HERALBONY's first-ever "scarf ring" is here!

Atelier ST, CAT specializes in wedding rings, creating "jewelry that connects people."

A new story begins between art and craft, born from the encounter with HERALBONY, a brand that "dresses you in uniqueness."

We asked the two individuals behind Atelier ST, CAT about the thoughts they poured into the scarf ring.

From their respective perspectives, they discuss the form of the act of "connecting."

Interview with Seiko Hayashi, owner of atelier ST, CAT

“Creating things that resonate with people”—that sentiment aligned with HERALBONY.

Seiko Hayashi, the owner, launched ST, CAT when she was working as an editor. She started making jewelry as a hobby and established the brand in 2017. In 2023, it transitioned into a "wedding ring specialist brand" that leverages the strengths of handmade craftsmanship.

"I wanted to propose a positive way of buying, where people 'choose because they want to choose,' rather than being consumed by trends."

ST, CAT imbues human warmth into natural, imperfect lines and shapes, as if gently unraveling the "must-be" values associated with marriage and life events.

"Just like lines drawn by hand, the slightly irregular shapes feel right on both the finger and in the heart. We value the unplanned, accidental beauty."

I resonated with their belief in art as a force for good.

What attracted Hayashi to HERALBONY was the philosophy at the brand's core.

"It's not about welfare; the art itself is delivered as 'good work.' I strongly resonated with that idea."

"They take pride in the artists' works and present them with an honest perspective. I think that's truly powerful and beautiful."

Tying a scarf, a little bit of freedom

This art scarf ring was born from the idea of adding the act of "tying" to HERALBONY's iconic scarves.

"Scarves bring a sense of exhilaration to an outfit. With a ring, they become even easier to wear casually. It's a small piece of jewelry, but it's packed with meaning."

"As a way to incorporate art into everyday life,
small items like scarves and jewelry are the most accessible. I believe they add cultural depth while
making each person's identity shine."

Crafting products that foster natural cycles

"I want to create something within the brand or company that people truly desire. Something that is released into the world at a fair value, and someone genuinely picks it up thinking, 'This is wonderful.' A world where things naturally circulate in this way is my ideal."

This ring quietly embodies the sentiments of both HERALBONY and ST, CAT.

"It's a very small item, but it's packed with the feelings of everyone at Heralbony and our own feelings as well.
We are truly happy that it has taken shape."

"Within the theme of 'connecting art and daily life,' I hope this scarf ring can subtly play that role."

Interview with Designer and Creative Director Akiho Kano

A design that evokes the warmth of human touch, the art of "tying."

"Scarf rings are surprisingly delicate. I focused on a light and gentle design to avoid damaging the fabric."

This was my first attempt at creating a scarf ring.
I used silver 925 and a finish that is less likely to cause metal allergies. It was designed to be a 2-way item that can also be worn as a ring, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with jewelry.

"The inner surface is intentionally given a soft matte finish, rather than a hard, ring-like polish. This prevents it from slipping too much, allowing it to gently hold the scarf in place."

I wanted to recreate the artist's "handwritten feel" on metal.

"These days, many things are made by machines, like CAD, but we've always worked by hand. Most of HERALBONY's art is also 'hand-drawn,' so we wanted to reproduce that warmth in the scarf rings as well."

Inspired by artist Midori Kudo's work "Untitled (Blue)," patterns are struck into the metal surface as if engraving "hand-drawn lines." We processed the tips of our tools to create a unique technique that reproduces the unevenness and rhythm of hand-drawing.

"I was deeply moved by Ms. Kudo's work, which I encountered through Heralbony's book "Exhibiting Exceptionality." I immediately knew I wanted to draw inspiration from this piece."

To be supportive and to enjoy yourself

When asked about the philosophy that the brand values, Mr. Kano thought for a moment before gently replying:

"To be close to both customers and staff. And first, to enjoy ourselves. If we're not enjoying ourselves, we can't create things that will bring joy to others."

The foundation of the design is "feeling." Something that fits comfortably in the hand, feels good to wear, and naturally blends into daily life. From there, each individual's "likes" begin to align.

I felt strength and freedom in HERALBONY's art.

"When I first saw the work of a contracted HERALBONY artist, I was simply thrilled. I was overwhelmed by the freedom and power of everyone drawing with such abandon. When I visited the LNB Museum of Art in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, with Hayashi, I felt that passion firsthand."

He said that the passion was the same when working with the HERALBONY team.

"Everyone on the team is looking forward to 'spreading this art,' and we all share the same direction of what we love. I was very moved by that sense of unity."

The team bond born from the act of "tying."

"Five members were involved in this production. Until now, I had handled mass production alone, but
working together gave me a sense of the team becoming 'connected'."

"Through this ring, I can connect with people I wouldn't normally meet. I hope this collaboration creates a single circle connecting those who pick it up, art, and the creators."

Profile

atelier ST, CAT
HP: https://st-cat.com/

BH Long Inc. operates the bridal jewelry brand "atelier ST, CAT." With its flagship shop in CABO UEHARA, Yoyogi Uehara, the shop also houses its own manufacturing atelier. They create custom wedding and engagement rings that are "true to yourself," without being bound by conventional notions of what a wedding ring should be. Consultations are available by appointment.

atelier ST,CAT CEO Seiko Hayashi
Instagram: @payacat

Born in 1986 in Tokyo, Seiko Hayashi is an entrepreneur and mother of three. After working as a fashion editor, she became the CEO of the jewelry brand "atelier ST,CAT" in 2017. The brand offers highly fashionable custom wedding and engagement rings that are "unique and free." She owns an atelier shop in Yoyogi Uehara, with interiors designed by MILESTONE. She was selected as an 8th-generation participant in the Tokyo Women Entrepreneur Project Apt Women. Her hobbies include reading and Pilates.

atelier ST,CAT Designer & Creative Director Akiho Kano
Instagram: @akihokano_

Born in 1998 in Kanagawa Prefecture. After graduating high school, she enrolled in a jewelry school, studying a wide range of subjects including craft, design, CAD, and polishing. In 2017, she joined atelier ST,CAT at its establishment. She worked on fashion jewelry production and became a designer and creative director in 2021. In 2022, she launched her personal brand "AKIHO MORI." Furthermore, in July 2025, she will start the crepe shop "tetote," continuing her activities of giving form to her passions.