Discover the Evolution of Gemstone Cutting Styles with Yuuki Suwa at Yamawaki Art School

Discover the Evolution of Gemstone Cutting Styles

On October 5, 2025, the Yamawaki Art School located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to host an insightful seminar titled "The Evolution of Gemstone Cutting Styles" led by the legendary figure in the jewelry industry, Yuuki Suwa. With the event starting at 2:00 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a unique aspect of gemology and jewelry design.

Yuuki Suwa, a prominent name in the jewelry sector, has an impressive career spanning over 60 years. He is the chairman of Suwa Trading Company and was the first Japanese to obtain the Gemologist (G.G.) certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). His expertise was further showcased in 2022 when he curated the special exhibition "Jewels: Miracles of the Earth" at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. During this time, he created a historical timeline that chronicles the significance of 200 rings from the Hashimoto Collection.

In this upcoming seminar, Yuuki Suwa will delve into the historical timeline he developed, offering participants an enlightening look at how gemstone cutting styles have evolved over time. This seminar is designed not only for professionals in the jewelry industry but also for jewelry enthusiasts, art, culture, and design lovers, as well as creators, thereby catering to a wide audience eager to stimulate their intellectual curiosity.

Each participant will receive a special catalog from the exhibition as a reference text, further enriching their learning experience. This seminar promises to be a rare opportunity to learn from a master of the trade. Attendees will read how different gemstone cutting styles influence jewelry design, providing a profound intellectual experience.

Key Points of the Seminar

- Direct Learning from Expertise: An exclusive chance to gain insights from Yuuki Suwa, who has dedicated his life to the gemstone business.
- Understanding the Impact on Design: Participants will explore the ways in which different cutting styles have shaped jewelry design.
- Stories from a Renowned Author: Attendees will hear unique stories and insights directly from the author of the exhibition catalog.

About the Instructor

Yuuki Suwa

- Chairman of Suwa Trading Company
- A third-generation gem merchant
- First Japanese individual to earn the G.G. certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- Curator of the exhibition “Jewels: Miracles of the Earth,” showcasing the Suwa Quality Scale among other remarkable pieces. Yuuki has authored various books, including “The Value of Gemstones: Tips for Knowledgeable Consumers.” His commitment to promoting gemstone culture is evident through his support of educational initiatives at Yamawaki Art School, where he has generously donated many of his publications.

Seminar Details

- Date and Time: October 5, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:30 (Registration begins at 13:30)
- Venue: Yamawaki Art School, 4-8-21 Kudanminami, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Fee: 6,000 JPY (tax included)
- Organizer: Yamawaki Art School
- Contact: [email protected]

Due to limited seating, space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity is reached. We encourage those interested to secure their spot early to not miss this extraordinary opportunity.

Exciting News in Jewelry Design

In addition to the seminar, we are thrilled to announce that three of our students from the Jewelry Design Department have triumphed in the Newcomer Category of the JJA Jewelry Design Award 2025. Kirara Kosugi won the Excellent Newcomer Award among 61 entries, while Maron Akiho and Masaki Nagatuma both received honors for their innovative designs.

The recognition of our students speaks volumes about the practical and artistic learning environment nurtured at Yamawaki Art School. Furthermore, our Visual Design students have showcased their talent by winning top awards at the 16th Banfu Student T-Shirt Design Contest, reinforcing our commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in our future designers.

About Yamawaki Art School

Founded in 1929 by pioneering fashion designer Toshiko Yamawaki, the Yamawaki Art School has been a leader in practical design education for 96 years. Currently offering three specialized programs — Visual Design, Space Design, and Jewelry Design — the school aims to cultivate creative talents who are immediately applicable in the industry. With a focus on a hands-on approach to teaching and small class sizes, the curriculum allows students to progress from fundamental to advanced practical skills effectively. Having recently received the Ministry of Education's accreditation for the Practical Professional Course as of March 2024, our school continues to strive for excellence in design education. Conveniently located adjacent to Ichigaya Station, our school offers easy access to various parts of the city, making it an ideal learning environment for students.