Helena, a high school teacher and mom of three, first discovered Satomi Kawakita Jewelry over a decade ago, marking the birth of her eldest son with a piece to celebrate the occasion. With a discerning eye for quality and style, she found that few designers truly captured her aesthetic—yet Satomi’s work resonated deeply. “I have never once ordered a piece of Satomi's work and thought, ‘Oh, that's not as nice as I thought it would be.’ Each piece is even more captivating in person—I think I actually gasp a little every time I open a box!”
“I started buying pieces for each of my sons' births and sometimes just to reward myself for the hard work of teaching and parenting. My grey flower necklace reminds me of the little wildflowers my boys pick for me around the Bay Area, and my emerald ring with three stones represents my three sons—a beautiful symbol of new life." - Helena
What influences your purchase decisions when it comes to jewelry?
Product quality and style are the most important factors for me. I’m always looking for a very specific aesthetic, and Satomi really hits the nail on the head every time. Jewelry can be tricky to buy online because sometimes what you see on a website isn’t what you get in person. But with Satomi, I’ve never once ordered a piece and thought, "Oh, that’s not what I expected." In fact, it’s always better in person—every piece is even more captivating than the photos!
How has your relationship with Satomi Kawakita Jewelry developed over time?
Satomi is a true artist, always reinventing and refining her craft. I’m on her email list, and whenever her new collections come out, I can’t wait to see them. I’ve bought pieces from her to celebrate the births of my sons, significant birthdays, and even when I started a new job. Sometimes, I buy jewelry just because I work so hard as a teacher and a mom, and I want something pretty to look at while I’m grading papers.
What stands out to you about Satomi's designs?
Satomi has an incredible talent for creating jewelry that feels both hand-crafted and refined, which resonates with me, especially because of the Japanese aesthetic she incorporates. Some pieces are more organic and wabi-sabi, while others are sleek and geometric. Regardless of the style, the craftsmanship is unmatched. I’ve looked at jewelry from many popular designers, but nothing compares to Satomi’s work.
What are some of your favorite pieces?
I especially love Satomi’s one-of-a-kind pieces, particularly those with unique gemstones like moonstones, opals, tourmalines, or grey diamonds. One piece I’ve always wanted is a large, organic keshi pearl ring. I believe I saw Satomi wearing one when we met in Oakland years ago. If she ever releases another collection of those, I’ll definitely be getting one.
How does Satomi Kawakita Jewelry make you feel?
It makes me feel refined, grounded, natural, and elegant, like wearing a moving work of art.
How would you describe your relationship with Satomi Kawakita Jewelry?
It’s a relationship that’s trustworthy and reliable. I’ve been buying from Satomi for about 12 years, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Do you have a message for Satomi or the brand?
I’ve loved your jewelry for so long, and I really enjoyed meeting you in Oakland at Esqueleto. The grey flower necklace I bought when my middle son, Lucien, was born is so special to me. My sons have always picked me flowers from the beautiful wildflowers in the Bay Area, and this necklace reminds me of those moments. The emerald ring, which I bought when my third son, Aster, was born, has three stones, representing my three sons. Green always reminds me of new life, and it’s such a meaningful piece.