Tami, a real estate and rental business entrepreneur from Tokyo, shares her unique journey with Satomi Kawakita Jewelry. A mutual friend introduced her to Satomi's store, which was located in Union Square at the time. From bold Tiffany pieces to discovering SKJ’s effortlessly wearable and artful designs, Tami found a way to layer jewelry that fits her style and mood.
"Whenever I go to the store, I always ask Satomi how to combine them, she teaches me, and I come back with variations memorized. I really enjoy creating new images by buying more and marrying them with the rings and earrings I already have.” - Tami
How did you and Satomi meet?
I was visiting a friend in New York when I was introduced to Satomi's jewelry and visited her shop in Union Square for the first time.
At the Union Square store, Satomi put together a few pieces for me—a pair of earrings and a black pentagon ring—and I ended up buying four or five items on the spot, taking photos to remember the combinations. Since then, I’ve bought more pieces, adjusting my choices with the seasons, like selecting comfortable rings for summer or increasing sizes over time.
What was your first impression of Satomi and SKJ?
My friend had described Satomi to me as a "career woman from Kansai who works as hard as a CEO," but when we met, I saw an artist who was deeply confident in her creations. Anyone working abroad like that must have a strong belief in their work.
At the time, I thought of jewelry in terms of bold pieces, like those from Tiffany. However, SKJ offered a different approach—pieces that could change their look depending on how they were layered. Given my body type, I always felt that layering jewelry could be uncomfortable, but SKJ's pieces were light and easy to wear every day. The option to layer two, five, or even more pieces was refreshing and completely new to me.
How do you style SKJ jewelry?
Unlike the jewelry I’d bought before, SKJ’s designs are both casual and elegant, and I love the flexibility of arranging rings in different ways. I often go for flat, subtle designs, like the pentagon diamond. I change my arrangement based on my mood: cooler days might see me wearing five rings, while on warmer days, I’ll pick just three. I’ll wear them on my index finger or put the thunder ring on my pinky.
What makes SKJ stand out compared to other brands?
Each design is beautiful individually, but what’s truly unique is how amazing they look when you combine multiple pieces, sometimes seven or eight at once.
Do you find any specific products unique?
I’m especially drawn to the asymmetrical pearl earrings and irregularly shaped stones.
Why do you like “irregular” designs?
There’s a natural beauty in pieces that aren’t uniform. I find handcrafted items more captivating. I also practice hobbies like Kintsugi and pottery, which share a sense of uniqueness. Designing with natural stones, I imagine how they’ll fit on the ear or finger, and changing just one element can transform the entire look. I get bored with things that are too consistent, so I lean toward pieces with a deconstructed, one-of-a-kind vibe. SKJ pieces aren’t just for special occasions—they let me make any day feel special.
How does SKJ make you feel? Do you have any memorable experiences with the brand?
Wearing SKJ makes my hands look more refined, adding a sense of effortless sophistication. Each SKJ piece I buy becomes a cherished memory.
How would you describe your relationship with SKJ in one word?
Connection, fate, transformation—it’s all connected. It's about growth and change, just as I can switch up my SKJ jewelry to reflect my mood. Knowing Satomi and her story gives her jewelry a unique significance. Satomi and her pieces have evolved, and so have I. Some pieces have stayed with me since my first purchase, while others take a break. I choose pieces that reflect my journey, growth, and change.