ith has grown to operate 10 stores domestically and 3 abroad, but its journey began in a small atelier in Tokyo Kichijoji. At this foundational location, concierges think alongside customers to design upstairs, while craftsmen embed customer sentiments into each ring.
This time, we spoke with Mr. Kamiyama, who leads the craftsmen in the workshop, Ms. Iwakigawa, who oversees the Kichijoji Atelier as a concierge, and Ms. Takahashi, the founder, about their roles and their sentiments towards Kichijoji, the place where ith began.
Life-Changing Encounter with ith
— Could you tell us about how you came to join ith?
Kamiyama: I joined three years ago. At that time, I was working as a craftsman at a bridal jewellery company but had the opportunity to visit ith workshop. I was amazed by the beauty of the carving finishes I saw there, thinking, "There are such incredible craftsmen here." With a diverse collection, I felt that ith would help me further hone my skills and sense as a craftsman, so I decided to switch jobs.
Iwakigawa: I joined in 2020. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I started thinking about my future and wanted a change, so I looked at job sites. That's when I found ith's listing and learned about the company. Although I had never worked in bridal or jewellery before, I read through the website and blog that day and imagined myself working at ith. In my previous job, I was involved in designing with customers, which I thought could be leveraged here too.
— How has your impression changed since joining, if at all?
Iwakigawa: My impression hasn’t changed much, but if I had to point something out, it would be the wide range of customer requests. Not only for wedding and engagement rings, but also for proposal rings and anniversary rings. Also, ith tends to select from many existing designs rather than creating from scratch, so you can enjoy customising without a clear initial design image, slowly refining your preferences. That might be one reason why.
Kamiyama: For me, it's the attention to detail. Each ring design is different, and the quality demanded is high, so every time, I have to think about the combination of processes and tools I use. It was tough at first, but I feel my skills and sense have been honed more than I imagined.
Iwakigawa: As concierge, we need to have enough knowledge about ring production to discuss designs with customers. I feel like I studied more during my training than I did in school!
Craftsmen and Concierges, Different Roles but Same Direction
— How do you view each other's roles as craftsmen and makers?
Kamiyama: Our goal as craftsmen is to materialize the customer's ideal. For this, we imagine the customer based on order sheets created by concierges and think about how to fulfill the embedded design requests. We craftsmen don't directly talk to customers, so we fully trust the concierge who draw out the customer's ideals.
Iwakigawa: The ability to realize customer requests is only possible because of the craftsmen's solid skills. I tried ring-making during training, and it was really difficult... That's why I respect the craftsmen who concentrate for long hours and are also moved when we see the finished rings.
Takahashi: ith's craftsmen must consider not only the techniques but also the reasons why a customer chose a design, while the concierges must think alongside the customer and sometimes guide them from a professional perspective. Although their positions are different, they aim for the same thing. This interdependence of knowledge is what makes ith distinctive and truly "ith."
— What do you value in making rings?
Kamiyama: While we pay attention to technical precision, sometimes there is a gap between the beauty perceived by craftsmen and what the customer considers beautiful, so we strive to understand what the customer seeks without becoming self-indulgent.
Iwakigawa: Last year, I experienced being a customer at ith for my wedding ring. I asked Ms. Takahashi to act as the concierge, and discussing the techniques and designs was very enlightening. My usually shy husband actively engaged in looking at rings, which was a delightful surprise. This experience has enabled me to speak with customers more realistically, more aware of incorporating their stories of encounters and marriages into the rings.
Takahashi: Hearing their stories reassures me that the sentiments I've cherished are being well inherited. ith's craftsmanship improves because we have skilled craftsmen, and new customer relationships are formed because we have concierges with different sensibilities. I'm very happy and reassured about this. At one time, I was the only concierge and the only craftsman, but now I'm grateful to have everyone here.
Exceeding Expectations Makes ith Special for Customers
— Do any rings particularly stand out to you?
Kamiyama: Every ring is memorable. I often find myself thinking, "I didn't know this pattern was possible!" It feels like each project tests our skills as artisans.
Takahashi: That's one of ith's unique features. Sometimes just a small change in material combination or production steps can lead to unexpectedly beautiful rings. We often encounter customers with unique ideas, which leads to surprising designs. It shows the high degree of freedom ith offers.
Iwakigawa: Indeed. For instance, even when faced with a physically challenging order, we think about alternative methods and consult with our craftsmen to find solutions.
Takahashi: Creating rings that resonate with what the wearer wants is our role at ith. Tackling difficult custom orders adds significance to our work. That’s why we aim to expand our capabilities continuously. Each unique order is an opportunity for ith to explore new possibilities and innovate through teamwork.
...To be continued in part two.
Photo left: Mr. Kamiyama [Workshop Leader]
Photo center: Ms. Takahashi [ith Founder]
Photo right: Ms. Iwakigawa [Chief of Kichijoji Atelier, Concierge]
Profiles
Ms. Takahashi [ith Founder]
Since its establishment in 2014 at the Kichijoji Atelier, she has been actively involved in both customer service and ring creation. Currently, the founder still personally handles customer interactions at the atelier, leading ith at the forefront. The philosophy that "the wearer is the protagonist" has remained unchanged from the beginning, emphasizing a commitment to considering what can be done for customers.
Ms. Iwakigawa [Chief of Kichijoji Atelier, Concierge]
Joined in 2020 without prior experience in the jewellery industry, quickly mastering necessary knowledge and meeting many customers' expectations. Promoted to chief of the Kichijoji Atelier in 2022, she now not only handles customer interactions but also trains junior concierge.
Mr. Kamiyama [Workshop Leader]
Joined as a craftsman in 2021. Previously worked at a bridal jewellery company, mainly responsible for setting stones, but wanted to engage in various processes in ring making and moved to ith. Now, as the workshop leader, he also instructs mid-level staff in techniques.
