A1 Trading

I wish I don't have to write a bad review but I was sold counterfeit products and was denied the ability to return it because "I paid with a credit card and not cash." Even if I could prove that the product is counterfeit, they would not give a refund and would only allow an exchange. I had to go through a stressful exchange with my credit card company of having to dispute a credit card purchase for the first time.This place is generally great if you are a jewelry maker. They have a great selection of crystal beads and genuine freshwater pearls. However, the guy tried to convince me a $600 string of greyish-bluish pearls are genuine "Tahitian pearls" and even the tag says "Sourh Sea Pearls." I made the mistake of not rubbing the pearls before I purchased. Generally, genuine pearls have a slightly gritty feel, and never completely smooth, when rubbed together or when rubbed against your teeth. So when I rubbed it after I purchased, I walked back to the store about 10 minutes later asking for authentication for the pearls and was told there was none. The guy has a language barrier so he took me to the lady next door who also tried to convince me the pearls are genuine even when I told her the pearls are rubbing smoothly.Also -- even if this purchase wasn't such a huge flop, I've been to this store a couple times before I purchased anything. The guy was on his phone the whole time which made a couple of sounds that iPhones make when you take a photo or take a screenshot, so I felt suspicious that he was taking photos of me maybe because he suspected that I'd steal. He was generally disinterested in having to service me.

Shopping in Honolulu's Chinatown...My friend, Jules, and I were strolling around Chinatown, when we took a detour and stopped inside of a shop called A1 Trading. Even though the door was open, I could feel some air conditioning! (Even though it's "winter", February is still warm in Hawaii at noontime)!The wall to the left was filled with all kinds of bracelets, lucky jade charms and keyrings! I got some good luck (red with a Chinese coin) bracelets that were 4 for $10 - for when I go to Las Vegas with my mom and sister. I also found a cute Hello Kitty key chain that I can give as a nice gift some day!Jules was looking at the jade bangles. They were different prices according to quality. They were offering her a discount on something that fit. However, she wanted a different bracelet that was larger and had a darker color. Maybe she will ho back after she thinks about it more...Anyway, the service was friendly and helpful. The shop had some nice items that I would get later. Now I know where to shop!Note: we went on a Sunday when metered street parking is free!