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Pure, Natural, Healing

I was making the jewelry pieces on Broadway in NYC with my master, a Cuban artist named Alan, whom I met through a single turquoise ring. We were more like performers, rather than jewelry designers, being surrounded by spectators, who were watching us work...

Master Alan was making Indian protective necklaces. He taught me that each stone has its own special meaning and that they are cherished as spiritual protection. Ayazakura emerged from my love for the inherent power and meaning of natural stones.

Ayazakura's unique designs start from the selection of the natural stones.

By traveling to various countries, the stones were hand-selected, based on their origin, cut and feeling. Those one of a kind stones were transformed into pieces of jewelry, which maximize their inherent powers.

Many pieces were inspired by the colors and harmony experienced through the connections with elements of nature, such as, the ocean, sky, earth, seasonal flowers, plants, and space. Total number of pieces created thus far exceeds 10,000.

Moreover, in addition to maintaining the original style based on natural stones and wires, the pieces are made to not carry extra metal parts, and feature lightness and comfort with hand-made wire clips, hooks, and ring settings. By choosing your favorite style, stones, and a perfect fit, custom pieces, that are possible because they are hand-made individually, are popular.  

With "Pure, Natural, Healing" as the main concept, natural stones, a gift from the nature, are used as they are, in combination with a single strand of wire to enhance the inherent power of the stones. I hope my pieces will bring serenity to their owners and help bring out their inner charm. 

Aya Mikuriya

Ayazakura Jewelry Designer

Born in Osaka City in 1978.

Moved to NY in 2001, and started a jewelry brand, "Ayazakura." Studied in Jewelry Metal Technique at FIT. Opened first store in NOHO in NYC. Upon receiving the BEST ACCESSORIES AWARD at NY INDUSTRY212, her work was featured on NYLON and VOGUE magazines.   

After returning to Japan, stores were opened in department stores and art spaces, mainly around Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto areas. She hosts workshops throughout Japan. Additionally, she actively travels to NY, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Brazil to source materials and gain inspiration.

While utilizing her own experiences in NY, regardless of where she travels or where she makes her jewelry, her heart emanates outward, from Japan to the world, as suggested in the brand name, "Ayazakura." Japanese sense of beauty, or a Japanese taste, is also represented in her pieces.

Moreover, as a mother herself, she aims to create a work environment where moms and women can work with their own unique circumstances. To this end, she collaborates with staff with specialized skills in web design, photography, marketing, and product display as "Team Ayazakura," to realize a new form of working women.

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(Japanese only)

Jewelry Making Workshop

I am involved in both the beginner's workshop, which start with the meaning of the stones, to advanced workshops, where more precious stones are used. You are free to select not just the type of natural stones, but also the styles of jewelry, including earrings, rings, bracelets, and pendant charms.

At the workshop, the inherent meaning and effects of each stone are explained, and the design is conceived through discussions with the participants. Aya, the designer, will offer thorough guidance and assistance in a small group setting, such that the workshops are friendly for the first timers. Rather than forcing a predetermined design, Ayazakura's workshop honors freedom of originality, as such, it has attracted popularity as a department store event.The workshops are held in art studios, off-site locations, and various event venues. Depending on the location, children's workshops are also available.

There is a growing number of people making their own jewelry, parent-child pairs or couples making presents, and men making bracelets and rings.  There are several variations to Ayazakura's workshops, including, the wine and cheese Night Workshop and the outdoor Picnic Workshop.