Wild Berry Trail　※Reserved

Wild Berry Trail – Story of a Custom Order

This necklace is made with 4.0–4.5mm Akoya pearls.

It was created as a custom order.
Flower Jem originally had no white round necklaces in this size, so I visited a pearl dealer I know in Kobe and selected this one from their stock.
I was hoping to find baroque pearls in this size, but there were none available.
Still, the luster was beautiful, soft and elegant, and I immediately liked it.

The client who ordered it liked it as well.
She also chose the thread color herself — I presented two options, lavender and light mint green, and she picked lavender.

The thread size is #30.
For Akoya necklaces, the standard is #20, which is much thicker.
I have used #20 for nearly five years, and I always double-knotted each spacing, prioritizing strength over softness.
Because of that, the necklace tended to be less flexible — but it was secure and strong.

Around October 2025, I decided to rethink this approach.
A customer directly told me, “I prefer a supple necklace.”
I had already been considering reducing thread thickness, and this comment pushed me forward.

Around the same time, there was a materials fair held in Kobe.
An acquaintance of mine, Mr. S, participated as an exhibitor, so I visited.
There, I found #30 thread — available in many soft colors.
I purchased several spools. Recently I’ve been drawn to gentle tones like mint green and lavender.

A customer hoping for more flexibility, my own doubts, and then finding new thread by chance — I don’t say it was divine guidance, but something close to it.
It felt as if I was being naturally led to shift to finer thread.

So for this necklace, I used lavender #30.

Small 4mm pearls paired with a soft lavender thread resulted in a very sweet expression — like berries along a forest path.

In recent years, necklaces in the 2mm–4mm range have declined in demand.
This is due to the rise of high-quality, inexpensive freshwater pearls.
From around 2023, Akoya prices reached historic highs, and many dealers shifted from Akoya to freshwater.
Consumers also began choosing freshwater — more affordable, beautiful, accessible. I understand that feeling myself.

I heard that during 2023–2024, a well-known Japanese pearl company contacted nearly every freshwater dealer in Zhejiang, China, trying to secure supply.
Among the producers there, it became a topic — “Even Japanese pearl companies are reaching out to us.”

Around that time, freshwater pearls also increased on Etsy.
Some shops even advertised “Akoya pearls grown in freshwater.”
I immediately contacted one seller about it.

She told me, “Yes, Akoya pearls can now be grown in freshwater. My supplier said so, so it must be correct.”
I wanted to tell her, “Akoya oysters cannot live in freshwater,” but she did not seem willing to listen, so I stopped there.

Cola should be sold as cola — not labeled as Pepsi.
Akoya pearls are Akoya. Freshwater pearls are freshwater.

In Shiga, Japan, freshwater pearls are farmed in Lake Biwa.
One farmer began with government support, intending to promote domestic freshwater pearls.
After two years, subsidies ended, and he continued using his own funds.
Freshwater pearls produce many pearls, but unit price is low — sustainable operation is difficult, and young workers are scarce.
He continues because he believes in freshwater pearls, alongside his wife.
People like him exist — which is why misinformation such as “Akoya can be grown in freshwater” is painful to see.

Now back to this necklace — Flower Jem handles Akoya only.
Even in a period where 4mm freshwater is popular, 4mm Akoya pearls remain charming in their own way.

The name of this necklace is Wild Berry Trail.
There is no deeper meaning — it simply reminded me of berries in the wild, small and lovely.

Flower Jem cannot produce in large volume.
I work with pearls mainly on weekends, as my weekday job is unrelated to jewelry.
Some weekends I return home, some I ride my motorcycle from Kobe to Kyoto for an oil change, sometimes I meet a friend for dinner — but I try to protect as much pearl time as possible.

Time is limited.
Each piece I make costs hours that could have been used elsewhere, so naturally memories accumulate in every necklace.
Skipping a visit to see my mother weighs on my heart —
but saying no to a barbecue invitation from friends was much easier, I admit (laughs).

Because each piece takes time, I’ve recently begun naming them.
It deepens the connection.
Before, names were just specifications: “Akoya necklace, 8–8.5mm, natural blue baroque, knotted.”
Later, I couldn’t even remember which one it was.

But if a piece is called Wild Berry Trail, I will remember.
Who ordered it, what we talked about, whether it was cold the day I worked on it, what conversations I had with suppliers.
Giving names instead of codes was the right choice.

This may not sound like a typical product description — but this is the background of its creation.

Please take your time and enjoy.

■ Material
• Japanese Akoya pearls
• Size: 4.0–4.5mm
• Shape: Round to near-round
• Surface: Natural minor characteristics may be present
• Luster: High, soft, elegant glow
• Thread: Lavender #30 (fine, supple hand-knot finish)
• Clasp: Silver (standard closure)

■ Dimensions
• Necklace length: 51cm (approx. 20.07 inches)
• Knotted between every pearl for durability & flow

■ Style & Wear
• Gentle, natural impression — like soft berries along a woodland path
• Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear
• Minimal, understated presence
• Works beautifully alone or layered

■ Origin & Craft
• Handmade & individually knotted by Flower Jem
• Customized thread color chosen by customer
• Thread size intentionally reduced from #20 → #30 for softer drape
• One-of-a-kind craftsmanship — not mass-produced

■ Care Instructions
• Avoid perfume/cosmetics before wearing
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth after use
• Store separately in pouch to prevent friction
• Avoid water exposure for long periods

■ Included
• Necklace (Wild Berry Trail)
• Pouch / wrapping
• Care & storage guide