Aki Uemura ( Fujiwara ): High Jewelry advisors

The joy of a high jewelry collection is as much about discovering and wearing beautiful gemstones as it is about engaging with the history, culture, and exceptional craftsmanship that shaped these pieces.

We marvel at certain natural gemstones that, having been excavated for only a brief period in history, now exist in rare quantities. We imagine the stories behind one-of-a-kind high jewelry pieces created by special order for nobility—treasures that remain hidden from the market unless the owner releases them. Rare high jewelry pieces are works of art, expressing the beauty of fine natural stones, brought to life by artisans through meticulous and sophisticated designs. To appreciate these works is to understand the relentless pursuit of beauty, to feel the stirring artistry within great works of art.

Collectors will find the unique story behind each work. Perhaps we may discover that the piece belonged to an aristocrat, or it may have been commissioned for a celebrity’s wedding day. Worn on the body, jewelry is by nature intimate and serves as a palpable link connecting those who touch it. Knowing the history and origin of each piece adds depth to any collection.

The beauty of high jewelry endures for generations. To collect is to create a rich heritage full of special meaning and memories to be shared with family and loved ones and to live on into the future. From a practical perspective, high jewelry is a traditional store of wealth. Made of precious stones and metals, it retains value, is portable, and is easily converted to cash. Precious metals and gemstones are durable and, in many cases, appreciate over time, especially when crafted into bespoke or historically significant pieces.

High jewelry transcends its material worth, gaining value as art or through association with renowned designers and houses.

The pleasures of a well-curated jewelry collection will deepen as it matures over time.
They may be part of a lifestyle that brings deep satisfaction to their owners. I would be happy to assist you on this journey.

Where the world’s most celebrated stars gather, Chopard’s high jewelry shines with unmatched brilliance.

I provide personalized consultation services to assist you in experiencing this extraordinary occasion and exploring the exquisite world of Chopard Haute Joaillerie. For more details or to arrange a private consultation, please feel free to contact me.

Guidance in Building
a High Jewelry Collection

Expert advice tailored to help you curate a refined and meaningful high jewelry collection.

Overseas Auction
Representation and Advisory

Whether buying or selling fine jewelry, I provide dedicated support for navigating premier auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Phillips, and Bonhams. My advisory services extend beyond jewelry—feel free to reach out for assistance with other exceptional items.

Access to Exclusive Brands

For brands unavailable in Japan, such as FORMS and Cindy Chao The Art Jewel, I offer comprehensive services, including purchase assistance, shipping, customs handling, and private tour arrangements to destinations like Hong Kong.
(Advisor travel fees are to be covered by the client.)

Custom Engagement Rings

Collaborate on creating bespoke engagement rings, with budgets starting at JPY 10 million, ensuring unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Assistance at Julian’s Auctions

As your agent for Hollywood celebrity auctions, I provide end-to-end assistance with consignment, bidding, shipping, and customs, simplifying the process of acquiring or selling iconic pieces.

High jewelry advisors can play a pivotal role in guiding purchases of expensive jewelry or building a collection. While still a less common practice in Japan, many successful collectors around the world rely on jewelry and art advisors, tapping into their expertise and networks to ensure informed and satisfying acquisitions of high-value items.

Assessing a Client's Needs

Advisors identify the client's designer and brand preferences, taking into account lifestyle, budget, and collection objectives (e.g., personal enjoyment, investment potential) before recommending what would be most appropriate.

Make Recommendations
and Introductions

High jewelry advisors may draw upon experience and knowhow to propose rare and superior quality … rare and superior-quality jewelry from retail brands and auctions worldwide.

Provide Auction
and Private Sale Support

Advisors are familiar with the intricacies of auctions and private sales, enabling them to support clients through a smooth process while securing the best prices for acquisitions.

The research and decision-making process for buying jewelry and building a collection is typically time-intensive. Advisors can significantly reduce that time and effort, steering clients away from counterfeit, overvalued, or otherwise risky items, thereby enabling them to purchase jewelry with greater confidence.

This provides a general idea of how the process works, but it is important to remember that the relationship between advisor and collector is highly personalized. The goal is not to focus on a single, one-time transaction but to develop a long-term partnership.

Important points to consider
when building a collection

Establish a Style

Jewelry is often regarded as “wearable art,” so it’s best to collect pieces that reflect your taste and lifestyle. Focusing on a specific style, such as vintage, contemporary, or particular brands, will help you build a cohesive collection.

