Accessories: Goro Jewelry & Accessories – Japan’s best Kept Secret
I have a love, respect and appreciation for anyone who has a piece from GORO. Why? Because I know there is some sort of story behind every piece and how they got it. It usually starts off with I know a guy who knows a guy…
A piece from Goro is like a piece of art, the craftsmanship and care to detail is unmatched. I want to tell you guys how I got my hands on this special piece.
My friend Vince from On and Beyond first put me on to Goro a couple years ago and shortly after that I started noticing this underground cult of Goro supporters and fans.
While I was in Japan a few months ago, I was reminded by a friend over there that the Goro shop was in Harajuku , my friend (who shall remain nameless to protect his identity) also had some amazing pieces with great stories to go along with them. He told me stories of kids waiting in line for hours and days just to score a piece. Even if you waited in line for a piece there was no guarantee that they would allow you to purchase. They are extremely particular with who they allow to wear their pieces. You have to be kind of connected to just walk up in there and get a piece.
The stories made me want a piece even more, I was excited about the possibilities of getting my hands on a piece even though I was told it might be impossible. I felt like acquiring a piece was acquiring a piece of Japan. My friend told me that a few phone calls would have to be made and just maybe I would have the possibility of getting a few pieces. Of course I could have purchased a piece from a reseller but I really wanted the experience of getting it from Goro myself. As the days went by I forgot about the situation until 1 night we passed in front of the shop, the excitement started building up again. There were about 50 Japanese kids, men and women waiting in line for hours trying to get into the shop, they were all adorn with Goro pieces around their necks.
My friends dared me to just walk up the narrow stairs of the shop, some advised me against it while others and my brother stood by and watched my actions. After the dare I told the crew that I was making my move and I was going to bypass the line (disrespectful I know) and just roll in. They were literally afraid for my life and thought I was going to get thrown down the narrow steps to my death.
I went straight for the stairs and climbed up with no fear until I hit the door. I opened it quietly not knowing what to expect, I thought I was good until the charm on the door alerted everyone of my presence. The lady who I assumed was the boss was with another person who only spoke Japanese and greeted me. There was only 1 other customer in the shop besides myself and I have to admit I was a bit nervous. They looked at me with a bit of a surprised, because usually they have the customers downstairs summoned to come up. I quickly pointed to the piece that I wanted, (the ever popular feather) choose the string and bea, paid my 1000 Yen (approx 150) and quietly walked out.
I rolled down the steps with a big grin on my face and my new Goro piece around my neck. My friends were all surprised that I actually made it happen.
I wear the piece with pride and I am very humbled by the experience because I learnt a few lessons that day…
ABOUT GORO
Goro Takahashi
(born in 1939 Tokyo)
“I’ll never be satisfied with my works, which push me to make the next one better, someday I found some work which I am satisfied, it’s the end of Goro’s.”
“A Silver work could last and existed over thousands years, I am very proud to have my work stay in the world even if I had passed away.”
“Silver has its own spirit, we could find something on it that money cannot buy everyone should wear something like this, there might be some reasons for us to meet them.”
“No advertising, merely small amount handiwork.”
“It’s not only about silver, it’s art.”
No website, only one physical shop in Tokyo.
Legend, Mystery, Rare!!
Biography
-went to Navajo in the United States after he was graduated from the College.
-1966 Takahashi went back Yokyo, and Goro’s first exposure in Aoyama, Tokyo
-1971 the first and only shop opened in Omotesandō, Harajuku, Tokyo
-“YELLOW EAGLE The Legend Story & Spirits of GORO’S” was wrote and edited by SHIN IKEDA , and was published by A-Works.
Goro’s
Goro’s has already become a legend of luxurious sterling accessory in Japan with Chrome Hearts. Goro’s was created in 1971, and so far there is only one shop in the world.
“No advertising, merely small amount handiwork.” Whenever you pass Goro’s in Tokyo, you may notice that people are always in a long line waiting for entering Goro’s as kind of pilgrimage, almost everyday. Goro’s could be the symbol or the representative of Japanese sterling silver accessory (some people regard it as jewelry.)
The designer of Goro’s, Goro Takahashi, insists to make each piece of work merely by his hands, which is the reason why Goro’s sterling silver accessory would be that hard to own. Even though you have the chance to enter the shop, the staff will see and decide to sell you their accessory or not. If your style does not match their accessory’s personality, they won’t sell you anything. Generally, you need to keep in touch with them and go several times to create a good relationship with them and their silver accessory. As being their friend, you can have your first Goro’s. Takahashi believed that, there might be some reasons for us to meet the silver, and we could find something on them that money cannot buy, “Silver has its own spirit.” In other words, you have to listen and communicate with the silver, and then you have the qualification to own it.
He had lived in the Navajo (the Native American tribe in Utah) for many years. There he learned antique skills to make silver accessory, meanwhile, he was given an honor of being an Indian warrior, and regarding of the blessedness, he had the right to make Navajo’s silver works. Because the yellow eagle and the sun he made were the holy and inviolable symbols for Navajo.
In Japan, he is more like an artist than just a silversmith or jeweler. He combines the Navajo’s traditional silver-making skills with his unique ideas and designs into his works, presenting by extraordinary delicate exquisite details. You may notice that, I said “works” or “accessory”, not “products.” Goro’s is unique and Takahashi seems to become a celebrity, on the other hand, Takahashi does not need to pay or hire any celebrities, such as famous singers, artists, designers, music producers, actors/ actresses, to endorse for Goro’s. There are many famous celebrities, such as Fujiwara Hiroshi, Kimura Takuya, love and wear Goro’s, and they become the best advertisement of Goro’s. That is the real fascination of Goro’s. “It’s not only about silver, it’s art.” Their most symbolic works should be the feathers and yellow eagles. When you check closely, you may find the each hair or fibril of the feathers, looks like swinging in the wind. That shows us how exquisite it could be, not overlook and details, they are fine and delicate.
By the way, there is one specific thing only happened in Japan, that is, you could go to any selected stores and pawn shops in Tokyo, and exchange your own Goro’s works to Cash. The Goro’s works still enhance in value as a mechanical watches, some people regard Goro’s as investments or collections.
