Minetani is one of those brands that evolves and transforms itself over time. With a creative team that spans several generations, the jewellery company is now more appealing than ever. Founded in 1996 by Young Mee Ahn, the design house (whose name is a contraction of the name ‘Mi' and the ancient Korean word ‘tani' meaning ‘ornaments', resulting in a name that literally means ‘Mi's ornaments'), was born from her dissatisfaction with the range of jewellery available in Europe and the US. Determined, the jewellery collector began to design what she wanted to wear: earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that gracefully combine sophistication and style. With her pieces adorned with stones in unique shapes and sizes, success came quickly. Minetani jewellery is hand-made and designed around the stone (not vice-versa) in order to showcase its full potential. Few years later, Young Mee Ahn designed her range with one of her daughters, Vicki Kim-Delgado.
Reaching popularity in a short period of time, Minetani gradually expanded its collections. Few years after the label was founded, The Mine line was launched. This luxury range features high-end pieces, generally made as a collaboration between Young Mee Ahn and her discerning clients. At the other end of the spectrum, the Tani by Minetani collection is for fans of costume jewellery, although as chic, having been designed by Young's other daughter, Sunny Kim. Finally, following a collaboration with Swarovski in 2009, the design house launched a permanent partnership: an alternative, more accessible yet still stylish line for those who want a twist on the classics without breaking the bank. Blending pieces from the three lines together, to create a customised look, is a must.