Gimel as Kaouru Kay Akihara's studio is now known is based in the fashionable Ashiya-Kobe. Born in Japan in 1944, Ms. Akihara received a broad education that encompassed many tradional Japenese arts that have become a great inspiration and style of her jewellery.

She began her career in jewellery in the 70s and since then has gone from strength to strength, employing only the finest craftsmen to create exquisite jewels such as the amusing fisherman brooch (lot 93), the delicate ribbon necklace (lot 104) and the important sapphire ring (lot 78).