For Nanae Sakurai, the fascination with gems began in childhood. She spent her early years exploring her family’s ancestral mountain in Yamanashi, collecting crystals to take home. Another favorite pastime was creating collages from gem advertisements in the Sunday newspapers. These childhood experiences unknowingly planted the seeds for what would become her future career. Today, Sakurai channels her lifelong passion into her thriving online jewelry business, Nanae Sakurai JapanGem, where she merges her artistic vision with a deep love for gemstones.
One-of-a-Kind Creations with a Personal Touch
Sakurai distinguishes her brand by introducing original, handcrafted pieces instead of relying on staple collections or bestsellers. “By personally overseeing key aspects—like designing the jewelry and selecting the gems—I can significantly reduce expenses that would otherwise be passed on to clients, sometimes even cutting costs by half,” she explains. This hands-on approach allows her to offer high-quality jewelry at affordable prices, making fine jewelry accessible to those who may have once considered it out of reach.
Her designs are continually evolving, shaped by the unique gemstones she acquires, ensuring no two pieces are ever truly identical. “Even if a specific design is popular, it can’t always be reproduced because of the uniqueness of the gems,” Sakurai shares. This approach keeps her offerings fresh and exciting but also means her inventory changes frequently—a strength for those seeking originality, though it may be challenging for clients hoping to purchase identical pieces.
For those with specific design requests, Sakurai offers a collaborative process. “I can brainstorm and do live sketches with the customer to create something truly unique,” she says. She encourages clients to bring reference images and have a clear understanding of their preferences and budget.
“For example, what level of diamond quality are they looking for? What type of frame should the diamond be set in? These details matter, as even small changes can affect the price by 15-20%,” she explains. This transparent approach ensures clients feel empowered throughout the creative journey, understanding how design decisions impact the final cost while making the process highly personalized.
From Online Sales to Exclusive Showrooms
Shopping for Sakurai’s creations is simple, whether online or in person. Customers can order through her website or Instagram, and if a desired piece isn’t listed, they can request it to be added for purchase. Sakurai also hosts Instagram Live sales, where pieces often sell within seconds.
For international clients, she offers free worldwide shipping via Express Mail Service (EMS), ensuring quick and secure delivery. Additionally, her work is available offline at select jewelry exhibitions and showrooms. She will showcase her latest designs at International Jewelry Tokyo 2025 from January 15–18 at booths 26 to 36.
Whether you’re drawn to the sparkle of a one-of-a-kind gemstone or excited by the opportunity to co-create a custom piece, Nanae Sakurai JapanGem offers something special for every jewelry enthusiast. With a blend of artistry, transparency, and convenience, Sakurai’s creations are not just accessories—they’re meaningful additions to any collection.
