Handmade~Fair trade~Earth Friendly~ African Jewelry!

2012-04-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

—Jasmine “Shea body Butter”—

SHEA”body”BUTTER

When you combine the many dramatic health benefits of Shea Butter with the floral magic of essential oils you get the unmatched skin care of our Shea “body” Butter.

JASMINE (essential oil)

Jasmine Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers of Jasmine. The rich, mellow aroma of this flower is intimately connected to romance and love. The aromatic Jasmine essential oil has many health benefits. I will list just a few highlights here.

The Aroma

The aroma of Jasmine oil combined with Shea Butter helps in calming the mind and acts like an anti- depressant. The jasmine oil has a pleasing odor proven to change your mood. Jasmine oil with Shea Butter has been known to make him/her happy and arouses desires. Jasmine is considered one of natures original aphrodisiacs.

For Healing

Natural Jasmine oil contain key substances used in making antiseptic products that helps in healing various fungal and bacterial infection. It heals and relieves wounds, rashes and skin irritations. When externally applied on wounds, Jasmine Oil prevents it from being septic and effectively checks infection from tetanus. Natural healing Shea Butter Combined with jasmine oil creates a powerful aromatic and healthy skin care rub.

Cosmetic Cure

Jasmine oil helps in curing skin problems like scars, boils, acne, wounds, pox etc. Massaging the oil on skin will painlessly reduce the infection. The curative properties of Shea Butter Combined with jasmine oil makes this “Shea “body” Butter “ a must for any cosmetic cabinet as well as the medicine cabinet.

For scars and stretch marks

Jasmine oil along with Shea Butter has been known to reduce stretch marks. It is great for greasy, dry, oily, sensitive and irritated skin. It can be effectively used to treat scratches, scars and other skin imperfections.

Muscle Relief

People often use Jasmine oil to assist in relieving muscle pains, swellings, stiffness, sprains, etc.

Wrinkle Reducer

Natural healing Shea Butter Combined with Jasmine oil are essential for skin care. Jasmine oil and Shea Butter is ideal for softer skin and shrinking wrinkles, scars and acne. Combined you will find no better wrinkle reducer.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150413919899202&set=pu.101832499201&type=1&theater#!/pages/Shea-Butter-Fan/275270645829768

Copper For Your Health???

2012-04-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

cajewelryimporters@gmail.com

You may take your vitamins, but do you get enough copper? Research shows you can't live without it and it's become the latest anti-aging skin saver.

Bracelets, rings, and copper necklaces have long been used to ward off aches and pains. But did you know that you consume copper every day and that you cannot survive without it? When you lack copper you're more prone to anemia, heart disease and arthritis.

But when your copper levels are adequate your cells are better able to produce energy and detoxify free radicals that are released in your body during normal cell metabolism. Adequate copper levels also aid the body in diminishing chemicals from cigarette smoke and pollution.

Studies have shown that a lack of copper also accelerate aging. In contrast, routinely applied, copper stimulates cellular activity and production of collagen and elastin, keeping you looking younger for longer. As a result, it's increasingly being included in skin care products such as Neutrogena Visibly Firm with active copper range.

http://www.cajewelryimporters.com

Preserving African Culture through Jewelry by Naomi MzNay Bonman, Inland Valley News Thursday September 22, 2011

