Born in Japan but now living in New York City, sisters Noriko and Akiko Sugawara design and create jewelry that is inspired by both the urban and the natural world. Subtle details such as the textures of rocks and leaves, sidewalk cracks, old architectural elements, the bare tree branches of winter all inform the designs, infusing each with a Japanese sensibility that is both modern and organic.

The Shield Necklace has an unmistakable handmade appeal, featuring an asymmetric grouping of blue sapphires set in an oblong golden shield surrounded by rustic crosshatching.