Key points
- Founded in 1954 by Shunsaku Tasaki in Kobe, Japan, the company began as a pearl farming business specializing in Akoya pearls, prized for their delicate hues and soft satin finish.
- Today, Tasaki runs pearl farms in Kujukushima, Nagasaki’s Saikai National Park, Ise-Shima National Park, and even in the Andaman Sea near Thailand and Myanmar—ensuring the freshest and finest quality for their designs.
- Even more avant-garde was a pearl sculpture shaped like a T-shirt, made from 20,000 pearls by designer Melanie Georgacopoulos, who has also pioneered slicing and hollowing pearls for daring, futuristic creations.
Gems and Jewellery News: A Heritage Brand with Modern vision
For decades, pearls were seen as traditional, elegant, and reserved for mature wearers. Today, however, a bold revival is underway, and at the center of this movement is Japanese luxury jeweller Tasaki. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the brand has not only modernized the way pearls are worn but has also redefined them as must-have accessories for younger consumers. This Bangkok Gems and Jewellery News report highlights how Tasaki’s unique approach has helped pearls shine as one of the hottest trends in global fashion again.
Tasaki has created trendy designed jewellery collections with pearls that appeals to the younger generations
Image Credit: Tasaki
From pearl farms to global stages
Founded in 1954 by Shunsaku Tasaki in Kobe, Japan, the company began as a pearl farming business specializing in Akoya pearls, prized for their delicate hues and soft satin finish. Over time, Tasaki expanded into fine jewellery, eventually transforming into a global brand with boutiques in Paris, London, and luxury resorts like Eden Rock in St Barth’s. Despite expanding into diamonds and coloured gemstones, pearls have remained at the very heart of its identity. Today, Tasaki runs pearl farms in Kujukushima, Nagasaki’s Saikai National Park, Ise-Shima National Park, and even in the Andaman Sea near Thailand and Myanmar—ensuring the freshest and finest quality for their designs.
Some of Tasaki new pearl-based jewellery collections
Image Credit: Tasaki
Reinventing pearls for younger audiences
One of the key reasons Tasaki has been successful in engaging younger generations is its innovative design philosophy. Collaborations with international creative directors such as Thakoon Panichgul and Prabal Gurung have given pearls an edgy, modern twist. Panichgul’s Balance Collection, launched in 2010, features five pearls aligned along a sleek gold bar, symbolizing the five pearls founder Shunsaku once discovered in his childhood. This simple yet striking design has become iconic among younger wearers who prefer minimalist yet statement-making jewellery.
Prabal Gurung, who became global creative director in 2017, pushed innovation further by creating Tasaki Atelier, a line where pearls meet colorful gemstones in bold haute joaillerie. By pairing pearls with vibrant designs, Tasaki has effectively distanced pearls from their old-fashioned stereotype and positioned them as chic, versatile, and highly wearable.
Pearls beyond jewellery
To mark its 70th anniversary, Tasaki expanded pearls into lifestyle products through collaborations with brands outside the jewellery world. Sneakers designed with Asics feature pearl detailing, while eyewear frames by Eyevan have pearl accents, proving that pearls can be integrated into everyday fashion. Even more avant-garde was a pearl sculpture shaped like a T-shirt, made from 20,000 pearls by designer Melanie Georgacopoulos, who has also pioneered slicing and hollowing pearls for daring, futuristic creations.
Tasaki constantly collaborates with new rising designers to create new appealing pieces
Image Credit: Tasaki
These collaborations have amplified Tasaki’s visibility among millennials and Gen Z consumers, who value uniqueness, storytelling, and boundary-pushing designs. By showing pearls as both luxurious and playful, Tasaki ensures they remain relevant in the modern fashion landscape.
Mastery behind the scenes
What makes Tasaki exceptional is its meticulous attention to craftsmanship. Its pearl sorters can grade up to 20,000 pearls a day, while high jewellery pieces often take hundreds of hours to complete. The brand’s workshops and diamond-cutting facilities are renowned for their precision and quality, giving designers the creative freedom to experiment. This dedication to excellence ensures that while the designs are modern, the essence of luxury and tradition remains untouched.
A gemstone for the future
Pearls are no longer just heirloom treasures—they are now symbols of modern elegance for a younger generation. Tasaki’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. By combining heritage, innovation, and daring collaborations, the brand has succeeded in making pearls fashionable again. With its expanding global presence and ongoing experimentation, Tasaki is ensuring that pearls continue to sparkle on red carpets, runways, and everyday streets.
The revival of pearls underscores a wider shift in jewellery culture, where tradition meets innovation and timeless gems gain new relevance. For Tasaki, the journey from humble pearl farmer to international trendsetter is proof that reinvention, when done with passion and vision, can truly reshape the way the world perceives beauty.
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