At ith, many of the concierges have no prior experience in the bridal jewellery industry. In this interview, we focus on three unique individuals who made a career change from different industries. After completing their training at ith, where they learned the skills of ring-making and how to listen to customers, they are now key members of the atelier, receiving the thoughts and wishes of many couples. They spoke about the joy, challenges, and sense of responsibility that come with creating lifelong wedding rings for their clients.
A Personal Experience as a Customer and a Passion for Ring-Making Led to the Challenge at ith
— Could you tell us what led you to join ith?
Itabashi: Before joining ith, my wife and I had our wedding rings made here. The concierge who helped us was incredibly attentive and supportive, and we felt completely satisfied with the experience. I had always enjoyed working in customer service, but in that moment, I realised that this was the kind of customer service I wanted to pursue! I also thought that this was a job I could continue throughout my life, so I applied the following year.
Shogata: I also had my wedding rings made at the ith atelier in Kichijoji. At that time, I had no intention of working here, but my husband commented, “You look like you’d be working here.” My previous job was in event planning, but with the pandemic, we could no longer do events. As I reached the milestone of getting married, I started rethinking my lifestyle and considering a career change. It was then that I happened to come across a job listing for ith. I remembered the atelier experience when we made our rings and my husband’s words, and thought it would be wonderful to work here, so I applied.
Maedo: I used to work in events and theatre. What prompted me to think about a career change was partly my age, but mainly the impact of the pandemic. I began looking for a job that would allow me to create something with people, and I’d always been interested in the jewellery industry. That’s when I found the job listing for ith. Now, the thing I enjoy most is working with customers to design their rings.
The Joy of Discovering New Passions as a Concierge
— What sparked your interest in creating your own rings?
Shogata: I wanted to create wedding rings that no one else had. That’s when I came across the ith blog. The blog featured a story about how someone’s desire to make something truly personal led to the creation of their ring, and I thought it was wonderful. I remember declaring to my husband, “We’re going here!” (laughs).
Itabashi: In my case, it was my wife’s suggestion. Back then, I didn’t know wedding rings could be custom-made, and I had no particular preferences or demands. I even wondered if it was okay for someone like me to go through this process. But the concierge explained to me that not only can you discover what you like, but you can also find inspiration from what you don’t like. It was a real eye-opener and had a big impact on me.
Maedo: I already had my wedding rings, but after joining ith and being exposed to various designs, my perception of rings changed dramatically. I ended up creating my engagement ring after starting this job. I thought, if I can make something I truly love, why not? (laughs) Making rings at ith became an opportunity for me to discover a new side of myself.
Itabashi: Time has passed since we had our rings made, and I’ve noticed that my preferences have changed since I joined ith. How about you two?
Shogata: I’ve found more ring designs that I think are cute, but my own ring is still my favourite because it reflects me the most.
Maedo: My tastes haven’t changed, but as I work with clients, I’ve grown to appreciate materials and designs I wasn’t particularly interested in before. It feels like my list of “likes” has expanded.
How Customers' Words Shape the Growth of Concierges
— Do you remember your first customer?
Shogata: I remember their faces and rings, but not the conversations we had. I had no sense of time or the situation back then, and I didn’t have the composure I have now. I was probably just focused on what was in front of me.
Maedo: I remember it vividly. Each person had their own reasons for choosing a certain metal or wanting matching rings. Engaging in conversations with clients for the first time made me realise how interesting those differences were.
Itabashi: What I’ll never forget is the moment I handed over the finished rings. Seeing the customers’ faces light up when they opened the box made me realise that this moment is what motivates me to do this job.
— Are there any particular words from clients that have stuck with you?
Maedo: One message that stands out to me was from a husband who said, “I’m so happy to see my wife smile.” It was a sentiment unique to wedding rings, and it made me feel fortunate to be part of such a special process.
Shogata: I try to explain the meaning behind each ith ring, hoping it will become a special memory for the customer. After one delivery, a client told me, “Learning about the rings, their history, and meaning felt like touring a museum—it was so enjoyable.” That unique way of expressing it left a strong impression on me, and it made me realise how important it is to continue sharing those stories.
Itabashi: I once had a conversation with a same-sex couple, and they told me, “This is the most comfortable service we’ve ever received.” I hadn’t done anything particularly special, but if I was able to create a welcoming environment, then maybe I was able to apply my natural empathy to the situation. It made me feel very happy.
— Have you found any connections or reflections between your previous job and your current role?
Shogata: When I worked in events, I always preferred working with different people in different situations rather than doing the same job in the same environment. I’m comfortable talking to anyone, and I think those experiences have led me to where I am now.
Maedo: I think my ability to quickly memorise things, honed from my time in theatre, helps me now. Creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere for clients is also something I’ve carried over from my previous work. Looking back, I realise how interconnected all of my jobs have been.
Itabashi: My previous job involved buying and reselling customers’ clothes, so most of our conversations revolved around money. When I first started at ith, I sometimes approached things with that same mindset. But wedding rings are lifelong treasures, so I’ve learned that it’s important to be more empathetic. I still make a conscious effort to keep that in mind.
…To be continued in Part 2
Photo (from left to right):
Ms. Shogata (Manager and Chief of Nagoya Sakae Atelier)
Ms. Maedo (Sub Manager and Chief of Ginza Atelier)
Mr. Itabashi (Sub Manager and Chief of Shinjuku Atelier)
Profiles
Mr. Itabashi
Sub Manager and Chief of Shinjuku Atelier. After having his wedding rings made at ith, Itabashi was deeply moved by the supportive attitude of the concierge who worked with him, leading him to join ith as a concierge in 2019. Having gained experience at the Kashiwa Atelier, he now works at the Shinjuku Atelier, handling customer service, atelier management, and training junior staff.
Ms. Shogata
Manager and Chief of Nagoya Sakae Atelier. Three months after making her wedding rings at ith, Shogata joined the team as a concierge in 2020. Despite having no prior experience in the industry, her bright and energetic personality has helped her support many customers. She now also assists with atelier operations and trains junior staff.
Ms. Maedo
Sub Manager and Chief of Ginza Atelier. After working as an actor in theatre, Maedo joined ith in 2020, seeking a career change in the jewellery industry, which had always interested her. In addition to assisting many clients with their rings at the Ginza Atelier, she also attends workshops in Kichijoji to learn the skills and techniques of ring-making.
