Pearl FALCO. SingaLife Weekly. Maiko Makito’s Interview with a Pearl FALCO Pearl Expert & Sales Manager
Pearl FALCO wishes to thank SingaLife for featuring members of the Pearl FALCO community and team members in a series of six articles about Pearl FALCO’s “Jewelry Makers,” which we will be posting in the coming weeks. SingaLife’s original articles were published in Japanese, and are translated into English here. From the SingaLife Series, Maiko’s “Interview with a Pearl FALCO Pearl Expert & Sales Manager.”
Pearl Experts Make Ise Shima Shima
Thanks to Ise Shima’s unique ecology and the dedicated efforts of so many people over the last 130 years, sustainable pearl cultivation continues to thrive here in Ise Shima, Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearls.
Introducing Ms Nakagawa. An Artist with Pearls
Ms Kiyoko Nakagawa, a Professional Pearl Product Processing, Manufacturing And Sales Professional.
For Nakagawa-san, Working in Ise Shima’s Pearl Culture Became a Cause
For Nakagawa-san, joining the pearl industry was the beginning of her ‘Second Act.’ A single mom raising her son on her own at the age of 40, when Ise Shima’s Pearl Industry was at its peak. Ise Shima’s pearl industry is where Nakagawa-san found her “right livelihood,” where she has been striving to make her mark ever since.
Pearl FALCO Jewelry Designs Are Lifetime Treasures
Wonderfully gregarious, Nakagawa-san enjoys engaging with customers with her own unique gentle demeanor. Overcoming significant personal challenges in her own life has helped to shape Nakagawa-san into a stronger and kinder individual. A testament to how personal challenges ideally only make us stronger and more generous in spirit, life and personal engagement.
Living On Purpose. Shaping Beautiful Designs.
Born and raised in Taki-Gun, in the southern part of Mie Prefecture Japan. Before joining Ise Shima’s pearl industry, Nakagawa-san worked for a clothing company. Nakagawa-san migrated to the pearl industry because she felt better able to serve her customers with conviction, with each piece of pearl jewelry seeming to have a life of its own, while being actively involved in creating many of the designs shared with customers.
“Pearls are born from nature with each pearl being as unique as a fingerprint, with unique bumps, dimples, brilliance and color. No two pearls are ever alike.” Nakagawa-san prepares such pearls to fit into jewelry designs, suggesting how each design could be worn or used for different occasions or various situations.
Versatile and Affordable. Akoya Pearls Are A Great Fit For Any Occasion
“Akoya pearls especially, a Pearl FALCO specialty, have a gentle color that is unique. Akoya pearls may not glitter like diamonds, but Akoya pearls convey an exquisitely unique and delicate shine like no other pearl in the world.
Unlike other maybe less versatile gems that are not as smooth on the skin or to the touch, Akoya pearls are the go-to gemstone for virtually any occasion, and definitely not just for ceremonial occasions.”
An avid pearl aficionado herself, Nakagawa-san explains how one of the great charms of pearl jewelry is how it is appropriate for virtually any occassion and brightens the appearance for any age group. Pearls are one of the most versatile and affordable gemstones in the market today.
These days, Nakagawa-san is devoted to sharing the joy of pearl jewelry with younger people, a new generation just becoming acquainted with how pearl jewelry can improve the quality of their lives.
Wisdom Allows Us to Avoid Repeating Mistakes
As Nakagawa-san quietly moved her hand across the display table, she became reminiscent of her many years of experience, explaining, “When I was younger, my hands were more shapely than they are now. My hands were quite dexterous. I could assemble necklaces, process them into products, and make them deftly, more quickly, and in a limited amount of time. I would set goals for myself and enjoyed it.”
Nakagawa-san now devotes herself to sales, but in reality it is not about the sales. For Nakagawa-san, sharing the wonder and beauty of pearl jewelry with Pearl FALCO visitors keeps her coming to Pearl FALCO with an excited devotion each and every day.
The Akoya Pearl Industry Is Being Challenged Like Never Before
Due to the effects of climate change, Akoya pearl production has fallen to less than 1/10 of its peak. In addition, aging is progressing in all processes of processing, manufacturing and sales, including aquaculture sites.
Together We Can Solve This
Nakagawa-san notes how everyone involved in the pearl production process continues to be fascinated by the gentle brilliance of pearls and is dedicated to keeping the pearl industry alive and well to be passed on to the next generation.
Japan’s proud “Only Living Jewel – the Akoya Pearl” is a crystal of love, cultivated and cherished by the People of Ise Shima who devote their lives to protecting Japan’s environmental legacy.
As Ms Maiko Makito, CEO of Pearl FALCO relates, “Pearl FALCO is dedicated to further Ise Shima’s environmental legacy. Let’s starting making changes starting today. The longer we wait, the more ground we lose. The Time is Now.“
A Sampling of Nakagawa-san’s Favorite Pearl FALCO Designs
Design On Purpose, Not By Accident. Kiyoko considers this Pink Baroque Akoya Pearl Long Necklace a great match for everyday wear or that special occasion. Baroque pearls are as individually unique as snowflakes, treasured for their high luster and mirror-like surface reflection. With its adjustable Silver and Mother Oyster Shell Clasp, this 80cm long necklace can be worn in many different ways.
Pearl Jewelry Is Personal. This Luxury Gold and White South Sea Pearl Choker is meant to captivate. A gorgeous South Sea Pearl Choker with a one-of-a-kind ‘Ruby and Diamond Flower’ pendant. A stunning design that is perfect for any outing be it day or night. More affordable and versatile than other gemstones, Kiyoko sees every day how pearl jewelry helps bring out our inner beauty.
Your Pearl Jewelry Can Be With You Every Day. Houses, cars, bags or clothes cannot be with us at all times. This White Gold Black South Sea Pearl Necklace, made up of 9 pearls ranging in sizes from 10.5 to 12.7mm, can be enjoyed daily and is for virtually any occasion. Kiyoko chose this exquisite design to illustrate how pearl jewelry helps to inspire personal confidence as we go about our day.