2011-10-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

Preserving African Culture through Jewelry 0 Comments Pomona, CA-- Knowing your heritage and where your roots trace back to is vital to many people. For some African Americans born and raised in the United States, they often want to visit the Motherland also known as Africa. Some may be able to make it to visit and some may not; however, just because you may not be able to visit Africa, does not mean you cannot be connected to it. There is African art, jewelry and music that connect us to the traditions of African culture. California Jewelry Importers in Pomona, California, owned by Jeff and Ulondra McCarty, help in bringing African culture to the community. The McCarty's have been in the jewelry industry for four years and they have had their building open since July 2010. The shop is currently under the name California Jewelry Importers; however, they are in the process of changing the name. "We want a name that helps to identify what we do and the unique imports from Africa," Jeff McCarty said. Ulondra McCarty partnered with a woman's group from Africa to bring the rich culture of Africa to the States. She partnered with the group of the ladies from a woman that she met who was from Zimbabwe, and from there is where she found out about more several different woman groups and began to get connected through more referrals. Ulondra sketches the designs of the jewelry and emails them to the ladies, who then bead and thread the piece together. A design usually takes one to two weeks depending on how intricate it is. "Beaded work takes longer because the beads are very fine," McCarty explains. Each piece of Kazuri jewelry, kazuri meaning "small, beautiful thing," is made from Copper and imported out of Kenya, Ghana and Zimbabwe. The thing that makes this jewelry so unique is that it blends American and African styles together, according to McCarty. Ulondra states that most of the designs come from what people want; therefore, you can call or email a request of what type of design you want, which makes them unique because from experience, most jewelers will only let you pick out certain colors from what they already have and if you do get to pick out a design, you probably end up spending quite a bit of money. Because the Jewelry industry is fiercely competitive, being versatile will definitely boost the success of Jewelers. The McCarty's produce other products from Africa aside from the Jewelry as well. "We produce products that are unique to Africa that aren't mass produced," Jeff said. Other products that are produced through the McCarty's are hand made bogo baskets, shea butter and African art. "A lot of people have no idea of the elegance and homemade products of Africa," states Ulondra on the richness of the African culture. The McCarty's promote different African artists. One artist that was recently promoted was Bernard Achempong. He brought them 15 canvas and several African masks. By promoting different artists, it aligns with their mission of building the community economically. According to Jeff McCarty, when things are going well they import products from Africa which gives the people of Africa more jobs and it also gives people locally in Pomona and surrounding areas more jobs as well. Once they have the products imported, they'll need people to help work trade shows and other events. "It's an economic pipeline from Africa to California," McCarty said. People always get inspired to pursue their dreams and talents by seeing the successes of others in the field that they desire to be in. For those who are interested in pursuing business in the Jewelry industry the McCartys' advice a few tips. "Don't be afraid to partner with other people, "Ulondra said. " This will allow you to grow and better yourself in the industry, and remember to stay unique." According to Jeff, it is very inexpensive to get into the jewelry industry, which makes it even more competitive. So the most important thing to remember is to find your niche and once you are able to find it, then you will know what makes your jewelry unique. The McCarty's have quite a bit in store for the future of their business. They sell their products at jazz festivals, art festivals, sorority events and any other special events where people of purchasing age, who appreciate the value of the type of art that they sell. For example, according to Jeff, you won't see them selling their jewelry at a Hip Hop concert because people who attend Hip Hop concerts are younger people who can't afford the value of their jewelry or they like more of the "bling-bling" type of jewelry and long chains. Other future plans for the business, aside from continuing to attend events, are that they want to sponsor their own events, and continuing their mission in Africa by strengthening the spirituality and business alliances of the people there so that they can continue to have jobs. "We want to take our business to the level of celebrating African culture all the time by educating our people and others." Ulondra said. Jeff adds on by saying, "We want to set up a model that entertains as well as educates the community as they are making purchases." Jeff, also a musician, wants to incorporate music into the business as well, because as we all know music is also a form of art. Their art is not just for the African American community it is for all people of every ethnic background. California Jewelry Importers is located at 3288 N. Garey Pomona, CA 91767. You can visit their website: www.kazuriafricanjewelry.com.

Bolga Baskets

2011-08-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Internationally known as Bolga baskets, the baskets are exclusively woven by the indigenous people of a historical town in Northern Ghana called Bolgatanga. Bolgatanga means soft soil, rocky land.

