Shihara’s diamond rings make for a non-traditional engagement token
Diamond rings cast uniquely shaped, thin-cut diamonds into unexpected silhouettes
Diamond rings become offbeat adornments in the hands of Shihara. The Tokyo-based jewellery brand brings a subversive twist with a new collection of alternative engagement rings inspired by an eclectic-shaped collection of diamonds.
‘My designs may appear minimal because I approach designing them as functional fixtures, rather than decorative pieces,’ Shihara designer Yuta Ishihara tells us. ‘People are so accustomed to the use of certain clasps and closures – such as the necklace clasp, earring backs or even buttons – that they are not often re-examined. Innovation is about proposing something new and never seen, so I often try to redefine the way jewellery is worn by rethinking functionalities that have been passed down for centuries.’
The new collection of rings places diamonds in unexpected positions, rethinking classic forms. Triangle-shaped diamonds teeter on their gold bands, or in other pieces sit ensconced, grid-like, in circles of gold. While usually led by design, Ishihara this time put the unique shapes of the diamonds at the forefront, with the rings designed to accentuate their cuts and characters. Thin-cut, the diamonds are unexpectedly flat and with a larger surface area, making them comfortable to wear. Without the need for prongs, they can be worn close to the finger.
‘Each rough diamond has a unique shape, and diamonds are priced according to their carat weight,’ adds Ishihara. ‘Even if the visible surface area of a diamond is small, it is generally more valuable if it has depth; the fewer number of carats it has, the less it is worth, so diamond cutters try to cut as little off the rough diamond as possible. In this collection, I chose mostly thin-cut diamonds, instead of popular brilliant, princess and emerald cuts that are more commonly available.’
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
‘I was captivated by the idea of merging two iconic brands’: Nigo on his collaboration with Moncler and Mercedes-Benz, which features a 1990s-inspired riff on the G-Wagon
Unveiled at Moncler’s ‘The City of Genius’ event in Shanghai this past weekend, Japanese fashion designer Nigo unpacks his three-way collaboration with Moncler and Mercedes-Benz, which includes a play on the G-Class alongside a fashion collection in his eclectic style
By Jack Moss Published
-
Cathay Pacific’s new business class Aria Suites take flight
Cathay Pacific raises the bar for business-class travel with the launch of the much-anticipated Aria Suites
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Volvo’s ultra-efficient EX30 compact EV gets its first real competition, the new Smart #3
We experience the highly rated Volvo EX30 and Smart’s most recent foray into pure electric cars, the #3. Which is the best executed small SUV?
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Sophie Bille Brahe’s wedding bands trace the undulating curves of her engagement rings
Sophie Bille Brahe’s new collection of wedding bands echoes the fluid silhouettes of her most popular engagement rings
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Engagement rings for the modern minimalist
Engagement rings become understated and elegant adornments in the hands of Spanish brand Sansoeurs
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Hannah Martin rethinks the traditional engagement ring
The jeweller adds a twist to a classic with new engagement ring collection ‘Mad Love’
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Jewellery designers are ringing the changes for men’s wedding bands
By Caragh McKay Last updated