Julio Okubo
Julio Okubo is a Brazilian fine jewellery house founded in 1965 by jeweller Julio Okubo. It is best known for pearl jewellery in gold and diamonds, sold through its own stores and online.
| Founded | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Julio Okubo |
| Signature material | Pearls |
| Sub-brands | Okubo Men, Joy |
| Website | juliookubo.com.br |
What is Julio Okubo?
Julio Okubo Joias is a Brazilian jewellery brand with a strong identity built around pearls. It was founded in 1965 by Julio Okubo, the son of Japanese immigrants who arrived in Brazil in the mid-1920s.
History
The family's pearl business began with Julio's mother, Rosa Okubo, who brought the first cultivated pearl to Brazil in 1932 and opened her own jewellery shop in 1934, becoming known as the "Rainha das Pérolas". Julio started working with her at 14 and in 1965 began making his own handcrafted jewellery. He died in April 2018 at the age of 93.
Products and positioning
The brand sells fine jewellery in gold, pearls and diamonds, including necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and bridal pieces. It also retails watches from brands such as TAG Heuer. Notable lines include:
- Collections such as Tsuru, Reflexos and Minha Primeira Pérola
- The sub-brands Okubo Men and Joy
- Licensed collections with Sanrio's Hello Kitty and an Ayrton Senna collection
The company promotes pearl farming as part of a sustainability approach it calls the "3P's": pearls, people and planet.
Why it matters
Julio Okubo is one of Brazil's best-known pearl specialists and an example of a family jewellery house using licensed collaborations to reach new customers.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Julio Okubo?
The brand was founded in 1965 by Brazilian jeweller Julio Okubo, the son of Japanese immigrants.
What is Julio Okubo known for?
Julio Okubo is known for pearl jewellery in gold and diamonds, as well as bridal pieces and licensed collections.