Brand and/or Designer Selection

Pieces from renowned high jewelry brands, such as Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bulgari, tend to hold their value over time and may even appreciate, depending on the piece.

Understanding Quality and Materials

High jewelry is crafted from premium-quality precious metals and gemstones. The origin of the stone is also a key factor in determining its rarity and value.

Rarity and Exclusivity

The value of a collection often depends on the rarity and exclusivity of the jewelry. Limited production pieces and custom-made creations are typically the most valuable. Vintage jewelry from esteemed maisons, for instance, is highly prized for its handcrafted artistry, much of which cannot be replicated today.

Network with Trusted Professionals

Building relationships with trusted advisors, jewelers, and auction houses is essential for discovering exceptional pieces. Expert guidance can provide historical context and insight, helping you identify jewelry of enduring value.

Global Market Reach

Overseas auctions connect you to a global audience, expanding beyond the domestic market and allowing buyers worldwide to access your items.
High Bidding Prices

Certain items in high demand overseas may attract intense competition, often resulting in unexpectedly high bids, which is advantageous when selling.
Access to Niche Markets

Products that are less popular locally may have significant demand in overseas markets, opening new opportunities.
Unique Opportunities

Overseas auctions offer access to rare and unique items not readily available domestically.
Efficiency

Agents handle interactions with auction companies on your behalf, saving you time and streamlining the process.
Proposing the Most Advantageous Sales Channel

For items you wish to sell, we compare various options—including international auctions, private sales to overseas high-net-worth individuals, domestic auctions, and local dealers—and propose the method that will yield the highest return. If you choose to sell via an international auction, we will also negotiate listing fees and manage all related procedures on your behalf .

Sotheby's｜https://www.sothebys.com/en/
Christie's｜https://www.christies.com/en
Phillips｜https://www.phillips.com/
Bonhams｜https://www.bonhams.com/

Why collectors should look at brands not sold in Japan?

Uniqueness

These pieces, unavailable in Japan, are rarely seen or worn by others, lending them an air of exclusivity. Unique designs and rare gemstones allow your style to stand out effortlessly.
Craftsmanship

The high jewelry brands I work with abroad exemplify the unparalleled expertise of master artisans, where intricate techniques and exquisite attention to detail create truly captivating pieces.
Cultural context

Each high jewelry brand embodies its own unique concept and story. Through their creations, you can experience the richness and diversity of global cultural expressions.
Stories

Every piece of high jewelry tells its own character and story. From the designer’s inspiration to the meticulous creation process, these stories deepen your connection to each masterpiece.

FORMS

FORMS is a high jewelry house driven by a strong commitment to creating a piece of jewel using diverse forms and shapes to create unique pieces that tell a story from every angle. The Hong Kong-based company was founded in 2010 by Tzvika Janover and Elad Assor. They founded FORMS with the knowledge and wealth of experience they inherited from a family of renowned diamond cutters with over 100 years of history. Their vision is to craft rare and ancient natural precious gems with exquisite skill and technique to bring one-of-a-kind, original creations to jewelry lovers around the world.

Renowned for its elegance and aesthetic sophistication, FORMS emphasizes quality and integrity in every design. Under the guidance of founder and creative director Tzvika Janover, the house follows a collaborative approach to design. Each piece is a masterful balance of exceptional materials, artistry, and innovation, resulting in jewelry that is both bold and timeless.

FORMS jewelry sometimes uses themes and materials associated with Japan. For example, the use of shakudo (an alloy of copper and gold used in Japanese kimono buckles 100 years ago), earrings inspired by the sublime ink paintings of Hiroshi Senju, and designs influenced by Japanese fans. These are the special elements that resonate with Japanese collectors, and anyone who holds a piece of FORMS jewelry in their hands will notice the attention to detail and the pursuit of perfection.

Located in Hong Kong's vibrant business center, the FORMS atelier is where master craftsmen innovate on time-honored techniques to create precise and unique pieces. The company is renowned for producing fewer than 100 pieces each year, with some pieces taking up to a year to complete focusing on perfection over quantity. The finished products are also called “works of patience” within the company.

■HP｜FORMS

https://formsjewellery.com/

Cindy Chao The Art Jewel

Founded in 2004 by jewellery artist Cindy Chao, CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel creates museum-caliber works that integrate architectural precision with sculptural artistry.

Drawing from her heritage—her grandfather a renowned architect and her father an established sculptor—Chao pioneers a unique fusion of Asian artistic philosophy and European craftsmanship.

