Two sisters from Japan bring their delicate aesthetic stateside in a chic line of fine jewelry
New York City–based sisters Noriko and Akiko Sugawara of n+a new york are transplants from Yokohama, Japan, making all of their delicate jewelry in Tribeca. Their styles echo both the grittiness of the city and natural elements evident in organic finishes and negative space coupled with asymmetry and tiny stones. Noriko’s education at the Fashion Institute of Technology further fueled the duo’s ambitions and led her to start designing jewelry in 2003 and debut n+a four years later. The sisters work in all metal types, most frequently offering 14k gold with diamonds and precious stones for sale to the public and have been recognized for design by several outlets, including the NICHE Awards in 2005.
Sketch of sisters Noriko and Akiko Sugawara of n+a new york
Starting retail price: $100 in silver and $250 in 14k gold
Accounts: About 50 domestic stores including Ylang23 and Catbird, and five abroad including Hod in Paris
Trade fairs: NY NOW and Capsule
Retailer buy-in: $1,500
Contact: Noriko and Akiko Sugawara of n+a new york, New York City; 917-653-1885; nandanewyork.com
Stud earrings in 14k gold with 0.054 ct. t.w. diamonds, $550
Pendant necklace in 14k gold with 0.12 ct. t.w. opals and 0.008 ct. t.w. diamonds, $670
Ring in 14k gold with 0.47 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,245
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