About Rei Tionko

ORIGIN

“Tionko” originated from my
Filipino ancestors, who were jewelers back in the Philippine provinces. During
the Japanese invasion (circa 1940), they sold jewelry using Japanese war
currency. When Japan left, the money earned was worthless.

“Rei” is dedicated to the Japanese
influence I’ve had through their literature, styles and culture. “Rei” being a
common name in Japan and a similar pronunciation to my nickname, “Ray.”

UPBRINGING

Rei Tionko discovered silversmithing in 2020. With no success in finding an apprenticeship in San Diego, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Gathering all information available through online videos and forums, he purchased all equipment needed to begin his practice and taught himself the process of lost wax casting through trial and error.

Lost wax casting, a technique dating back to ancient times, is Tionko’s main practice. Unlike today’s trend of wax prints being produced through the use of 3D modelling software; Tionko sculpts his wax designs entirely by hand.

With this unique set of skills, Tionko is very open-minded to what his designs may be. It could be a film that a friend has recommended to him, or a video game he has played as a child, or even his admiration for how the ocean glitters in the sun. Once he has decided which inspiration to pursue, he translates it into wax and casts it into solid .925 sterling silver. 

Each jewelry collection tends to vary from one another as he tries to encapsulate different worlds with each one.