Kayo Saito

Jewellery Design - Shortlisted 2010

Kayo Saito’s work is closely linked to nature and the environment. She is inspired by plants and trees, their seasonal changes, rustling sounds and swaying movements. The abundant colours and textures found in natural forms are translated into Saito’s own creative language.
During her Silversmithing, Jewellery and Allied Crafts degree at London Guildhall (1997-1999), Saito began to work with paper as her principle medium, pushing the limits of light and fragile-looking jewellery. Using paper her craft developed further during her Masters at the RCA, where she looked to find ways of making delicate paper jewellery durable and wearable.
In 2007 Saito was chosen to join the Rising Stars exhibition at Goldsmiths’ Hall, which provided an excellent opportunity to expand into working with metals. Drawing on her inspirations and love of the natural world, Saito created the Nest Brooch, her earliest trial using laser welding and simple soldering and hammering techniques. She developed a series of nature-inspired brooches including the Spiral Brooch and Chrysanthemum Brooch, which were assembled using micro welding, which allowed the gold wire to remain springing and strong.