Longtime SKJ customers Sam and Doug have built a lasting connection with us over the past 5 years, starting with their engagement ring and celebrating each new chapter. Originally from upstate New York, this creative couple first discovered SKJ at Catbird in Brooklyn, drawn by the quality, aesthetic, and integrity of our pieces.
"Doug got me a beautiful ruby ring, my birthstone, to propose to me in France. After returning to New York, we picked up a diamond engagement ring from SKJ. To celebrate the birth of our first daughter, Doug gifted me a sapphire ring, her birthstone, and we've recently ordered an emerald ring to mark the arrival of our second daughter. These pieces are deeply meaningful and will stay with us to be passed down. Aside from gifted items, they’re the only jewelry we’ve purchased, and likely the only jewelry we ever will." – Sam
“For us, we're not super into fashion, but as creative people, we value meaningful investments. Our Satomi Kawakita jewelry isn't just an indulgence—it’s an investment that continues to feel special. It speaks to quality and is timeless, not something you wear for a few months and discard. It’s jewelry that will be with us forever." – Doug
How did you discover the brand SKJ?
We got engaged in 2019 and started exploring engagement rings around 2018. We wanted something unique, timeless, and of excellent quality, ideally connected to New York since we didn’t plan to stay there forever. We started at Catbird, which carries Satomi's rings along with others, and I immediately fell in love with the Satomi pieces. After some deep online research, we made an appointment to visit Satomi’s showroom in Manhattan, where we received the best customer service. We were not pressured at all, and the experience made us feel really comfortable. Doug proposed with a ruby ring in Europe, and after our trip, we picked up the diamond engagement ring from the showroom.
What was the biggest factor that influenced your purchase decision?
Initially, it was important for us to find a company that ethically sourced materials and ideally handmade everything. Customer service was a big factor too. The experience we had in the showroom was special – our consultant was kind, informative, and hands-off, allowing us to try on whatever we wanted without any pressure. The quality of the rings also stood out, and it was clear that these pieces were built to last. Over time, the exceptional customer service and the connection we felt to Satomi’s work have kept us coming back.
What made you return to SKJ for your wedding bands?
It was a no-brainer for us to return to Satomi for our wedding bands. After we tried on the rings and saw the finishes and materials up close, we knew it was the right choice. Then, to commemorate our first daughter’s birth, Doug got me a sapphire ring. We also ordered an emerald ring for our second daughter’s birth. These are pieces that will stay with us and be passed down. They feel timeless and have only improved with age, making them even more meaningful to us.
What do you think is unique about SKJ's aesthetics or design?
The design felt timeless, but not in a way that would make it feel outdated in a few years. We wanted something that didn’t have a particular trend attached to it but was made with precious materials, ethically sourced. I also love how the pieces are not overly delicate, which was important for me, as I work with clay and needed a ring that could withstand daily wear. The durability and practicality of these rings, combined with their beauty, is what made us feel so connected to them.
Have you met Satomi in person?
Yes, we recently had the chance to meet her, and it made the experience even more meaningful. It was wonderful to connect with the designer behind the pieces we hold so dear.
How does the brand make you feel? How would you describe your relationship with SKJ in a few words?
For us, SKJ pieces aren’t just jewelry – they are an investment. They hold a lot of sentimental value, and they are made to last. We’re proud of the rings we own and proud to be buying from a company with such dedication to quality. These pieces feel timeless, and I believe they’ll be with us forever. We’re also looking forward to passing them down to our children one day. The rings don’t just hold personal value to us; they are a legacy we can give our daughters.
Do you have any final thoughts or messages for SKJ or Satomi?
I recently watched a video of Satomi working on her pieces, and it made me feel so proud to own jewelry from someone so dedicated to their work. I'd like to say thank you for continuing that dedication and for being such a master of her craft. I also want to thank the entire team for always giving us terrific service and for being so accommodating.