If the ocean could speak, what would it say?<\/p>\n
Once its first powerful enchantment is cast, it holds us forever captive, the very embodiment of emotion. And yet, it often resists all of our attempts to define it with words. <\/p>\n
Keiko Uno \u2013 a descendant of Japanese Samurai lords, who grew up on the beaches of Australia – has given the ocean a voice through her exquisite limited-edition jewellery creations. Each one of Keiko\u2019s eloquent hand-crafted pieces tells a story. Recalls a potent memory or moment, inspired by the freedom, energy and timeless mystery of the sea. Take her splendidly-curvaceous \u201cCoral\u201d ring, part of her luxury Ocean Intrigue Collection. <\/p>\n
For Keiko, the alluring 18 karat gold statement piece, which features diamonds with black rhodium, is a permanent reminder of both her surf-worshipping husband and Balagan Beach, an idyllic surfing spot on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, near Karma\u2019s flagship resort Karma Kandara. \u2018Nothing imprints a lasting radiant smile on my husband\u2019s face like a great surf at Balangan,\u2019 says Keiko. \u2018When the swell is big, the spectators watch with reverence as a small number of courageous surfers take on four to five metre waves that break over shallow reef.\u2019<\/p>\n
The lofty, open metal work of \u201cCoral\u201d depicts Balangan\u2019s uplifting and invigorating atmosphere, explains the talented Perth-based designer who has a double diploma in Gemology; while the diamond contours represent \u201cthe liquid lines carved by the surfers\u2019 daring cut backs and re-entries\u201d. <\/p>\n
Similarly, Keiko channels her own oceanic imprints through her stunning pieces. \u201cBreathe\u201d, a solid 18 karat rose gold cuff bangle featuring black and white diamonds, is the gorgeous distillation of her memories of the excitement, mystery and hypnotic calm of night time SCUBA diving. \u2018I find breathing underwater, whether swimming, snorkeling or SCUBA diving deeply meditative,\u2019 says Keiko, who has also studied calligraphy, flower arrangement, abacus and dance in Japan. \u2018The rhythmical deep breath is cleansing for both the mind and the body.\u2019 <\/p>\n