HistoryThe History of Kashikey

Sincerely and single-mindedly."In search of the
very best materials"

  • Story.1The history of the company begins in 1928 with Kashikei Shoten

    The history of the brand starts with Kashikei Shoten, a purveyor of goods such as kimono fabrics and sundries that enhance a woman's beauty. Changing from retail sales of precious gems to wholesale, after the liberalization of the import of precious gems was put into effect in 1961, the company would eventually incorporate in 1970. Kashikey has been a part of Japan's diamond business since the very beginning.

  • Story.2Establishing representative offices all over the world
    Becoming Japan's exemplary diamond import business

    Guided by the idea that "the duty of our business is to provide our customers with outstanding goods at reasonable prices," Kashikey was one of the first in the industry to establish representative offices in principal countries in the diamond market such as Belgium and India. While building trust with local suppliers, the company contributed to the development of the industry in Japan by sharing the latest information.

  • Story.3The person who laid the cornerstone of the diamond business in Japan.
    Kashikey's second-generation president, Hidetaka Kato

    A unique aspect of this industry is that contracts do not exist for transactions involving diamonds. Each individual is strictly assessed to determine whether he or she is worthy of trust, has good business sense, and possesses a wealth of knowledge about products. In the world of diamonds with its own distinctive rules, Hidetaka Kato has been called "the only Japanese person to be recognized as an equal."
    業He has been honored with medals and commendations from Antwerp in the Kingdom of Belgium, the government of Israel, and the government of Thailand. He was also awarded the Medal with Blue Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays from the Japanese government.
    In order to further enhance Japan's position in the diamond industry, Kato established the Tokyo Diamond Exchange and was active as a central figure in the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) upon becoming a member.

  • Story.4A deep commitment to jewelry guided by an insatiable curiosity for materials.

    Kashikey's insatiable curiosity for materials eventually became linked to their deep commitment to jewelry.
    Their brand Bel Eclat was announced in 1980. Upon announcing this collection into which all of Kashikey's rich experience and passion had been poured, the company took part in extensive PR activities, including the airing of television commercials.
    In 1984, Kashikey began carrying products from the famous German brand Niessing as their exclusive import agent in Japan. Kashikey brought Niessing's numerous contemporary designs, created with superb quality and artisanal skill, to the Japanese market.
    Kashikey Brown Diamond debuted in 2003. At that time when colorless diamonds reigned supreme, brown diamonds offered something completely new. It continues to pave the way as the world's only brand devoted exclusively to brown diamonds.
    In 2015, designer of her eponymous brand Tomoko Kodera accomplished the brilliant achievement of becoming the first Japanese grand prix winner at the HRD Awards. In 2019, she was honored with the Grand Prize, Prime Minister's Award, and Craftsmanship Award at the JJA Jewellery Design Awards, the most prestigious jewelry design competition in Japan. Kodera's unique creations and delicate sensibility have astonished the world and attracted favorable attention.

    Kashikey continues to devote itself to the materials, as well as jewelry. The company continues to challenge the possibilities of jewelry while maintaining their desire to deliver fine quality and truly excellent items to customers.

  • Story.5A steadfast partnership
    with De Beers

    The world-famous diamond company De Beers Group is known for its catchphrase, "A Diamond Is Forever," which is said to be the most outstanding slogan of the 20th century. The distinctive relationship forged between this global company with a 130-year history and Kashikey is marked by second-generation president Hidetaka Kato interacting with successive generations of De Beers chairmen even before De Beers entered the Japanese market, with Kashikey becoming Japan's representative diamond dealer.
    After De Beers entered the Japanese market, the company participated in the development of numerous campaigns, including Sweet Ten Diamond, Diamond Line, and Trilogy, which brought recognition of their manufacturing techniques and the high quality of their jewelry, as well as the marketing power inside Japan.
    Later on, the development of Kashikey Brown Diamond beginning in 2003 achieved the creation of a new market. Kashikey's accomplishments and approach to this project were highly regarded by De Beers.
    With the debut of De Beers Forevermark in 2009, Kashikey participated from the beginning as a manufacturer. Having cultivated deep trust in Kashikey's thinking regarding the company's diamonds and branding, as well as its manufacturing of products, De Beers and Kashikey established a joint venture company in November 2021, taking a step forward towards a new era of history.

    Second-generation president Hidetaka Kato (left) with De Beers chairman Nicky Oppenheimer

For more information regarding
De Beers Forevermark enterprises,
see here.