I can’t believe it’s been over five years since I moved from beloved Maui to Ishigaki, Okinawa. In many ways, life is the same, with tropical weather, beautiful beaches and an outdoor lifestyle. On the other hand, it’s like living in another world with a vast difference in language, food, and way of life. As an artist, I am inspired by the people and nature around me, and so my jewelry designing has evolved and blossomed in new and exciting directions since moving to the south of Japan.

The OCEAN

I have always loved to dip in the Hawaiian waters, which are refreshingly cool and yet warm enough to enjoy a languid cooling-off. Since moving to Ishigaki, however, I have truly begun to appreciate real ocean exploration. Last year, I trained for the Ishigaki triathlon, which required me to get into the ocean on a regular basis to work on my free-style. I pushed my comfort level forward so that I could venture out from shore up to around one kilometer. The ocean terrain around Ishigaki, which is part of the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, is shallow lagoon, filled with tons of coral and tropical fish. It’s quite a contrast to the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, which are volcanic and have fast drop-offs to extremely deep waters. I could never muster the courage to go a whole kilometer off the coast of Hawaii! Besides, I wouldn’t see any coral or colorful tropical fish. It would just be the occasional shark!
The ocean is, of course, a great inspiration to my work as an artist. I truly feel that it’s mentally and spiritually cleansing. It not only provides aesthetic inspiration, with its colorful sea life, but it restores my heart and mind so that I’m in the right state to create my best art. Since I’ve been spending more time in the ocean, I feel my artistic focus has shifted back to nature. Of course, I’m still making my favorite jewelry basics, like stacking rings, hoops, and other fun designs with metal, but I feel myself drawn to work with natural materials again, such as shells and crystals collected from the beach.

The PEOPLE

I love the local feel of this small fisherman’s town. Although Ishigaki has been booming for the past 10+ years, so we have a lot more people from the mainland Japan living here now, and the local shops and stores are little-by-little being swallowed up by mainland corporations, there is still a strong local cultural influence and pride. From the fisherman’s tradition of canoe racing (the once-a-year Ha-ley event) to the offering of okinawa style food on every corner restaurant, the local culture is alive and well. But what I love most is the old folks- especially the Obachan (grandmothers). They make up a large percentage of the population here, and many of them are war survivors. They are the kindest, warmest people I’ve ever met.

The JEWELRY

I started my jewelry business in Maui in 2008 and brought it to Japan in 2016. Back then, as there are now, there are many talented jewelry artists competing for space in the local shops, boutiques and hotels throughout Hawaii and also the Yaeyama Islands. Hawaiian style handmade jewelry is dominated by 14K gold-filled metal and Tahitian pearls, but in Okinawa, local jewelry artists use a lot more natural materials, such as shells, leather and gemstones, as well as glass. Having worked as an artist in both Maui and Ishigaki, I am pleased to offer a blend of influences. I combine my silver and 14K gold-fill crafting skills with my love of natural materials, always drawing inspiration from our beautiful Pacific Ocean.

 Let’s talk about Edison pearls. What are they? What’s the difference between them and regular freshwater pearls? “Edison” was the term coined by a Chinese company that came up with the technology a few years ago. Typically, freshwater pearls are farmed from oysters by planting inside the oyster a small piece of tissue from its mantel. Many pearls can be farmed from one oyster in this way. However, with the Edison, as with Tahitian and South Sea saltwater pearls, a small bead is planted which becomes the nucleus of the future pearl. In the case of Edisons, controlling for a rounder and bigger pearl, only one nucleus bead is planted inside one oyster so it can give all its energy and resources to creating this one pearl. What results is a larger, rounder and more lustrous pearl than we have ever seen on the freshwater pearl market! Yes, they are more expensive- sometimes more than Tahitian pearls, but they are ever so beautiful in all their natural range of colors and metallics. Check out my Edison pearl necklaces at Maui Hands and Designing Wahine! Top quality, baby. Don’t be fooled by the asymmetrical marked-up pearls that claim to be Edisons. If you’re looking for a nice pearl, keep in mind these points: roundness, size, smoothness, color, luster and of course the brand Julia Jewels.

