My Definition of “Wealth”

Caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s been quite a while since my last journal entry. This time, I’d like to write about “wealth.”

The other day, I had the chance to talk with an acquaintance about “wealth.”

It started with a casual remark someone made during a conversation about wanting to live a rich life,

and it turned into a somewhat philosophical discussion about what “wealth” really is.　

Some people said that money is necessary to live a rich life and that they work hard every day for that reason, while others argued that true wealth lies in living a relaxed life with just enough money to get by.

I own a jewelry brand myself, and people often assume I have money to burn. (Of course, that’s not the case.) However, since the gemstones required for jewelry making—such as 18-karat gold, platinum, and diamonds—are expensive, a certain amount of capital is necessary to take the time to craft each piece individually using these materials. That said, I don’t approach my work with the intention of creating jewelry that is more extravagant than necessary.

Through my work, I have the opportunity to see many gemstones, as well as beautiful, rare stones that may not strictly qualify as gemstones.

When I encounter such stones, a design comes to mind, and I work with the artisans in our in-house workshop to bring that vision to life. I do this because I want everyone to see the beautiful stones and designs I’ve discovered and to wear them.

Let’s get back to the topic of “wealth.” Personally, I believe one meaning of wealth is something quite simple: being able to watch what you want, go where you want, and spend time with people you get along with, whenever you please.　I believe that true wealth lies in spending time on the “things you love”—things that well up from the bottom of your heart—rather than wearing famous designer brands or driving expensive cars (though of course, it’s a different story if you’re a passionate fan of those brands or cars). However, I also think that doing what you love whenever you want requires a certain resolve.

I, too, am one of those artisans who creates not so much to make money, but rather out of a strong desire to buy stones I love, craft them into jewelry, and share their beauty with everyone. While I’ve managed to achieve this to some extent, I can’t quite call my life “fulfilling” if I’m constantly being swept up in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

On June 4th and 5th, we will be hosting the “Morning Dew Gathering” at the OKURADO Salon.

We will be exhibiting and selling pieces from the OKURADO Collection, focusing on the transparent, mesmerizing gemstones that captivate me. I look forward to sharing a “rich moment” with those who appreciate beauty.

https://www.okurado.co.jp/info/morning-dew-society/

Hitoshi Okura

OKURADO