Gold, More Freely: Tanaka Kikinzoku Develops New 4mm Fold-Over Clasp for Pure Gold Kihai Chains

Tanaka Kikinzoku (Tanaka Kikinzoku Retailing Co., Ltd., Head Office: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kazukazu Tanaka), a specialist in precious metals, will launch new products featuring a newly developed 4mm-wide 'fold-over clasp (double-blade)' for pure gold kihai chains, starting July 17, 2026.

In recent years, pure gold jewelry has gained attention across generations as an item with investment value that can be worn daily. Demand for slim designs, in particular, has been rising in the pure gold kihai chain market. This new product series features a newly developed 4mm fold-over clasp, which was previously difficult to achieve in pure gold, making it suitable even for slender kihai chains. By combining the inherent investment value of pure gold with a focus on comfort and beauty, the company proposes a new choice in kihai jewelry.

Online shop URL: https://shop.ginzatanaka.co.jp/

Development Background

To date, Tanaka Kikinzoku has developed various products that leverage the appeal of pure gold, focusing on high-value kihai chains and coin jewelry. As interest in pure gold jewelry grows, there is increasing demand for diverse designs and specifications in kihai chains. Among these, fold-over clasps are particularly popular due to their sleek appearance. However, pure gold is more difficult to process than K18 gold, and miniaturizing the clasp—where strength is critical—has been a major technical challenge. Until now, 5mm was the smallest available size for pure gold clasps, limiting their use on slender kihai chains.

Therefore, the company began development approximately three years ago, conducting repeated prototyping and testing. As a result, it successfully achieved the practical application of a 4mm fold-over clasp in pure gold—a size never before realized. This breakthrough enables the use of fold-over clasps on slender kihai chains, significantly expanding product variety.

Product Features

The fold-over clasp (double-blade) used in this product is an original design by the company that balances functionality and beauty.

Newly developed 4mm-wide fold-over clasp for pure gold kihai chains:

- Streamlined appearance achieved through a design with reduced part count

- High retention strength ensured by incorporating an auxiliary hook (double-blade) inside the clasp

- Each clasp is individually fine-tuned to deliver a secure, satisfying 'click' when closed

Furthermore, manufacturing a clasp as small as 4mm wide is extremely difficult. The company developed a custom die capable of simultaneous blanking and bending processes. It also employed delicate brazing techniques using low-melting-point brazing material to preserve the unique properties of pure gold, all realized through advanced craftsmanship.

Product Overview (4 items total)

[Left] Pure Gold Kihai Necklace (6-sided cut double) Reference price including tax: ¥1,454,240

Weight approx. 28.3g / Length approx. 50cm / Chain width approx. 4.4mm / Fold-over clasp (double-blade) width approx. 4mm

[Right] Pure Gold Bracelet (6-sided cut double) Reference price including tax: ¥573,400

Weight approx. 10.6g / Length approx. 18cm / Chain width approx. 4.4mm / Fold-over clasp (double-blade) width approx. 4mm

[Reference item, no image] Pure Gold Kihai Necklace (2-sided cut) Reference price including tax: ¥1,176,080

Weight approx. 26g / Length approx. 50cm / Chain width approx. 3.2mm / Fold-over clasp (double-blade) width approx. 4mm

[Reference item, no image] Pure Gold Bracelet (2-sided cut) Reference price including tax: ¥466,040

Weight approx. 9.6g / Length approx. 18cm / Chain width approx. 3.2mm / Fold-over clasp (double-blade) width approx. 4mm

※ Reference prices including tax are calculated based on precious metal prices from June 2026, using a retail price of ¥24,400 per gram (including tax) for gold.

※ Product prices (including tax), product information, and store details are subject to change without prior notice.

Going forward, under the concept of 'Gold, More Freely,' the company will continue to deliver 'moments of joy' in increasingly free ways—through owning, wearing, admiring, using, and gifting.

＜About Tanaka Kikinzoku＞

Since its founding in 1885 (Meiji 18), Tanaka Kikinzoku has engaged in a wide range of activities centered on precious metals. It boasts one of the highest precious metal handling volumes in Japan and has long provided industrial precious metal products, as well as precious metal goods for investment and jewelry. As a group of precious metal specialists, its domestic and international group companies collaborate in manufacturing, sales, and technological development to deliver products and services. Tanaka Kikinzoku Retailing Co., Ltd. is a member of the Tanaka Kikinzoku Group and handles the precious metal retail business.

【About Tanaka Kikinzoku Retailing Co., Ltd.】

In 1930, Tanaka Shoten (now Tanaka Kikinzoku Group Co., Ltd.) inherited the jewelry business from Yamazaki Shoten (now Tanaka Kikinzoku Retailing Co., Ltd.). Tanaka Kikinzoku Retailing Co., Ltd. operates a long-established precious metals retailer with history and tradition, enhancing individual lifestyles through high-quality jewelry and crafts. By applying masterful craftsmanship to premium precious metals such as gold and platinum, the company plans and sells jewelry and crafts that are rich in design and high in asset value. Additionally, at its nationwide直营 stores, it offers various precious metal services connected to customers’ lives, including the sale of bullion and coins for those wishing to hold gold and platinum as assets, the precious metal jewelry buyback service 'RE(ri):TANAKA(tanaka)', and the Tanaka Kikinzoku Gold Accumulation Plan 'Tanaka Kikinzoku Comprehensive Account'.

〔直营 Stores〕

Ginza Main Store, Yokohama Motomachi Store, Sendai Store, Nagoya Store, Shinsaibashi Store, Fukuoka Nishitetsu Grand Hotel Store

On November 21, 2025, the store name changed from 'Ginza Tanaka' to 'Tanaka Kikinzoku'. For details, please refer to the following press release issued by the company on July 31, 2025:

https://www.ginzatanaka.co.jp/news/uploads/2025/07/20250731_tenpomei_FHP.pdf