The Art of Mending:
Milamore Taps into Natural Diamonds as a Healing Power
Milamore is more than just a fine jewelry brand; it’s a philosophy embodied through fine craftsmanship and meaningful design. At the heart of this brand is founder George Inaki Root, who spearheads its artistic vision and integrates deep personal and cultural reflections into every piece. Root’s interpretation of the Japanese art form of Kintsugi—a traditional method of mending broken ceramics with lacquer and gold—serves as both the inspiration and the guiding principle for Milamore’s iconic Kintsugi collection. This collection now features Kintsugi diamonds, which symbolize the beauty of mending and the profound strength and resilience found in healing.
Kintsugi, a centuries-old Japanese art form, celebrates the unique beauty of imperfection. It’s based on the idea that broken items can be repaired and their cracks can be highlighted rather than hidden. This philosophy, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, teaches us that life’s challenges and breaks are part of our unique story. Instead of discarding broken pottery, Kintsugi fills the cracks with lacquer, often mixed with powdered gold, to create something more beautiful and precious than the original. It’s an inspiring reminder that our imperfections are not flaws, but unique aspects that make us who we are.
Milamore’s Kintsugi collection translates this philosophy into fine jewelry. Root’s designs feature 18K gold and natural diamonds to simulate the cracks in pottery, making the diamonds the metaphorical agent that heals and elevates the wearer. In these pieces, diamonds are not merely decorative but integral to the story of resilience and healing. They represent the idea that, just as the broken pottery is more beautiful after it has been repaired with gold, so we are more precious and complete when we embrace our imperfections.
In Root’s vision, diamonds in the Kintsugi collection represent more than just luxury; they symbolize the wearer’s journey. As symbols of strength, endurance, and eternal beauty, natural diamonds align perfectly with Kintsugi’s emphasis on the power of healing. Root wants the wearer to feel like they are being “mended” with diamonds, each representing personal growth, healing, and the beauty of life’s imperfections. “I want my jewelry to make the wearer’s skin appear as if it has received the Kintsugi treatment itself with 18K gold and diamonds,” he says.
In many ways, Milamore’s use of diamonds is also a nod to the story of natural diamonds—forged over billions of years deep within the Earth under extreme circumstances. Like the Kintsugi process, which takes time and care, diamonds remind us of the slow and deliberate beauty that comes from a tumultuous journey of transformation.
Milamore’s designs reflect Root’s philosophy, one that is deeply connected to his heritage and life experiences. New York City-based, but raised in the Philippines and Japan by Spanish/Filipino and Japanese parents, Root’s cross-cultural upbringing exposed him to a blend of traditions that heavily influenced his work. His discovery of Kintsugi was pivotal, as he sought to make peace with his own “cracks” and imperfections. A random online video explaining the concept of Kintsugi sparked something profound in Root, leading him to research the philosophy and eventually incorporate it into his designs.
In addition to being the founder and creative director of Milamore, Root is now a Kintsugi Philosopher. This title shows his commitment to the philosophy and how deeply he resonates with its teachings. For Root, Kintsugi is about more than repairing physical cracks—it’s about self-acceptance and personal growth. “We are all somehow broken,” Root explains, “and it’s okay to embrace that fact rather than conceal it.”
Milamore’s pieces are all handcrafted in Japan, where artisans meticulously work to bring Root’s visions to life. Root strongly emphasizes traditional Japanese techniques, ensuring each piece honors his adopted homeland’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Milamore has two retail locations in Japan and is partnered with multiple retail outlets worldwide. Whether it’s a Kintsugi ring, necklace, or bracelet, the design’s organic lines and seamless integration of diamonds create an emotional connection between the piece and the wearer. When you wear a Milamore piece, you’re not just wearing jewelry; you’re wearing a symbol of your resilience, your own story of being broken and mended, and being more beautiful in the end. It’s a personal connection that makes each piece unique and significant.
Milamore’s Kintsugi collection is a testament to Root’s belief in the enduring power of personal growth, symbolized through the art of mending—mending with diamonds, no less. In a world where perfection is often pursued at all costs, Milamore reminds us that there is beauty in being broken and even more beauty in being mended.