Weaving has been a traditional skill of for the people of Bolgatanga for several generations. The geographical land area of Bolgatanga is not fertile enough for extensive agricultural activities. Bolgatanga has an erratic rainfall pattern and generally harsh weather conditions therefore; handicraft activities such as basket weaving, leather work and pottery are undertaken mostly by the women to supplement their incomes from the subsistence of farming activities.
Today, the Bolga basket has become an object of tourist attraction. It is often imitated however, just like all other imitated products, the Bolga basket is differentiated from the non-authentic ones because it is made with “veta vera” grass. This grass grows along the banks of rivers, streams and swampy areas in Bolgatanga.

The good news is you don't need to travel to Northern Ghana to get one! Right now for a limited time you can purchase authentic Bolga baskets from CA Jewelry Importers for only $45.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

2011-05-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Connecting The World Through The Eyes of the Artist

(West African Artist reaches out to America)

African art is among the most diverse art on earth. The continent of Africa is much, much more than what we typically see on TV and through media images. The Art of Africa has inspired many of the great 20th-century artists such as Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. The architecture of the modern world is strongly influenced by African art. Contemporary African art, though vibrant and brilliant, is often under appreciated, and undervalued when African art is discussed or presented.

In the month of June, Jeff and Ulondra McCarty the owners of CA Jewelry Importers, will present “Hello Africa” An up close look at traditional and contemporary art of the African Diaspora - at Twenty Miles East Art Gallery (558-A West 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766).

Ulondra McCarty, an educator in the San Gabriel Valley, states “the inspiration for this show came from our recent trip to West Africa.” The McCarty’s were inspired by the art, people, music and natural beauty of Ghana.
They were especially struck by the artistry of B. Acheampong a Ghanaian artist who began drawing as a child. His bold and colorful paintings have established B. Acheampong as a “World Class” artist. He brings to life the beauty and vibrant vibe of West African and Ghanaian life in his paintings. When asked about B. Acheampong's artistic gifts Jeff McCarty a musician and educator as well commented, “No doubt he is one of the best painters in Ghana,” and he distinguished himself as a full time painter in 2005.

“Looking at his work, one cannot doubt his creative ability,” chimed Ulondra. He cites many influences. He derived his recent style of painting by observing how the rain falls. B. Acheampong is known, both within and outside the country of Ghana, as a prolific and magnificent painter.

“B. Acheampong” is the brush name of “Bernard Acheampong.” He was born in Kumasi Ashanti Region. He received his basic education in Kumasi and later entered the Armed Forces Secondary Technical School in Kumasi from 1994-1997. He furthered his education by studying Visual Arts at Ghanatta College of Art and Design in Accra from 2002-2005.

This show celebrates traditional and contemporary art of the African Diaspora featuring among other works the brilliant work of B. Acheampong and the rich jewelry designs of CA Jewelry Importers. This is a month long celebration of Art and jewelry created from the soul of the earth.

Ulondra McCarty states, “Since our inception in 2008, California Jewelry Importers has distributed handmade, handcrafted jewelry from South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries. We partner with women' groups in a collaborative effort that blends contemporary American style with a genuine African flare.”

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If you would like more information contact the following:

Jeff & Ulondra McCarty
Ph#: 9092376947 Email: cajewelryimporters@gmail.com
www.cajewelryimporters.com
http://www.FaceBook.com/pages/California-Jewelry-Importers/1018324992

Twenty Miles East Art Gallery
558-A West 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766 ph.# (909) 236-0039

http://www.icontact-archive.com/zLqJ26I5dZ1lNYnSMV-sPIAaNevHCB2g

2011-03-09T21:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.icontact-archive.com/zLqJ26I5dZ1lNYnSMV-sPIAaNevHCB2g

CA Jewelry Importers Presents"An Exclusive Event" The Marvin Gaye Tribute Band

2011-02-06T20:17:00.001-08:00

"The Marvin Gaye Tribute Band"
Get a FREE Ticket When You RSVP by February 12, 2011! $15.00 per person

When: March 5, 2011
Time: 4-8PM (Enjoy "The Marvin Gaye Tribute Band",wine and hor d'oeuvres)
Where: Twenty Miles East Gallery 558-A Second Street Pomona CA 91767
(Where Art Comes Alive)

***Make your reservations ASAP before seats fill up. RSVP by: February 12, 2011 and get 20% discount on all jewelry purchases with your paid ticket.

