Update: July 10, 2025

　The Joys of Jewelry #8: Jewels of the Sea

 "The Joys of Jewelry #8: Jewels of the Sea"

　  2025.7.19～2025.11.17

　Closed：Tuesdays, except Aug.12 and Sept. 23 (open), and Wednesday, Sept. 24

　Room  :"Special Exhibition Room A"          

  

　　　　　

 

 

 

 

　

Outline 

Beyond the minerals mined from the earth, there's a fascinating variety of gemstones linked to the sea. Pearls, coral, mother-of-pearl, and more—these jewels, born from the embrace of the ocean, possess a distinct charm, different from their mineral counterparts.

Both pearls and coral have deep historical ties to Japan, having been treasured since ancient times. The Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan's jewelry culture began to flourish, marked significant turning points, including the development of cultured pearls and the lifting of restrictions on coral fishing. Cultured pearls and precious coral, coupled with a longing for the sea, captivated people with their unique hues and soft luster, distinct from minerals. Even today, they remain highly popular as gemstones, fashioned into a wide array of exquisite jewelry.

At the Yamanashi Jewelry Museum, we invite you to experience the "joys of jewelry" with these ocean treasures, showcasing pearls and coral from a fresh, engaging perspective despite their often-formal perception.

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