Princess Ayako’s Engagement Jewels

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Another Japanese princess is hanging up her jewels for love! Princess Ayako of Takamado announced her engagement on Monday, and we’ve got a look at her understated jewels from the official press conference.

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Princess Ayako is the youngest daughter of the late Prince Takamado, who was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito. Her mother, Hisako, is still an active (and much beloved here!) member of the imperial family. The 27-year-old princess has accepted a proposal from 32-year-old Kei Moriya, who works for the Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen. The couple were reportedly introduced by her mother in late 2017.

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For their engagement press conference, Ayako wore the usual Japanese imperial daytime jewel uniform: pearls in earring, necklace, and brooch form.

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Here’s another view of her jewels. Ayako’s earrings feature a stud set with a trio of seed pearls, and her pearl pendant is also set with a diamond. Her pearl brooch is set in gold.

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Ayako is the second of the trio of Takamado daughters to become engaged. Her elder sister, Noriko, married Kunimaro Senge in 2014. Her eldest sister, Princess Tsuguko, is an active member of the imperial family who also works for UNICEF.

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The newly-engaged couple’s official engagement ceremony will take place on August 12, followed by a wedding ceremony on October 29 in Tokyo. At that point, Princess Ayako will cease to be a member of the imperial family.

The Princess Takamado, Princess Tsuguko, and Princess Ayako at the New Year’s court in Tokyo, January 2016

Here’s a glimpse of the princess in her gala jewels from the annual New Year’s celebrations in 2016. It appears that we’ve seen the last of Ayako wearing a tiara, as her jewels will return to the imperial vault when she marries.