About
Yoko Rover Jewelry
I believe that jewelry chooses its owner. It truly speaks to their heart.
Jewelry can be something that makes you feel special, comfortable, and confident, letting your true self shine.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone connect with a one-of-a-kind special piece.
I take great pride in my work and the materials I use. All materials are sourced from the USA or Japan, with metals from trusted companies. The silver used is either solid 925 or 999, and the gold is 14K, 18K, or 22K"
Mokume-gane
Its origins in Edo-era Japan. In the 260 years of peace, metal-workers were able to study and pass down their skills to their generations. And mokumegane, distinctive multiple layers of different colored metals was discovered and used as sword holder among samurai for their elegant fashion.
Mokume-gane Processing
Mokumegane is made by hand using files, hammers, and a torch. The patterns are formed through chiseling, twisting, and stamping the metal.
The process is highly labor-intensive and requires more time and skills.
Create a billet
Cut sheets of metal, such as silver, gold, copper, brass, shibuichi, or kuro-shibuichi. Heat and forge the layers together without using solder.
Twist Pattern
Shape the billet into a rod, then heat and twist it. Cut the rod in the center using a saw, revealing a beautiful star pattern.
Chisel Pattern
Shape the billet into a flat sheet. Carve the sheet to intricate designs on a traditional pitch bowl with tagane ( chilsel). Then anneal and flatten the piece with hammer and rolling-mill.
Stamp Pattern
Shape the billet into a flat sheet. Stamps or hammer to create patterns. Then anneal and flatten the piece with hammer and rolling-mill.
Little bit about Edo-era...
During the peaceful Edo period, people chose jobs that suited them. Some wanted to become farmers, while others wanted to artist. Only about 6% of the population had the ability to become samurai. Children with strong leadership qualities and the right character were selected from all over in Japan and trained to become samurai in Edo. The Tokugawa family selected and adapted the future shogun when they were a child, and the position was not necessarily passed down through bloodlines. And others were trained to support him. They had a strong bond since they growned up together supervided by trainers who were watching carefully for their relationships.
About me
I was born and raised just outside of Tokyo, my interest in jewelry making stems from my childhood, but my passion took flight when I came to San Diego in 2010.
I was born and raised just outside of Tokyo, my interest in jewelry making stems from my childhood, but my passion took flight when I came to San Diego in 2009.
While living alone in a foreign country, I had a great deal of time to myself and began creating wirework jewelry using stones, rediscovering the same passion I had as a child.
From 2017 to 2019, I studied metal-smithingal under Anne Wolf at the San Diego College of Continuing Education. Since 2019, I have continued advanced training at her studio, Anneville Studio, focusing on precision metalwork and the traditional Japanese technique of Mokume-Gane.
In 2018, I studied Uchidashi (traditional repoussé and chasing) in the United Kingdom with master tsuba craftsman Ford Hallam. Since 2022, I have returned to Japan annually to further study traditional metal engraving and Mokume-gane at Kou-Ginza.
