They’ve come a long way since those cramped creative quarters. Now Hosterman designs jewelry from a 15,000-square-foot studio where artisans transform her fresh ideas into miniature works of art — one piece at a time —using tools designed in house. The main element used to achieve the Holly Yashi signature style is niobium, a dull grey metal that when dipped into electrically charged water comes alive with a limitless spectrum of colors. Its workability and predictability gives Hosterman the freedom to create whimsical, wearable expressions of art that echo the beauty of the Northern California coast. “Our jewelry is a story of place,” says Lubitz. “The colors are of the Pacific Ocean, the sunset and the redwood trees.” Hosterman adds, “The imagery we use on the metal surfaces is inspired by nature and botanical influences that are translated into art.” And it’s not just the iridescent hues, intricate metal filigree and hand-faceted stones that catch the discerning eye. With alluring names like Petite Enchantress Earrings, Alchemy Necklace and Love Spell Bracelet, who could resist? Women of all ages and backgrounds have been charmed by Hosterman’s designs, including musicians Joan Baez and Bonnie Raitt, actress Sandra Oh and author Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, “The designs are very feminine,” says Hosterman. “Women are attracted to the delicate look and feel of Holly Yashi jewelry.” 22 | Enjoy DECEMBER 2013
Retailers worldwide — 1,000 and counting — from California to New York and from the United Kingdom to Australia offer Holly Yashi jewelry for sale, giving longtime collectors and new fans some 1,000 designs to choose from. But you don’t have to travel far to find your must-have pair of earrings or pendant. Since 2011, customers have been perusing and purchasing jewelry directly from the Holly Yashi Store next to the design studio at 1300 9th Street in Arcata. Visitors will find more than jewelry behind the purple door at the Holly Yashi store. “You’ll find fine gifts that you won’t find anywhere else,” says Hosterman. And customers can watch the magic happen from the Holly Yashi studio viewing room. “You might even see designs that won’t be out until next month,” says Lubitz. So, if sipping a complimentary cappuccino while browsing fragrant candles, stacks of books and heirloom-quality jewelry sounds like a great way to spend your day, you’ll want to add a visit to Holly Yashi —a jewelry store and more—to your bucket list. • www.hollyyashi.com
Amber Galusha is a freelance writer who is inspired by nature’s wonders and the amazingly creative people in her life. She lives in Redding with her husband, son and the many creatures that inhabit her garden. When she’s not reading or writing, chances are she’s out snapping photos of flowers.