Kamekichi Yamazaki was the first person in Japan to utilize the K18 and K24 for the gold measurement system to judge the quality of gold.
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In 1892 the first store called “Shimizu Shoten†was opened in Tokyo. The store subsequently moved to the Nihombashi area and was operated by Kamekichi Yamazaki. In 1926 the company name became “Yamazaki Shoten†and the shop moved to the Ginza, the most fashionable district in Tokyo then and even now. In 1928 the first domestic-made pocket watch was introduced to the market With the collaboration of “Shokosha†(now well-known as Citizen), the company manufactured the first pocket watch in Japan.
This product was purchased by Emperor Hirohito (the Emperor of the Showa era) who later commented, "I was amazed to find that this wonderful product was manufactured domestically by Yamazaki Shoten in the Ginza". It has been told that the Emperor was very fond of using this product.
In 1930 the business was transferred to Tanaka Shoten K.K. (now called Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo), and in 1954 Yamazaki Shoten located on Ginza 1-chome Street After World War II, when the country was still under rehabilitation, gold was considered to be one of the most precious items. At that time, Yamazaki Shoten became the pioneer in establishing various regulations and terms related to quality control measurements of precious metals in Japan, such as the K18 and K24 measurement system. The company expanded the business by utilizing various categories of precious metals and successfully established its status as one of the leading precious metals companies.
In 1964 the company manufactured commemorative medals for the Tokyo Olympic Games, and in 1989 a genuine diamond tiara worth more than 300 million yen was manufactured. This tiara was specially offered to brides in Japan to wear on their wedding day along with a set of matching earrings.
In conjunction with company's 110th Anniversary celebrations, the flagship store in the Ginza was fully renovated in 2002. The company was renamed "Ginza Tanaka" in order to make a fresh start whilst maintaining the tradition and history.
Ginza Tanaka dedicates itself to offering the best quality and service to its customers. The company carries various jewellery lines including the original design by Ginza Tanaka in addition to exclusive imports. Their diamond quality is also superb.
The chances are you're not the Emperor and you already have a watch, but take a look at the bag, model 2007. The company left the world breathless presenting diamond studded platinum handbag. With 2,182 diamonds, 208 carats, and 1,5 million dollars price tag, it's not an ordinary bag. It's a demonstration of force. Artistic force. ■