iKuria: every piece of jewellery has a story

8^th February 2014

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

8 February 2014

With an ethos of storytelling, iKuria is a fine jewellery brand that has experienced a kind of fairy tale itself. After only a year of being launched, Japanese designer Ikuko Kurahone was a finalist for the New Designer of the Year award at the UK Jewellery Awards 2013.

Now London-based, the brand’s initial aim was to provide businesswomen with jewellery pieces that would bring back some individuality and personality to their outfits within an environment where corporate uniforms dominate over women’s individualism. Kurahone wanted to make jewellery that would not be distracting to wear, but create a delicate, feminine statement that would enhance a woman’s natural beauty, not dulling it down with neutral palettes and plain business wear.

Kurahone finds inspiration for her designs through literature, history of art, science, ballet and possibly the most defining aspect, Japanese aesthetic. Although the brand had its beginning in business jewellery, it soon branched out to provide colourful and versatile collections that each tell their own story.

The collection entitled Laika, for example, was inspired by a story of science that Kurahone heard. Whilst the white pearls with yellow gold rings are reminiscent of planets in the sky, it isn’t until you hear who exactly Laika was that makes this collection hauntingly beautiful. Laika was a stray dog that was sent into outer space in Sputnik 2, by NASA, to be the first dog to orbit the earth. This was in the 1950s, and Laika is yet to return.

This gorgeous white fresh water pearl charm sits delicately against the finger when worn. Orange and yellow sapphires orbit the pearl and add a touch of star-like sparkle to the subtle piece.

With each collection having a unique story to tell, it is easy to get lost between each necklace or ring that iKuria have designed.

Laura Farrington

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