Japanese Cherry Blossom Engagement Ring

When Iain began his search for the perfect ring to ask for Amanda's hand in marriage, he wanted something simple yet different, ideally a Japanese design that would remind her of their wonderful trips to Japan together. (Their joint fascination with Japanese history, literature, art, food, and language, inspired two trips to Japan within one year!)According to Iain, "After a few initial choices of jewelers, including some in Japan, I still had some reservations. I found Takayas Custom Jewelry online and looked through his creations. I found one covered in Hibiscus flowers and petals/leaves on the other side. Not only did I enjoy the asymmetry of it, but I was dumbfounded that I had found something I enjoyed looking at that was not just a simple design. I decided to go for it because there was something in the designs that made me trust the artist; I got ahold of Takayas and the rest is history." Iain decided he wanted something similar to the hibiscus ring that had grabbed his attention, and discussed with Takayas the idea of creating an asymmetrical design with cherry blossoms instead, with an engraving of the Japanese hiragana characters for their initials, A and I. Takayas also suggested adding small pink sapphires to the center of each cherry blossom to represent the color of the sakura flower.

Cherry blossoms were chosen as the main element of the design because Iain and Amanda both appreciate Japan's reverence toward them; a reverence which has inspired cultural themes like mono no aware, "the awareness of impermanence," emphasized by the windblown petals swirling around the ring."To me," Iain said, "these flowers on the ring represent change, as this was a major step in my life that I did not foresee years ago."

"Although the idea of change may be associated with negative thoughts and feelings in relation to the passing of moments, Spring will inevitably arrive and on that occasion one should cherish the sight of these captivating flowers." Iain explained poetically, "This juncture in our lives is to be treasured just like the bloom of the Sakura. However, the absence of these flowers shouldn’t just be centered on the present gone astray but should also remind us that the journey through the seasons is filled with just as much enjoyment, celebration, and distraction as Springtime."

"Whenever I look at her ring, look up towards her, and see her smile at me, I think not only of the process of commissioning and production of a gorgeous ring but I see that it represents years of love and many years to come."

We enjoyed working with Iain to create such a meaningful engagement ring, and were thrilled when he let us know that Amanda had said "Yes!" He also told us, "she loves it and hasn't taken it off since!" We're so gladshe loves her special ring and wishthe couple a lifetime of happiness together!