What’s new for Julia Jewels 2018: hammered gold designs, rings, and lots of new gemstones! Taking shape from the bench block are shiny new designs like crescent moons, branches and waves. I’m also exploring everything that the classic hoop can do for Julia Jewels. From the “Circle T” necklace to my single, double and triple hoop earrings, this classic infinity symbol is popping out and making a timeless impression. To complement my handmade gold components, I am working increasingly with gold chain. As a result, the Julia Jewels signature lacy beaded designs which were traditionally crafted on silk or nylon are now also featured in 14 KGF (karat gold fill). With more selection of gemstones, pearls and chain, combined with my ever-refining techniques at the steel bench, the new collection is full-bodied and rich like never before.

Right now I am partial to Edison pearls, “sleeping beauty” turquoise and labradorite. The Edison pearl is the result of some new Chinese pearl farming technology. I got my hands on some nice ones at the 2017 Hong Kong International Gem Show, and I’m stoked with the results! Sleeping beauty turquoise is also grabbing my attention now. Talk about rare. Diamonds are not rare compared to this kind of turquoise. Originally mined in Arizona, there is no more left in the Earth, yet it is the bluest of the blue. This kind is distinguished from other turquoises which have hints of green. Then there’s labradorite. Well, I have always loved and used labradorite in my work, but especially lately I am just in the mood for its mysterious melancholy shifting between grey and blue. Maybe because that’s how I feel, and I think I’m in that sexy sad mood :).

While we’re talking about what’s new, let’s consider what has never changed in Julia Jewels. I’ve given a lot of thought to how my style is distinguished from other artists. I think it’s safe to say that my work has always scored points for artistic handiwork, intricacy of design and precision. I have always been good at creating with my hands an idea which starts in my mind. From childhood I excelled in art, be it drawing, painting or sewing clothes. I was always the kid in class who had the best art project. God knows why I spent three years of graduate school studying psychology when I should have been taking fine art classes! But beyond technique, Julia Jewels is about loving natural treasures. I started out as a shell-picker at the beach, and now I’m collecting pearls, coral and gemstones all over the world. Julia Jewels is a combination of my gift for art and my love for natures gifts. So please enjoy.

This summer I headed back to the States for a much-needed refreshment of family and friends and to expand the market for Julia Jewels.  I also got a chance to visit the Hong Kong International Gem and Jewelry Fair 2017.  I can’t say enough how useful it is to travel for this business.  There is a different inspiration for new designs in each area and ample business opportunity for the taking.  I sold at flea markets, gained new store accounts, and sourced gorgeous new materials for the 2018 collection.

July in Seattle had surreally perfect rain-free weather, making the Fremont market a great success.  Seattleites are used to darker shades of clothing and accessories.  Jewelry often includes oxidized silver (the kind that is purposefully tarnished).  Contrastingly, Julia Jewels offers bright color and tropical themes.  I was delighted to see that my work was well-received, at least for the shining summer time ;).

August in Maui was a whirlwind of business and reconnecting with friends.  Between creating new inventory, landing 3 new accounts, doing the Saturday flea market and partying with my beloved girlfriends, I was ready for a vacation after that one!  One of my goals for the month I had in Maui was to increase my number of store locations.  Luckily, I was able to open accounts with Designing Wahine in Makawao, Air Maui in Kahului, and Waterlily in Wailea, increasing the number of cities from 3 to 6.

In addition to getting new store accounts in Maui, I made the wise decision to do the Saturday Swap Meet.  As always, it was a financial and educational success, but the most rewarding part about it- and the highlight of my entire summer- was having my nine-year-old daughter, Nina, do it with me!  She begged me to come along, even though it required her to wake up at 5 am and hang out at our tent for hours which can be boring for a little girl.  After hesitantly agreeing, I was shocked at her strength and determination.  Instead of complaining of boredom or fatigue, she focused on learning how to make jewelry, be a salesperson and help her mother at set-up and take-down.  She even created and sold her own jewelry, making about $50.00 of her own money!  Yeah, Nina!

I left Maui feeling physically tired but internally rejuvenated, and thus began the journey back to my studio and the conception of Julia Jewels 2018 collection.  Five days relaxing in Waikiki was a perfect transition to the chaos of returning home after 2 months of travel.  Nina and I became addicted to the “Once Upon A Time” Netflix TV show, and we spent the rest of our time napping on the beach and shopping Kalakaua Avenue.  My head was cleared for the next phase.

