Ginger13

Cindy Yokoyama founded Ginger13 in 2004 to create memorable and unique jewelry. I discovered Ginger13 and became a fan a few years later when I scooped up several pairs of her fun mismatched earrings at one of my favorite Honolulu shopping spots, Bamboo Sky. Lighting bolts and koi pendants dangling from beautifully formed hoops were perfect for weekends out or dancing downtown.

On a recent weekend jaunt to Honolulu, my sister and I decided to check out Chinatown, on the edge of downtown. Chinatown is undergoing a revitalization. Hip eateries are replacing dive bars and indie boutiques are filling once empty spaces. As we turned the corner by Hawaii Theatre, we stumbled upon the recently opened Ginger13 brick and mortar!

Cindy and I have corresponded via email several times so I was thrilled to finally meet her in person. She was sweet and friendly as we chatted about the space, her new product lines and the changes in Chinatown. She opened in the fall and has added other independent lines to the mix including personal care, pouches and cards. Her assortment of cacti mini gardens and succulents in vintage or hand painted pots were amongst my favorite items. The shop’s interior had an aesthetic like her pieces, a mix of styles with an earthy textural feel that made you want to touch everything. Reclaimed wood on the walls, vintage metal pieces and pops of color throughout. A painting by Cindy adorned one wall, reflecting her fine arts major and love of the abstract.

I’ve watched Cindy’s work change through the years and her current pieces are sophisticated with a global influence. The Hawaii handmade jewelry market often contains very similar designs and it is sometimes difficult to differentiate one line or artisan’s work from another. Ginger13 has always and continues to standout for its imaginative designs and her work continues to evolve. Appreciation of natural materials, travel and art is evident in every item. Ginger13′s pieces are uniquely influenced by Cindy’s artist spirit and places she’s lived and visited.

In general, I barely shop now (truth!) but I did indulge in a tear drop rose gold wire earring with quartz embellishment and a stacking Buddha beaded bracelet, both of which I’ve worn non-stop since.

Ginger13 is located on the corner of Pauahi and Nuuanu, directly across from the historic Hawaii Theatre.

You can see more pictures of the interior and products here. Also follow Ginger13 on Instagram for a daily jolt of inspiration.

All images via Ginger13′s instagram feed, courtesy of Cindy Yokoyama.