Autumn–winter trends are leaning hard into statement jewelry this year — chunky metals, sculptural shapes, mixed gold-and-silver stacks and charms that have jumped from handbags onto belts and necklaces (thank you, Chloé FW25). Pearls are also having a full-circle comeback, from runway-scale strands at Chanel AW25 to everyday ready-to-wear interpretations that feel fresh rather than prim.
So if you’re looking for pieces that feel unique and playful but don’t cost haute couture money, Japan’s artisan-led jewelry scene is a treasure trove. From boutique labels with physical shops to small-batch designers selling exclusively online, here are some standout brands to know.
Ten.
Ten. feels like the quiet girl at a party whose jewelry everyone ends up asking about. The brand is known for organic shapes, fluid curves and a strict no-frills approach — but always with a soft hint of play. Its heart-shaped pieces and customizable number or alphabet pendant charms, and the mixed-metal series (silver 925, aka sterling silver, and gold) are especially worth exploring for effortless stacking.
Ten. can be found in select department stores, such as Shinjuku’s Lumine and Takashimaya in Tamagawa.
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E.M.
Founded in 1996 by Eijiro Nakatani and Masayoshi Tobita, e.m. has stayed true to its concept of “creating happiness.” Their universe lives in two worlds: e.m. Silver, where imaginative designs, cubic zirconia and pearls take center stage; and e.m. Gold, which uses diamonds and 18-karat gold for a clean, feminine sharpness.
The brand’s playful side shines brightest in the bundle-of-pearl hearts ring from its latest holiday collection — an iconic piece that balances whimsy with elegance. A must-see in person.
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Loro
Established in by Mihiro Sugawara, Loro specializes in bold, organic forms — the opposite of dainty, but still impossibly easy to wear. Rings and bangles pair seamlessly with one another, making it easy to build a personal combination.
Because of parent company L’oro’s commitment to quality and the strict inspections jewelry is subject to, new drops appear only a few times a month, and they often sell out instantly. The brand’s flagship in Minami-Aoyama is worth the trip, especially to see the newest collection, “My Daughter’s Toy Box,” inspired by actual toys owned by Sugawara’s daughter — rings, bracelets and studs adorned with schnauzer charms, teddy bear silhouettes and more.
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Artida Oud
Artida Oud blends boho-chic jewelry with an East-meets-mysticism elegance. The brand is beloved for natural stones, textured metals and pieces that feel like talismans. Its birthstone collection makes a thoughtful, personal gift, while the “I am” Donation bracelets are beaded beauties that contribute ¥1,000 from each sale to projects in developing countries.
Find Artida Oud in Lumine Yurakucho, Newoman Shinjuku or at its flagship space, The Another Museum, in Shibuya.
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Pauline Studio
Pauline Studio began as a select shop curating overseas brands like Wolf Circus and Jenny Bird, but its in-house line, Pauline Studio Originals, has become a favorite in its own right. These Japanese-made pieces focus on minimal, essential forms, with gentle touches of personality that shine through subtle details and functionality.
Standout recommendations include the cross-shaped pearl necklaces and the baroque pearl bracelets, which reinterpret pearls in a way that feels crisp, modern and quietly romantic. Pauline’s Harajuku showroom also includes a delightful natural wine section called Wine Brothers.
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Nanagu
Nanagu is for those who love a little sparkle but still want something understated. The brand offers everything from earrings and necklaces to brooches and even shoe charms, with a signature look built around mixed metals and gemstone accents.
A standout is the Kirakira Star series — dangling, shimmering star motifs that feel festive without being seasonal. Nanagu has an appointment-only showroom in Yoyogi and ships worldwide.
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Brkumo
Launched online by Kotoka Izumi in 2024, Brkumo takes its name from the Esperanto word for “hug” — and the brand philosophy reflects that warm, self-embracing energy. Brkumo’s concept centers on creating jewelry for oneself first, shaped by Izumi’s decade of personal evolution.
The result is a line of thoughtful, nuanced designs in both sterling silver and gold. The brand’s signet rings and Tsubame (swallow) collection are especially striking — pieces that feel intimate, symbolic and beautifully crafted. In addition to holding pop-up shops around Japan, Brkumo also ships worldwide.
Mew Jewelry Studio
Based in Kyoto and founded by Hong Kong jeweler Jessie Chan, Mew Jewelry Studio creates pieces that feel poetic and distinctly hand-shaped. Every item is crafted in Chan’s studio, resulting in jewelry with a soft, personal warmth.
Top picks include the Moss hair cuff, the Kura hoop earrings (customizable with Swarovski or Japanese cotton pearls in various nuanced hues) and the delicate Sweet Pea collection, which captures the fluttery movement of sweet pea petals.
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Gakh
Gakh is a dream for pearl lovers who want something a little unexpected. The brand blends delicate craftsmanship with bolder, more experimental pearl forms — think oversized pearls on rings, asymmetrical silhouettes and pieces that purposely break from tradition.
Highlights include the Surge Ring, where an elongated pearl stretches across two fingers, and the Cropped Pearl Necklace, featuring an irregular, one-of-a-kind pearl on a delicate sterling silver chain.
Gakh operates primarily online, with occasional pop-ups across Japan.
