Column

All Column

Skilled craftsmanship supporting a small sparkle

小さな輝きを支える熟練の技

Among cobaco's jewelry, the micro pavé jewelry shines with an especially delicate brilliance. Behind its beauty lies the skilled craftsmanship of artisans who meticulously handle extremely small diamonds.

Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture, known as a jewelry production area. Many of cobaco's jewelry pieces are made in this region, which is also famous for its grapes and peaches. Kofu City is a traditional major jewelry production center responsible for about 30% of Japan's domestic jewelry. In a small workshop quietly nestled in a corner of the city, this precise work is carried out.

Micro pavé setting is a technique that arranges diamonds smaller than 1mm in diameter, weighing just 0.0014ct, which are almost invisible to the naked eye. This work requires a microscope that reveals a world beyond the limits of human vision. Looking through the microscope lens, a microscopic world that was unnoticed by the naked eye clearly emerges.

"When I first used a microscope, I realized that the possibilities expanded greatly because I could clearly see what was previously invisible," says an artisan. As he explains, only a limited number of people can master this technique. Under the microscope, even the slightest hand tremor is not allowed, demanding intense concentration and delicacy.



The tiny diamonds are gently touched to the tip of the wax and slowly moved onto the base. Raising the prongs and setting the diamonds under the microscope is a moment that sharpens the senses. By precisely adjusting the position and angle of the tiny prongs, a neat and beautiful sparkle is created.


Of course, jewelry is not complete with setting alone. Rough polishing is done using a polishing machine, and finally, artisans carefully polish each piece by hand. Only after this final "polishing" process is the piece completed.

"Cobaco's micro pavé rings have very thin and delicate designs. During the polishing process, if you lose focus, there is a risk of distorting the shape of the ring itself. The basic tasks of 'making the round parts rounder and the flat parts smoother' allow no shortcuts. The simpler the design, the more the artisan's skill is tested."

Attention to detail that is unnoticed in daily life. Supporting this beauty is the relentlessly refined skill of experienced artisans and unwavering concentration. Cobaco's jewelry is brought to completion through the quiet passion and reliable technique of these craftsmen.