In this interview, Japanese jewellery designer Mana Matsuzaki talks about her foray into jewellery design and her unique view of beauty.

What is your mission as a jewellery designer and how would you describe your unique style?

When I was a design student in New York, I visited the American Museum of Natural History and was captivated by the amazing beauty of dinosaur claws and skeletons. These have since become a great source of inspiration for me. Throughout my journey as a jewellery designer, I explored motifs that are largely nature-inspired. However I am not interested in merely copying the shapes of flowers or insects, which are already beautiful; I want to focus on Mother Nature's hidden beauty and to show its true charm with my designs. I want my jewellery pieces to imply “life on earth” in a sophisticated manner with shapes and forms that I create. My dream is to fascinate people with my jewellery as nature fascinates all mankind. I want my designs to be viewed as “souvenirs from earth.”

After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, I came back to Tokyo and launched my own collection named LATREIA in 2006, which is a Greek word that stands for love and respect. I set up my studio in Shinjuku with my parents, who are also jewellery designers, and a group of skilled craftsmen. We are a small but artistic team who is passionate about spreading love and respect for earth through jewellery pieces.

We now have an outlet within a major department store in Tokyo. For many years, we've been exhibiting at the Fine Design Pavilion of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Our clients are from Japan and many parts of the world.

What is the significance of "art" and "design" in your career?

To me, art is self-expression based on a person's emotions or essence. Artists can express themselves freely using creative inspirations, but a designer needs to communicate with his or her audience. Throughout my education and work experience, I have learned that to design is to plan, map or organise, and to relate to my audience.

My legal and design backgrounds helped shaped my career. Designers are a combination of artistic talent and rational thinking. I am thankful to my parents who exposed me to an invaluable design background, which helped nurture my interest in jewellery and art. I am also grateful to a detour I took before becoming a professional jewellery designer.