2011-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

2011-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Jazz, Jewelry and Jacqueleen!

2010-11-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

CA Jewelry Importers presents our holiday celebration December 4, 2010 at Twenty Miles East Gallery Pomona CA

Come out and enjoy live Jazz, shopping, and h'orderves! 4-8PM

Also come out and enjoy the smooth musical styling of Jacqueleen!

http://www.myspace.com/100chances

email us to R.S.V.P cajewelryimporters@gmail.com

McCarty among vendors at Monterey Jazz Festival - DailyBulletin.com

2010-10-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

McCarty among vendors at Monterey Jazz Festival - DailyBulletin.com

Skin Transformation - Shea Butter for Hands

2010-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

2010-10-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

We partner with Abacus a South African based group which empowers local women through the art of bead work. The bead work of this Durban based group reflects the natural beauty and cultural heritage of KwaZulu-Natal which is located on the east coast of South Africa. We enjoy our collaborative partnership with Abacus because it joins American culture/design with traditional African and contemporary African design.

New Designs!

2010-07-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Our Summer travels have been filled with beautiful people and awesome places. We have enjoyed sharing our handmade jewelry designs and custom imports with eager customers. We partner with "Fair Trade" companies who support the artisan's that bring our design's to life! We greatly appreciate our customers and their loyal dedication!

South African Beaded Jewelry

2010-04-21T21:45:00.001-07:00

Like rain drops dripping on the sweet, caramel pecan back drop of "mother earth," this beaded beauty will awaken you! Oh, yes, it's okay to look like Royalty!!!!!

Handmade,fair trade, earth friendly, African jewelry! Art you can wear!

http://www.cajewelryimporters.com

California Jewelry Importers

2010-01-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

California Jewelry Importers will display several new handmade jewelry pieces at 2 events on January 30, 2010.
Sigma Pi Chapter of (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)is hosting the 2010 Founders Day Celebration on Saturday January 30, 2010 at the Torrance Marriott Hotel, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance CA 90503.

January 30, 2010 The National Council of Negro Women Inc.( ) in collaboration with Mount San Antonio College will host the Inland Valley Black College Summit.

Handmade~Fair trade~Earth Friendly~ African Jewelry

Happy New Year's From CA Jewelry Importers!

2010-01-01T22:34:00.000-08:00

CA Jewelry Importers has extended our New Year's Deal, due to high customer demand and to show our appreciation! Purchase $50.00 and receive a free jewelry set!Offer expires January 11, 2010. http://www.cajewelryimporters.com You may also purchase this set for $25

Post Holiday Special****

2009-12-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

California Jewelry Importers has something special for you! A free gift with every purchase of $50.00 or more!Plus free shipping(U.S. Only) This offer is valid until January 4, 2010.

New Items!

2009-11-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

California Jewelry Importers just added new items!Check the website daily for new items and special deals. "Art you can wear!"

Handmade~Fair trade~Earth friendly~African Jewelry

Pre-Holiday Sale

2009-11-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

CA Jewelry Importers pre-holiday sale includes $30 off our most popular South African Copper jewelry set.

Our South African Slimline Copper Bangles are only $25!
Buy one get one free! Offer ends 11/10/09

Simple Cleaning Methods for Handmade, Copper Jewelry.

2009-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Last week we provided some suggestions for brightening your handmade African copper jewelry. Today we want to share more simple cleaning methods.

Vinegar and Salt. If copper is tarnished, boil article in a pot of water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar for several hours. Wash with soap in hot water. Rinse and dry.

Salt, Vinegar, and Flour. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup white vinegar. Add enough flour to make a paste. Apply the paste to copper and let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with clean warm water and polish dry.

