Jewelry Day

What Is Jewelry Day?

November 11th is "Jewelry Day" in Japan, commemorating the official adoption of the carat as the unit for measuring gemstone weight under Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce Ordinance No. 54 on this day in 1909. It was established in 1986 by the Japan Jewellery Association.

The Day Japan Officially Adopted the Carat

Jewelry Day aims to spread understanding of the cultural value of gemstones and jewelry, along with the measurement system that guarantees their quality.

• Origin: commemorates Japan's official adoption, on November 11, 1909, of the international unit defining one carat as 200 mg for gemstone weight
• Purpose: to share the beauty, value, and meaning of jewelry as a gift with more people
• What a "carat" is: a unit of gemstone weight. Its value once varied from place to place, but in 1907 a Metre Convention conference standardized it at 0.2 grams (200 mg). The word is said to derive from the Greek for the carob seed, prized for its uniform weight

The Meaning Behind Jewelry as a Gift

Jewelry is often given as a birthstone gift or to mark a special anniversary, carrying particular meaning. Each gemstone carries its own traditional symbolism and wishes passed down over time.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look into your own birthstone
• Think about a piece of jewelry to give someone special
• Visit a jewelry store or exhibition
• Look into the history of gemstones and the origin of the carat

A Small Sparkle Carries a Cherished Feeling

A single gemstone carries special meaning for both the giver and the recipient. November 11th is a day to take a fresh look at the sparkle of jewelry.