Conversation with Ms. Ikuko Watanabe, Founder and President of Women Jewelers Japan

Q1. 
Could you share the inspiration behind the founding of Women Jewelers Japan (WJJ) and the mission that drives the organization?

What are some of the mid-to-long term goals of WJJ?

A1. 
I started my career as an editor and journalist for a fashion magazine. Over time, I began to focus on jewellery. For over twenty years, I wrote many interview articles about jewellery designers, founders, and executives around the world.

Most of the people I interviewed were men, but at some point, I noticed that women executives were answering my questions instead of men.

In the past, jewellery was made by men and given to women to wear, but in the last decade, women have started making the jewellery they want to wear. From many conversations, I have learned that most male jewellery professionals care more about gemstones than design, at least in Japan.

On the other hand, when a woman buys her jewellery, she pays attention to whether it fits, matches her clothes, and is beautiful totally including the design.

I thought it was time for women jewelers to express her opinions, and with the help of jewellery designers, I founded Women Jewelers Japan in September 2019.

In the field of fashion, since the 1930s, we can remember several names of famous designers such as Coco Chanel, Nina Ricci, Elza Schiaparelli, etc. In the 1960s, Hanae Mori, a Japanese designer, presented her collection in New York and Paris, and made a success. In the 1970s, Rei Kawakubo shocked the European fashion scene with her outstanding creations. But can you name any female jewellery designers?

WJJ will help women who involved in the jewellery industry to realize their potential and become more active.

Due to changing consumer behavior, jewellery sales have slowed down worldwide in the 2000s, so we want to spread the word about the appeal of jewellery and make it more popular.

Q2.
How does Women Jewelers Japan aim to change the perception of jewellery among Japanese women and promote a deeper understanding of its value?

A2.
We believe the education is important for both professionals and consumers.

Since WJJ was founded, we regularly hold at several webinars in a year, and for the consumers we did jewellery short seminars at department stores in Tokyo while selling jewellery. We will work on education for consumers including children. WJJ is a member of Japan Re-Jewelry Council and Japan Gemological Education and Research Institute. We plan to work together to activate the jewellery market.

Q3.
How did Ikuko-san identify Splitting Colours Jewellery, an independent everyday fine jewellery brand from Hong Kong SAR, as a potential global member of WJJ?

What are some of the brand’s attributes that have left Ikuko-san the strongest impression?

A3.
I believe it is important to focus on a concept when creating jewellery and I found that Splitting Colours Jewellery has a clear direction. After talking with Ms. Vincee Yip at the first meeting, I was impressed with her passion for gemstones and her creation for originality. Although it will take some time and need effort, Splitting Colours Jewellery will have a strong presence in the jewellery industry worldwide. Vincee's passion for jewellery will be an asset to WJJ.

Q4. 
What are some of the expectations Ikuko-san has towards the collaboration with Splitting Colours Jewellery?

A4. 
The design and quality of Splitting Colours Jewellery is for Japanese women who value both wearability and quality. We prefer clean and sophisticated jewellery that is not too flashy. While introducing Splitting Colours Jewellery in Japan, I would like to show the jewellery of the Japanese independent designers in Hong Kong and share the jewellery culture with each other.

Q5.
Why Osaka?

What were some of the reasons Ikuko-san’s recommended Osaka to be the debut venue for the first collaboration with Splitting Colours Jewellery in Japan?

A5.
Tokyo is more competitive, and it is difficult for a newcomer to exhibit in large department stores. Osaka, on the other hand, is flexible and open to new things.
In addition, Takashimaya Osaka's project was to showcase women's activities for International Women's Day on 8 March, and WJJ's work caught their eye, so it was a great opportunity to showcase WJJ members' jewellery.

Although slow, Japanese government has risen to initiate women's status, and the name of Women Jewelers Japan gives impact in Japanese market which make chances to be focused.