The Review Connection | Review: Holly Yashi

Holly Yashi

Holly Yashi was founded in 1981 by jewelry designer Holly Hosterman, creative director, and industrial artist Paul Lubitz, President/CEO. The success behind Holly Yashi began with these two passionate founders, who were young sweethearts in love then that had graduated from Humboldt State with a vision for a "real career." Though the romance has passed, Paul and Holly continue to propel their business as a dynamic team and their humble beginning in the jewelry manufacturing business has today bloomed into a multi-million dollar studio with a staff of over 50 artisans. As their talents merged, the company name was born from Holly's first name and Paul's childhood name "Yashi."

Twenty-five years ago, Holly used her degree in Fine Art to work on her ethnic designs involving gold, silver, and copper, while Paul's Master in Industrial Arts guided him in researching manufacturing techniques. The pivotal breakthrough was their discovery of a unique metal called niobium used in aerospace and medical industries that was lightweight, environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and a great canvas for jewelry. Though twice the price of silver and nine times the price of titanium, they discovered that niobium produced extraordinary and breathtaking colors when dipped in an electrically charged bath.

Holly Yashi's stylish jewelry revolves around amazing, luminous, and vibrant colors, and has been featured in magazines, movies, and television shows. All pieces are hand-made in a state-of-the art design studio in its original location of Arcata, California. Holly Yashi creates 3,000 hand-crafted designs a year with a small design team of very driven and creative women, and select about 600 designs as hand-signed collection pieces. Holly Yashi also does custom design work for stores like Anthropologie. Holly and Paul both possess a strong passion to really give their very best to their customers. While many jewelers focus on producing mass quantities of cheap, trendy jewelry that lacks quality, Holly Yashi believes jewelry should be something treasured for years to come as a "patina of life experiences." Holly and Paul are both very involved in the company as they oversee the increasing complexity of jewelry designs and manage the company.

"Holly Yashi jewelry has evolved over time into three distinctive looks. Holly Yashi Classic collections offer timeless styles that feature colorful niobium metals, some with an accent of Swarovski crystals. The Soirée Collection is all Swarovski and is festive in feel and trend-driven, especially with its longer lengths and daring color combinations," said Holly Hosterman, creative director. This newer, popular, and much coveted collection has vibrant Swarovski crystals in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. My all-time favorites are the cube crystals because of their unique shape that is hard to find elsewhere. The Swarovski Crystal Cube Necklace (6089) has nine darling cubes in alternating shades slightly set apart from one another on a delicate chain that captures light to bring out its rich color. The matching Crystal Cube Dangle Earrings (6237) are sparkly and feminine and will definitely receive numerous compliments as it adds couture to any outfit.

For something a little more chic, the Swarovski Crystal Cubes and Rings Necklace (6230) has round and cube crystals intertwined with hammered silver rings of different sizes that draws attention. This design is so stellar that they also have a matching bracelet (623) and earrings (61202). As for bracelets, one cannot help but adore the styles offered in the Soirée collection. I would absolutely recommendation the Swarovski Crystal Single Strand Bracelet (6278), made of clear, sparkly crystals on a delicate strand. You can add a touch of color by pairing it up with a blue or purple version of the same bracelet, displaying lovely hues of various blue or purple crystals. The Swarovski Crystal Full Cube Bracelet (61040) is another stunning piece as it is a single strand of crystal cubes in radiant colors.

Holly Yashi has a variety of collections offering something special for everyone. Hawaiian Serenade is the newest collection, and is comprised of colorful tropical flowers adorned with stunning crystals and natural elements. The Ibiza line was inspired by the Spanish island's beauty and nightlife, and exudes island paradise with boldly colored metals and dazzling Swarovski crystals weaved with silky ribbon. Holly was inspired by her trips to Tuscany, Italy and created the Bella Rosa collection of romantic niobium with intricate floral designs in lovely colors mixed with crystal. Aria, a classic line of unique, detailed, and vibrant niobium jewelry has darker and earthier hues of crystals and metals.

Another favorite is Elements, a hip and fun line of Czech crystal jewelry in young colors and modern designs. The Confetti Necklace (8111) is a breathtaking rainbow of Czech crystals hanging daintily from a gold necklace. The Stick Earrings (80401) and Stick Necklace (80910) made of multiple crystals, in colors of your choosing, are vertically aligned and also make a great addition to any wardrobe. Haiku focuses on Asia's treasures which are beautifully depicted in the hand-colored niobium metals displaying a tranquil pattern of Asian flowers, trees, and nature, along with stunning crystals. The Czech Crystal Twig Earrings (5174) are absolutely stunning and original because these delicate crystals hang from a twig as if just plucked.

Nature's Garden includes playful jewelry of leaves, flowers, and animals in vibrantly-colored niobium, inspired by the natural beauty of Northern California. Reversibles offer two vibrant colors and designs on each piece and "are especially popular with men in search of a fail-safe gift," said Holly Hosterman, creative director. The Romance line was born nearly 18 years ago when Holly designed the first Romance Necklace (17322), made with faceted stones like citrine, hessonite, peridot, blue topaz, garnet, amethyst, iolite and labradorite, which still remains a best seller today. Sonoma is a more casual jewelry line simply using crystals in a variety of colors to create beaded bracelets, anklets, and necklaces.

Mark your calendars for Spring 2007 as Holly Yashi will introduce Swarovski faux pearls to the Soirée Collection in amazing and breathtaking designs! As they prepare to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary in 2007, Hosterman says she still sees her first designs being worn by hundreds of women in their community who have collected their jewelry since the beginning. Holly Yashi's "jewelry as art" has a world-wide following and they retail in over 1,200 retail locations throughout the United States. All items can also be purchased online at www.hollyyashi.com

www.hollyyashi.com

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