To bring out the full character of a piece of jewelry, every part of it is slowly, carefully polished. For Mikimoto, polishing is an integral part of the creative process, critical in imparting a vibrant luster to the jewelry and bringing out the full splendor of its beauty. Naturally, even unseen surfaces are given unstinting attention, for it is this meticulousness that makes Mikimoto such an unmatched joy to wear, and causes the luster of the jewelry to be reflected onto its owner. From the designer's sketch pad, to the bold lines of the jewelry itself and finally to the final step of polishing, highly skilled and sensitive Mikimoto craftsmen collaborate. Yoshiharu Komatsu explains: "It's not enough simply to make the jewel look beautiful. It's hard to describe in words, but the polishing action itself must be gentle. It's something a machine couldn't possibly replicate. With my hands I can give the jewel a delicate finish that is sure to be sensed and appreciated." The polishing craftsman makes his own tools, to fit the unique feel of his own hands and intimate connection with each piece of jewelry. For harder materials such as platinum, charcoal of the houno-ki (magnolia obovata) is used, and Komatsu can judge the degree of finish from the sound the charcoal makes as it cracks. It is from this astounding sensitivity that the finest finish emerges. Taking the finely designed article of jewelry in hand, the craftsman adds a deep luster and an irreplaceable vitality. Even to the boldest and most striking design, the Mikimoto craftsman can add a soft and subtle charm through the fine art of polishing.