When I got home, I had to hit the ground running.  Within a week or so, I was off to the 2017 Hong Kong Gem & Jewelry Fair to stock up on materials needed for the 2018 collection.  It was my first time at an international gem fair, and let’s just say I was not disappointed!  $6,500 later, I am fully ready to blow minds with some awesome new designs!

Pearls are a lunar symbol and represent woman and water.  It is extremely rare to find a wild pearl.  Cultured pearls are formed when a small object is placed in the fold of a mollusk’s mantel and is slowly covered with layers of nacre over a long period of time.  Pearls are one of the few organic gemstones used in jewelry, and their luster is brightest when the layers of nacre are thin and plentiful.  I love to use pearls in my work because they come from the water, they are a gift from nature, and they make a woman more beautiful and feminine.

Noted as the “garden of the sea,” coral represents vitality and symbolizes passion.  Like a pearl, a piece of coral is formed by a living organism. Coral is produced by tiny polyps forming their skeletons in tropical and subtropical ocean waters.  Brightly colored coral increases optimism, enthusiasm, and creativity which has inspired my “Happy Coral” collection.

Every gemstone has its own energetic quality that offers a unique way to make us feel.  Of the many gemstones I use in my work, the beach crystal is most special to me.  There is only one place I find them: on the most spectacular and secret beach in Ishigaki.  The crystals are carried there by a river source deep in the nearby jungled mountains.  When I visit this spot, I feel a deep peace coming from nature.  From a crystal healing arts perspective, it is believed that the crystal quartz can bring clarity to your mind, bring focus and amplify energy.  I’m at my happiest when I’m finding these beautiful crystals in the sands of my favorite beach, and I hope my happiness transfers to you when you wear them.

Although originally manmade, the beauty of sea glass is in its polished shape which comes from the tossing and turning it endures in sand over many years.  Aging is a beautiful process.  To me, sea glass represents our inner being which becomes more beautiful as we get older.  Sea glass gems have a range of bright colors, and it is a lovely coincidence that they often match the colors of the ocean.  It is very rare to find sea glass that is a perfect shape and size for making jewelry, so I sculpt and polish it myself.  While each piece is painstakingly hand-perfected, the natural aging process is ultimately what I seek to represent in each piece.

Spirals are a beautiful natural shape.  For example, you can see them in sea shells, galaxies, tornados, and even in the hair patterns atop a baby’s head.  As a symbol, spirals represent direction, progress, evolution, expansion, and development.  They are the way life goes.  Nature and expansion are two very important themes for me, and that is why I am happy to present the spiral in my latest jewelry pieces.

Welcome to my new website, created by the talented Mr. André Geßner.  Along with the launching of this site, I changed my business name from Jules’ Jewels to Julia Jewels.  Easier to say, right?  It’s been a decade since I began making jewelry, and this year I am taking everything to the next level.  Starting 2017, I became fully equipped with soldering and hammering tools, adding endlessly to my creative possibilities.  Stay posted to view my new hammered designs in 14 Karat gold, 14 Karat gold fill, and sterling silver.  Since my three kids, Nina (9), Kazu (7) and Taiyo (4) have grown past the nursing and major-attachment stages of their lives, I have had the pleasure of my DAYS back (i.e. they are in school!!!).  The magic is already happening.  Traveling a lot lately has also enhanced this recent experience of creative flowering.  Since the kids are now expert travelers, we’ve had a blast shuffling between the islands of Maui, Ishigaki and Hong Kong, as well as visiting my home-town Seattle.  I’m inspired by my changing environment, as well as the different cultural styles I encounter.  From ocean blues and greens, to earthy and sophisticated urban abstracts, I’m continually renewing my pallet and designs.  Furthermore, with Hong Kong only two hours flight away from my current home, buying materials from one of the best places to shop in the world is now easier than ever!  Have I made my point?  If not, let’s suffice it to say, I’ve got fresh inspired designs and an international showcase to bring them to you.  Have a piece and tell me how it is :) !