Jewelry Designer and Metalsmith
Keiko Mita was born on tiny Rebun Island off the northernmost tip of Japan. Set in a crystal blue sea and ablaze with alpine flora in summer, the often stormy and isolated island has been a powerful influence on her work. Her minimalist designs combine complex shapes and textures inspired by her multicultural background and nature.


Interlock Square Brooch
Engaging brooch of 18k gold and oxidized silver. From the artist's Moire Collection, the pattern that occurs naturally between interfacing grids. Converts to a pendant with bale, included. Limited edition of 15.
$1970

Keiko discovered metal craft while studying fine arts at Hokkaido University in Sapporo. The idea of transforming cold hard metal into infinite forms fascinated her. In 1988, she traveled to North America to study mixed-media sculpture at The Emily Carr School of Design in Vancouver. Later she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City with a major in Jewelry Design.


Small Concave Band Ring
From the artist's Washi collection, inspired by Japanese rice paper.
18k textured gold band.
6mm or 9mm wide.
$670

Keiko initially produced large embossed works, but she eventually turned her interest toward sculpture, objects of art, and jewelry. She has worked with many major jewelry manufacturers in the United States and Japan, learning to accommodate each company's technique and style, while still remaining true to her own vision.


Large Circle Brooch with Pearl
Brooch converts to pendant with bale, included.
Circular brooch of 18k yellow and green gold.
9-10mm South Sea grey to green pearl.
Limited edition of 15.
$1635

In 1995, Keiko's first collections were produced for the Japanese market by a jewelry company specializing in high-end 18k gold, platinum, diamond and precious stone. In 2002, she launched K. Mita Design in New York City. Keiko strives to create lasting modern designs through themes based on her multicultural past and nature.

Using the lost wax casting technique and working primarily in 18k gold, Mita combines metal textures and complex shapes with Diamonds, Pearls, and other precious and semiprecious stones. Her pieces range from geometric to organic, but unique shapes and minimalist forms unite her work. She is also known for expressing color through the use of gemstones, oxidized silver, and various other materials.