was a "3-ct pink diamond ring" that cost over 200 million yen (the hardest thing for craftsmen is that they only get paid for their labor). It sounds like bragging about my family members, but it has become a legend in my family. I usually ask him to do complicated designs or when I am in trouble, since he is an artist specializing in high jewelry.

We have many artisans on our staff that I have not introduced here, but I am confident that you can trust us with your jewelry.

■We want to bring you the real thing.

Due to the soaring prices of diamonds and bullion, diamonds in popular engagement rings are getting smaller and rings are getting thinner and thinner every year. Low-quality diamonds and deformed rings abound, making it very difficult to distinguish the real thing from the fake.

The real thing is not something you can tell just by looking at it or trying it on. It is something that can only be understood when you own it.

We want to bring the real thing to as many people as possible.