Natural stone jewelry from TO LABO, made to be worn every day

In the morning, after getting ready, choosing jewelry is the final step.
It's a small, favorite luxury of a moment.
Necklaces and earrings are each so small,
yet it's curious how that small sparkle can shape an entire impression.

This time, we'd like to introduce a natural stone necklace,
a ZUTTO exclusive created together with
TO LABO, a jewelry brand from Yamanashi Prefecture.

We often hear the term "natural stone," but
what exactly does it refer to?

Actually, "natural stone" has no scientific definition—
it's a general term for any mineral or rock that hasn't been artificially synthesized.
Diamonds and pebbles by the roadside are both "natural stones."
That said, among these, the ones that hold value as gemstones
are generally what people mean when they say "natural stone."

The "natural stones" most of us commonly picture—quartz,
lapis lazuli, opal, amethyst, ruby, and so on—
come in countless varieties, but only about 200 kinds
are said to be processed and circulated as gemstones.

When it comes to Japan's leading center of jewelry production, that would be Yamanashi Prefecture.
Ever since a rough quartz crystal was discovered on Mt. Kinpu about 1,000 years ago,
carving and polishing techniques have developed here as an industry,
and Yamanashi is now known, alongside Germany, as one of the world's two great centers of gem-cutting and jewelry manufacturing.
From gemstone cutting and carving to precious metal processing,
Yamanashi can handle every single process needed to complete a piece of jewelry
right here in this region—
and such a concentrated production area is a rare thing even on a global scale.

Kiseki Chokoku Ooyori, the parent company behind TO LABO,
has carried out gemstone carving and polishing in Yamanashi across three generations since its founding in 1958.
Taking its name from the English preposition "TO" (as in "to someone," "for someone"),
the brand always keeps in mind both the person giving a gift and the person who will wear it,
researching and continuing to create jewelry that brings a smile to the wearer's face
and helps them live with a richer heart.

The ZUTTO exclusive necklace we created together with TO LABO this time
has been named the 【OCTAGON NECKLACE】.
OCTAGON means "eight-sided figure." By cutting the natural stone into an octagon close to a circle,
we gave it a design impression unlike anything else, while also finishing it
so it's easy to wear every day and pairs well with any outfit.

The concept is this: natural stone is something that resists deterioration and can be cherished for a long time to begin with,
so by keeping the design simple enough to be worn regardless of age,
we wanted to make it something you could love for even longer.

Green Agate
A green that shifts in expression and impression depending on the light. Just when it looks like a deep color,
it can suddenly reveal a bright, transparent tone as well.

Pink Opal
A pale pink that blends easily with skin tone, making it very easy to wear.
It lacks transparency but often shows striped or lace-like patterns,
giving it a rich, varied character.

Yellow Agate
A beautiful, transparent color that seems to lift your mood the moment you put it on.
A color that suits both casual and dressed-up looks
equally well.

Red Agate
A vivid, eye-catching red. It serves as an accent to your outfit,
while its small size keeps it from being too bold.

The OCTAGON NECKLACE, with its faceted, octagonal shape, gives a crisp, structured impression.
We aimed for the flexibility to wear it in both on and off scenes, with a playful touch of color.
Since the pendant head measures about 7mm, on the smaller side,
we chose a 40cm chain length to keep the balance right. There is some individual variation, but
if you leave the second button of your shirt undone, the stone sits right at the V of the neckline.
It also comes with an adjuster jump ring, so it's easy to pair with clothing
of various necklines and depths around the décolletage. When used through
the adjuster jump ring, the chain shortens by about 3.5cm, positioning the head just below the collarbone
and giving it yet another look.

Since stone is something that can be used for a long time in the first place, there are precautions you must follow
in order to enjoy it for years while keeping it clear and beautiful.

・Make it a rule to put jewelry on only after you've finished getting ready.
→ If makeup, hairspray, nail polish, or nail polish remover come into contact with
the stone or metal fittings, they can cause damage.
This also helps prevent your jewelry from getting caught and broken, or lost,
while you're changing clothes.

・Take it off every day
→ Never keep your jewelry on during housework, baths (or hot springs),
sports, or while sleeping. Sweat can cause stains and discoloration,
and impact can cause breakage.

・Wipe it down after taking it off
→ Since jewelry is often in direct contact with skin, it's easily affected
by dullness and dirt from sweat and body oils.
Wiping it with a soft cloth after removing it, as a habit, will make a real
difference in the future condition of the stone, chain, and metal fittings.

>>Gold & Jewelry Care Kit (can type)

・Store each piece separately
→ Even among stones, some types scratch more easily than others.
When storing your jewelry, we recommend using a jewelry case with individual compartments
so that pieces don't knock against each other.
If you don't have a jewelry case, place each piece in its own
soft cloth pouch or small plastic bag.
The important thing is to keep stones from touching each other, and stones from touching metal fittings.

A jewelry pouch for storage is included

・Be mindful of storage location too
→If the color of the stone is left or stored in a place exposed to sunlight
it can cause discoloration or fading.
Many people place jewelry they use often on a tray so it's easy to pick up
but please also give some thought to where
that tray is placed.

There are many different types of jewelry.
What you need changes depending on your taste and the situation
in which you wear it. Large, flashy pieces with multiple colors
give exactly the feeling of "dressing up."
But the "jewelry to love for a long time" that ZUTTO envisions
isn't about that. It's jewelry that lets you
cherish the beauty of the material itself, endlessly.
Wearing simple, beautiful jewelry casually,
as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
That's the kind of coolness and simplicity we want to pursue.

▼[Special Order] OCTAGON NECKLACE Product Page