CAIRN Pendant — How It's Made

Every CAIRN pendant is one of a kind. We make each glass piece in our Tokyo studio using our approach to pate de verre. We mix crushed glass with color powder and pigment, pack the mixture into a plaster mold, and fire it in a kiln — raising the temperature gradually and cooling it just as slowly. The process can take several days.

After firing, we break open the mold. The glass comes out as a solid block, which we then cut and grind by hand into its polyhedral shape. Each face is carefully shaped and polished to reveal the delicate bubbles trapped inside and the gradation of color layers visible when held in the palm.

No two pieces share the same color, internal pattern, or exact shape. The bubbles, shifts in opacity, and small irregularities that appear during firing are not flaws — they are what give each piece its own character. Rather than controlling every detail, we accept what the kiln gives us. That acceptance is what makes each piece genuinely unrepeatable.

Both versions feature the same structure: two polyhedral glass motifs joined by a silver ring. The difference is in the cord and scale.

CAIRN CHAIN uses a silver chain (approximately 55cm, with adjustor). The glass motifs are slightly smaller, giving a lighter, more understated presence. The silver chain adds a cool, metallic quality to the overall look.

CAIRN SILK uses an off-white silk cord (approximately 60cm, with slider). The glass motifs are larger, giving more visual weight. The silk cord adds warmth and softness against the skin.

Both versions shift in appearance throughout the day as light hits the glass from different angles.

CAIRN is available in multiple glass colors — Violet Haze, Steel Blue, Clear, Ivory Clear, and others. Because each piece is one of a kind, the exact tone and depth varies from piece to piece. Product pages show the individual item that will be shipped.