gift ideas
the
revolution “The concept that pearls are for the older generation has been thrown out of the window over the last decade or so. With the increased popularity of fresh-water pearls and prices accessible to the every-day man (or woman) on the street, they are the fun break from tradition which has given the cultured pearl a new lease of life,” said James of Sakata.
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Japanese Akoya cultured pearls and sapphire, ruby and diamond clasps
Sakata — King of Cultured Pearls, was founded back in 1962 by the late Pepe Holliday, seven years before the border closure (1969-1984). A pioneer in the region for the sale and wholesale of cultured pearls, Pepe spent time travelling between Gibraltar, London, Barcelona and Madrid where he lived for some time. Lillian, Pepe’s oldest daughter, was the driving force behind Sakata from her teenage years until her sad death. Pepe’s youngest son, James, who took over the business nearly six years ago remembers: “Lillian was pivotal in the continued growth and survival of the firm throughout the years. Lillian was Sakata and Sakata was Lillian — she was the heart and soul of the business.” Sakata is recognised by customers from all walks of life thanks to their incredible range of quality pearls and the unique jewellery design service on offer by James and his staff, Gianella and Jenny. It is interesting to note that Sakata is not just a shop on Main Street, but also an original Gibraltar brand with nearly 50 years of history both on the Rock and internationally. “Sakata was the name of the first pearl farm my father bought from in Japan and although that farm doesn’t now exist, we still have many of our original suppliers and contacts who can supply us with some quite unique pieces,” James explained. Today Gibraltar’s Sakata has a loyal customer base with a good combination of ex-pats, locals and tourists. “Gibraltar has created quite a name as a commercial centre for jewellery,” James told us, “and the competition along Main Street keeps business healthy both for the traders and clients. Although there are many jewellers in Gibraltar, it’s important that each one finds its niche.” Gianella has been with Sakata for the last 15 years and is a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of pearls. Jenny joined the team just a year ago and her main strength is in design which goes part and parcel with the unique services on offer from their Main Street business. James explained a little more: “Our pearls come on strands 45cm long and are priced per strand depending on the different qualities. Once the client chooses the pearls and clasp we’ll make up the required design while they wait and in around 20 minutes they’ll have an original piece of jewellery, totally personalised for themselves.” Pearls should be re-strung every 18 months or so according to James, but this has great advantages over other types of jewellery too. You can choose to re-string a necklace as a bracelet, or if you have a choker, you can always add in more pearls for a longer necklace, and with
Susan, Lillian and Anita looking after the business in the ’90s
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2009