Ishigaki: How Our Trip Inspired Our New Exhibition

In May 2024, we set out on a journey that would become the heartbeat of our latest exhibition at Corky Saint Clair. What started as a sourcing trip to the Kobe Jewelry Show turned into a deep well of inspiration—one that took us from bustling gem halls to the serene, untouched beauty of Japan’s southern islands.

At the Kobe Jewelry Show, we carefully selected a range of extraordinary materials for our collections. Among our finds were luminous Akoya pearls, richly toned Kabira pearls, and delicate miniature freshwater Baroque pearls, each bringing its own character and history to our pieces. But perhaps the most captivating of our discoveries were the recrystallized emeralds—an innovation in sustainable fine jewellery.

These emeralds are crafted from the offcuts and unused fragments of Colombian emeralds, which are heated at extremely high temperatures to recrystallize into stunning, transparent gems. With the same chemical composition as natural emeralds, they radiate a gemmy, clear luster while embodying a spirit of sustainability we’re proud to champion. By using industry offcuts, we’re reducing waste while delivering beauty without compromise.

From Kobe, we ventured south to Ishigaki, eventually making our way to the remote island of Hateruma—Japan’s southernmost point. Hateruma feels like a world apart: a tiny, windswept island where goats roam freely, skin divers slip into the sea, and a handful of locals tend to their daily lives. Our hotel sat right on the beach, and the heat was unforgettable—a white, searing heat softened only by the endless blue of the ocean.

But the true magic waited beneath the surface. Snorkeling along the reef, I felt as if I had been dropped into the world of Finding Nemo. Fluorescent fish darted between vibrant corals, their colours shimmering like living gemstones. And then, the moment that will stay with me forever: a giant sea turtle gliding slowly below me, grazing peacefully on seaweed.

For 15 minutes, I floated above this placid creature, watching as it moved with a calm, unhurried grace. It was oddly reminiscent of a sea cow—large, gentle, and utterly unbothered by my presence. That encounter crystallized something in my mind: the quiet beauty, resilience, and otherworldliness of the natural world.

These moments, from the bright hum of Kobe to the tranquil pulse of Ishigaki, became the creative fuel behind our exhibition. In each piece, you’ll find echoes of the reef’s fluorescence, the emerald glow of the sea, and the sense of wonder that only comes from immersing yourself in wild, unspoiled nature.

We invite you to explore the collection and discover how jewellery can carry not just beauty, but memory, story, and place.