GOLD HOUSE Japan

**NEW ITEM REVIEW: I want to add to this review with photos of my Onigiri Ring & Earrings from Atelier Shinji's new Onigiri Series! It's super fun and stylish. I also really like the texture design for both pieces. As with their other adjustable ring designs, I appreciate being able to adjust the ring as needed. I highly recommend this, especially for Onigiri Lovers! ^.^ From January 2025: Over the years, I have gotten many pieces from them, purchases have been done online; always great communications and thoughtful customer service. Their designs are unique, fun, and elegant. Rings can sometimes be tricky to purchase online, so I appreciate Atelier Shinji's many adjustable ring designs! Most recently, I got the Modern Gingko Ring. Just like all their other size-adjustable rings, it gives me the flexibility to wear the ring in different fingers at different times with great comfort. I selected US size -5.5, and I have been able to adjust it for my size-5 and size-6.25/6.5 fingers. Just last month, I finally got a chance to visit Atelier Shinji Ginza in person while I was on a family trip to Tokyo. I was so happy and excited!! The store is a beautiful gem tucked away in the heart of Ginza. Though I have seen photos of the store, it’s nothing compared to actually being there. I highly recommend stopping by to visit, see the space in person, admire the display of stunning handcrafted pieces, and have a chat with Janine ^.^ I chose the Classic Gingko pendant that day as a gift to myself.

I love collecting jewelry from local businesses when I travel, so I’m happy to have discovered this place on my trip. The person working was so nice and helpful. When I learned that the ring I chose was inspired by konpeitō, a type of Japanese sugar candy, I knew that it was the perfect memento. Also, the glass that lets you peep down into the workshop is very cool. Pro-tip: They have a website, so you can browse the pieces beforehand to see if they have it in-store.

*Update: The issues are now fixed. The store did pay for the shipping (back to the store and again to me). And it was shared with me that the items sold are of wabi sabi style (finding beauty in imperfection). So you need to be comfortable with this when making your purchase. It is not stated on their items listed, so do take note. This style might not be for everyone, but there are definitely ppl who love this style. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or maybe you could let the store know beforehand, if you would like the piece to be without imperfections. But i cannot confirm this is possible, as this is up to their discretion if they can accommodate. I would actually give 2.5 stars. With the multiple email correspondence, finding time between my travel to mail the item back, plus my personal experience (lacking initially but it became better in the end), i am having mixed feelings abt this store >”< Before you purchase or visit this store, do consider the following: 1) Are you ok with receiving a defective item? And the shop will refuse to admit that these are defects (black markings on gold, a hole and “melted parts” on the ring) but part of being “handmade”. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. 2) Are you willing to spend a few hundreds to be treated poorly and in a passive aggressive manner? I purchased a ring from this store in person, as they only have 2 sizes per design, my item had to be pre ordered. This means, almost all customers will have to pre order. This would only work if you live in tokyo and can collect it. As if you visit the store, and they will have to make the ring in your size, you will have to pay for shipping within or out of japan. Do note that if you purchase online, shipping is free. The reason given is that you get “consultation”, so you have to pay for shipping. When i was in store, the lady was extremely passive aggressive. As i was leaving tokyo in 2 days, i asked if it was possible to make the ring in 2 days. She said that they were not amazon. After receiving the ring, it was clearly defective. She told me, that this is handmade and the difference between japanese and germany ceramics??? These were not normal defects from handmade pieces. And i have purchased lots of handmade jewellery in japan before, all of which are perfect. The ring was obviouly not checked before it was shipped out as the defects were super obvious. They were just created poorly. In the correspondence of rectifying the issues, she was never apologetic and was passive aggressive. Even asking me to pay for the shipping despite it being their fault for not checking and sending such a low quality product. So do consider twice before you even buy from here. In my opinion your money is better spent elsewhere and just spend your time else where in tokyo..