The pearls were obtained from the great-grandson of Yasuie Tōdō, the inventor of pearl stain removal in 1922 and founder of Takahashi Pearl. More than a century ago, Tōdō invested in pearl farms in Sukumo City, Kōchi Prefecture, where the world’s first round cultured pearls were created. Although a flood in 1920 destroyed those farms, his later invention of stain removal became a cornerstone of modern pearl processing and remains widely used today.

Kept in his family for decades, these pearls are estimated to be at least 60 years old—likely older, perhaps from the period when Sukumo’s pearl farms were still active. While they are not flawless, their meaning lies in their origin and the history they carry.

At Flower Jem, I have named these pearls the Sixty Series. If you would like to learn more about the history behind the Sixty Series, please visit here:

Akoya Pearls with a Century of History – The Sixty Collection Bracelet

This time, I am introducing a pair of 9mm stud earrings from this series. These pearls were harvested at least 60 years ago, yet they remain in remarkably good condition. In the past, pearl cultivation was said to last not just one or two years, as it does today, but three to four years or even longer. Because of this, the nacre layers became thicker and more durable.

These earrings feature pearls measuring 9.43 mm and 9.34 mm.

Kanata means “beyond” or “distant” in Japanese. I named these earrings with the image of them having come from beyond the distant past, carrying their history across time.

When you look closely at the surface of these pearls, you’ll notice delicate patterns like human skin or the craters of the moon. Yet they remain beautifully clear and luminous, like freshly fallen snow—it’s hard to believe they were harvested over 60 years ago. Their shapes are nearly round, and although the luster isn’t the strongest, it is above average. If the highest grade of pearl luster is like the brilliance of the sun, then these pearls shine like the full moon. With no noticeable wounds, they are elegant and refined.

As mentioned earlier, these earrings carry a remarkable history. They remained untreated and in their original harvested state for more than six decades. Last year, they underwent a preliminary treatment—a gentle cleaning process done before stain removal—which removes dullness and is applied even to natural blue pearls.

Pearls that continue to shine after 60 years spark the imagination: what stories might they hold?

Moreover, their original owner, Mr. Tōdō, achieved a monumental breakthrough in the pearl world—the invention of the stain removal technique. Even he faced setbacks: the pearl farm he invested in, which achieved the world’s first round cultured pearls in 1915, was destroyed by a massive flood just five years later. Mikimoto succeeded with round pearls shortly after. Tōdō spent many years struggling before his revolutionary technique brought him back to prominence.

Today, stain removal is so commonplace that few ever stop to wonder who invented it—much like the radio, the television, or perhaps today, the smartphone.

I hope that beyond their surface beauty, you’ll also feel the profound story behind these pearls—their origins in a legendary pearl region and their connection to the inventor of stain removal. I want you to love Akoya pearls not only for their appearance but also for their soul.

This is the fourth consecutive night I’ve worked on listing earrings from the Sixty Series. To be honest, it’s getting harder to find new words—after all, every night I find myself writing, “over 60 years ago…” Please also take a look at the other pieces in this series: Nukumori, Towa, and Haruka.

Flower Jem’s website also features a bracelet from the Sixty Series. Its gentle luster makes it perfect for everyday wear and gives it a soft, approachable aura—the kind of piece that might earn you a compliment like, “Oh, what a refined bracelet!”

Pearls come in many forms: some radiate intense brilliance, while others glow softly and subtly. Luster alone can be measured on dozens of levels. Personally, I prefer pearls with luster just two steps below the highest grade. At the very top, pearls are so bright they seem to emit light themselves, with mirror-like surfaces that almost resemble metal. That can feel a bit too bold for me.

I prefer luster that is strong yet gentle—luminous like the glow of fireflies, radiant yet unassuming.

Now, as usual, let me wander off topic for a moment.

Recently, someone messaged me on social media asking for recommendations for pearl shops in Kobe, Japan. I suggested a shop called Shinyu. She checked their Instagram and, during the process, ended up purchasing a piece from them.

I also introduce pearls on Instagram.

I was asked for a recommendation, I gave it, and she bought from that shop.

You can imagine how I felt.

Still, Shinyu is a wonderful shop, and my recommendation was not misplaced. My goal is to create jewelry that makes visitors want to place an order the moment they see Flower Jem’s Instagram.

If you ever travel to Japan and visit Kobe, I recommend three shops: Shinyu, Kinoshita Pearl, and Taiyo Pearl. They’re all within a two-minute walk of each other and each has its own unique style. I’m sure you’ll find something you love.

I recently visited all three myself for research. The staff and managers were friendly, and our conversations flowed easily.

These shops are located in Kitano—the heart of Kobe’s pearl district. There are more than 200 pearl businesses here, though many are invisible to the public. Most operate wholesale from private offices, often without signs, which is why even locals don’t always know Kobe is a “pearl city.”

The shops I recommend are among the few that sell directly to customers. Be sure to explore and enjoy Kobe, the city of pearls.

Flower Jem ｜ Pearl Bless You

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