CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionCollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms
Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
The three “MRK x MFA” pieces, pictured at right, are the “Sculpted Butterfly” necklace ($925) and the “Turtle” necklace ($1,200) in 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver with white sapphires and the “Crane” necklace in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds ($3,050).
New York—Monica Rich Kosann has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) on a capsule of charm necklaces inspired by a unique element of samurai swords.
The limited-edition “MRK x MFA” collaboration is comprised of three necklaces inspired by the tsuba, the ornate handguard component of swords used by Japanese samurai, which are featured in the museum’s “Arts of Japan” exhibition.
The tsuba, located between the handle and the blade, protects the warrior’s hand from sliding onto the blade.
The necklace designs are a modern representation of traditional tsuba decoration, which often symbolized protection and the spirit of a fearless warrior.
“The tsuba are an important object of Japanese culture; they are ancient yet beautifully decorated pieces meant to empower the wearer, which really resonated with me as a fine jewelry designer. The tsuba speak to the ideas of balance and protection, notions of empowerment which are at the core of our brand DNA,” said Kosann, the designer and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand.
“I create pieces to inspire customers, so partnering with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and working with these incredible artifacts was a privilege … it’s my hope that the necklaces we’ve made together do just that.”
The limited-edition “MRK x MFA” collaboration is comprised of three necklaces inspired by the tsuba, the ornate handguard component of swords used by Japanese samurai, which are featured in the museum’s “Arts of Japan” exhibition.
The tsuba, located between the handle and the blade, protects the warrior’s hand from sliding onto the blade.
The necklace designs are a modern representation of traditional tsuba decoration, which often symbolized protection and the spirit of a fearless warrior.
“The tsuba are an important object of Japanese culture; they are ancient yet beautifully decorated pieces meant to empower the wearer, which really resonated with me as a fine jewelry designer. The tsuba speak to the ideas of balance and protection, notions of empowerment which are at the core of our brand DNA,” said Kosann, the designer and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand.
“I create pieces to inspire customers, so partnering with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and working with these incredible artifacts was a privilege … it’s my hope that the necklaces we’ve made together do just that.”
The three charm necklaces depict a crane, butterfly, and turtle with a wave.
The Crane charm, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with diamond accents, is an East Asian symbol of good luck and longevity, according to the brand. It is depicted in the “Mai Tsuru” (dancing crane) pose.
The Butterfly charm features a two-tone design with 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver along with white sapphire accents. The sculpted wings represent transformation, personal growth, and change. It was a symbol of the Taira, one of the most famous ancient warrior clans, the brand said.
The Turtle and the Wave charm is also a two-tone piece with 18-karat yellow gold and sterling silver and accented by white sapphires. This design represents longevity and prosperity, as well as harmony—a balance between different forces of nature and life, the brand said.
“We really embraced this opportunity to work with Monica Rich Kosann and her design team to bring art to life in wearable form,” said Debra LaKind, senior director of intellectual property and business development at MFA.
“The malleability of gold has allowed artists to create intricate objects throughout the centuries, and the MFA’s renowned collection of Japanese tsuba provide rich inspiration and historical context for these new charm designs.”
The MRK x MFA collection retails from $925 to $3,050.
It debuted on Oct. 7 and is available on the Monica Rich Kosann website as well as at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston shop.
More on Collections
The Latest
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
