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The story of a quietly initiated challenge in 2019. This time, let's delve into the interior of "Sanpo Create's Lab." The lab was established in the spring of 2019. Since then, countless accessories have been born, refined, and sent out from here. However, there is an insurmountable "wall" between accessories and jewelry: discoloration, allergies, and the rarity of materials. These were unavoidable challenges for anyone who wished to remain beautiful.
In our continued search for that answer, we encountered a material: titanium. It doesn't oxidize, is gentle on the skin, and boasts high biocompatibility. It was a metal that seemed "ideal," yet no one had seriously attempted to harness its potential. That's precisely why we thought, "Let's pioneer this uncharted territory ourselves." The journey proved to be far more arduous and lengthy than we could have imagined.
Titanium is lightweight, strong, and hypoallergenic.
The moment you wear it, everyone is surprised by its lightness, which makes it hard to believe it's metal.
However, behind this lies an extraordinary "difficulty in processing."
Let us explain a little about why "iT'sTi" dares to challenge titanium,
and the reason why it is said to be "a nightmare for craftsmen."
Gold is soft. Silver is supple.
Platinum is quietly heavy.
Metals possess a "temperament" that is more individualistic, and at times more capricious, than words can describe.
Titanium, in particular, is extremely strong and sensitive to both heat and air.
Even slight differences in conditions can greatly affect its form, demanding high concentration, experience, and a "readiness to face the material" from those who work with it.
Generally, titanium processing primarily involves linear cutting processes like bending and cutting. The reason for this is simple: it doesn't bend as easily as other metals. This inevitably limits the freedom of form and thus restricts the "range of expression" available for jewelry. However, what 'iT'sTi' seeks is not a design dictated by the metal's properties, but a form that resonates with the wearer's sensibilities. Therefore, we decided to delve into a technique that everyone else tries to avoid.
In titanium casting, failures far outnumber successes. In fact, it's fair to say that "failure is the premise." Prototypes continue through 20 or 30 iterations, with days of experimentation spent searching for the optimal solution by changing every conceivable condition: coating, temperature, tool diameter, cooling paths, rotational speed, and metal flow rate. Most materials, with experience, can be finished "as planned." However, titanium cannot be trusted until the very last moment. A 1-degree difference in temperature alters its appearance, and a 1-degree change in polishing angle alters its shine. That is why a single successful creation, born from the depths of challenges, reveals a unique and unparalleled expression.
Titanium is a material far from mass production. It takes time, effort, and cost. A tremendous amount of research and trials are required to finish even one piece. Yet, there's a reason we continue to challenge ourselves. We want to deliver "lightness," "strength," and "free-form beauty" without compromise. No matter how difficult, no matter how many failures, we face the material, struggle with it, and never give up. The "miracle of titanium" that arises from this is what we want to deliver to you as jewelry that touches your skin.
And so, our days of research continue today.