Her masterpieces have earned unprecedented recognition, becoming the only Asian jewellery brand inducted into three of the world's most prestigious museums: the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Its creations have also adorned many red carpet moments, being worn by Hollywood stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaughey and Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian to win the 95th Oscars Academy Award for Best Actress.

■HP｜Cindy Chao The Art Jewel

https://www.cindychao.com/en

An engagement ring is an enduring symbol of the journey two people embark on together,
making it fitting that the ring itself should also be one of a kind. A custom-made engagement ring is designed based on individual preferences.
I accept requests for custom-made rings with a budget of JPY 10 million or more.

Personal Meaning

The significance of the ring is deepened by choosing a design that reflects your relationship and cherished memories. It embodies your unique taste and style.
“Surprise” Factor

There will be no other ring like it in the world, adding to the element of surprise during the proposal and making it a truly unforgettable moment.
Emotional Value

A ring specially created for your partner will be treasured with unparalleled affection and care.

These elements give a custom-made engagement ring a special meaningand enhance its value as a symbol of eternal love.

Julien’s Auctions is a premier auction housebased in Los Angeles, renowned for its specialization in celebrity and entertainment memorabilia, music and sports collectibles, fine art, and luxury items. We bring memorable moments back to life through iconic artifacts and unique collections. By collaborating directly with artists,partnering with legendary estates, and working closely with discerning collectors, our auctions celebrate culture and promise discovery and reconnection. From Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe to John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, BTS, Michael Jackson, Banksy, and Kurt Cobain, our offerings resonate with fans and collectors alike.

Reasons to Own High-Profile Collectibles

Historical Value

Celebrity memorabilia provide a unique glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of iconic figures. Each item carries historical significance, transporting you to specific eras and allowing you to connect with the rich tapestry of history.
Collector's Items

Celebrity artifacts are often rare and sought after, making them valuable collector's items. Their scarcity can lead to increased demand, enhancing their potential to appreciate in value over time.
Emotional Connection

For fans and admirers, owning a piece of a celebrity's legacy fosters a personal connection. These artifacts serve as cherished reminders of the talents and achievements of those you admire.
Inspiration

High-profile collectibles symbolize success and creativity, serving as enduring sources of inspiration. They remind us of the heights that can be achieved and encourage us to pursue our own passions.
Investment Potential

Many celebrity artifacts hold substantial investment value. As cultural icons, these items can act as future assets, offering financial returns as their significance and demand grow.

Julien’s Auctions conducts all auctions in English and accepts live and online bidding from around the globe.
To ensure an exceptional experience for our discerning Japanese clients, I offer the following services in Japanese:

・Assistance with Item Inquiries: Help obtain additional images or videos of items you are interested to bid. I provide service to clients who plan to bid on items at US$20,000 or above.
・Bidding Facilitation: Provide support for placing bids during the auction in Japanese.
・Assist with payment to Julien’s Auctions and help arrange transportation for purchased items to Japan.
・Private Viewing: Organize on-site viewings of auction items and facilitate in-person attendance at the auction (travel expenses will be covered by the client).

■HP｜Julien’s Auctions

https://www.juliensauctions.com/en

Aki Uemura ( Fujiwara )

Having spent my early years in New York and London, I returned to Tokyo during high school and enrolled at Sacred Heart International School Tokyo, later graduating from International Christian University (ICU).

After earning a Graduate Diamond certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York, I joined Harry Winston. I spent eight years in the Tokyo office before transferring to the company’s headquarters on Fifth Avenue in New York, where I worked for seven years. During my time at Harry Winston, I gained cross-functional experience across departments, including sales, sales administration＆analysis, and client services. Upon returning to Tokyo, I joined Sotheby’s as a jewelry representative. There, I handled some of the finest gemstones and high jewelry brands from various eras, assisting Japanese clients with consignments and purchases. Notably, I managed two significant collections from private Japanese collectors, achieving a sell-through rate of more than 95% for both.In 2022, I left Sotheby’s Tokyo to further deepen my understanding of jewelry. I began studying jewelry design to gain a more comprehensive perspective on the craft, exploring its artistic, technical, and historical dimensions.

I am bilingual in Japanese and English, communicating fluently in both languages. With a deep global network in the jewelry industry at my fingertips, I am poised to connect clients at the highest level and provide services tailored to their needs. To this end, I leverage my extensive global experience to help build jewelry collections of genuine value that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Please feel free to contact：akiuemurafujiwara@gmail.com

Articles regarding Aki Uemura
published in the media “Precious”