Lemon and Salt or Baking Soda. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt, rub with a soft cloth, rinse with water, and dry. Or use a slice of lemon sprinkled with baking soda. Rub copper with lemon slice and rinse with warm water and dry. Pour vinegar over the surface sprinkle salt over the acid and rub in the mixture. Rinse with warm water and polish dry.

How Do I Brighten My Copper Jewelry?

2009-09-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Many folks like the tarnished look of aged copper. There are very attractive pieces that were deliberately aged and polished for highlights giving an antique look. Moisture combined with the oxygen in the air form tarnish. Copper tarnishes much faster when worn against sweaty skin during summer the months. If you find that silver jewelry tarnishes (turns black) very quickly when you wear it, then copper jewelry will tarnish quickly too. Tarnishing can be an individual thing. Copper jewelry tarnishes faster on some individuals but not as fast on others.

Some suggestions for cleaning:

Soaking in tomato juice, soaking in white vinegar, cleaning with lemon juice and salt. (Rinse well after using any of the above methods). One of the best solutions calls for using metal polish or a polishing cloth being careful to avoid any gemstones. This practice is feasible for jewelry made only of copper and not having gemstones. A tumbler works really well and will brighten but not many people have a tumbler so this is not a feasible solution.(The treatments suggested above are feasible to use with copper jewelry having no gemstones. The polishing cloth and metal polish are the safest to use with beaded gemstone jewelry).

In the next blog post we will introduce simple cleaning steps stay tuned!

Does Copper Jewlery have Health Benefits?

2009-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Throughout the history of civilization copper has held many health benefits. The human body needs copper to function properly. Scientist have discovered that the body requires a healthy ratio of copper to zinc in the blood stream. However; the body does not need large quantities to obtain the health benefits of copper. In 1983 GR Struthers and DL Scott, two Australian doctors conducted studies on alternative methods for relieving arthritis pain. Their results showed that arthritis sufferers noticed significant improvement in their joint pain after wearing copper pieces. For your own healing go to California Jewelry Importers where we provide beautiful and elegant copper jewelry. Our jewelry in handmade, handcrafted copper imported from South Africa.

Remember, for the beauty and the healing power of copper visit http://www.cajewelryimporters.com/ for the most beautiful handmade, copper jewelry from South Africa!

Handmade,Handcrafted Copper Jewlery

2009-08-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hurry and take advantage of our special offer! Buy a bangle get one free! Offer Valid thru 9/7/09. You don't want to let this deal pass you by, our beautiful handmade,handcrafted, copper jewelry is unique and of excellent quality. The unique jewelry designs are inspired by the local culture in Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga is a province in South Africa. It is rich in culture.At California Jewelry Importers we strive to provide unique and beautiful pieces. The indigenous people who design these piece are renowned for their creativity in their geometric and vibrant art pieces.

http://www.cajewelryimporters.com/

Fair trade,handmade, African Jewelry

Jewelry Store Gives Couple Ring of their Dreams

2009-08-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

PHOENIX -- It's a happy ending for a young Valley couple who claim a jewelry store lost their engagement ring. a few weeks ago when 3 On Your Side profiled Zales, which told us they never lost the ring in question and considered the matter closed. And although Zales said the situation was over, another jewelry store stepped up and saBut when the couple went to pick it up, they were told there was no documentation.
"They tried to inform us that, 'We never have a record of you sending the ring out for service or you dropping it off or a claim check from you,'" Claiborne said.
And that was that. A missing ring that the couple claim was lost by Zales, but Zales considered the matter closed, telling 3 On Your Side they had no documentation that the couple actually left the ring to be sized.
Rost and Claiborne couldn't believe it.
"I don't know if I'm ever going to get that one proposal in with the ring in my hand before our wedding date, the ring we're supposed to get married with," Claiborne said.
"We wanted to make a difference in their life," said Hugo Soll of Shane Co.
The night 3 On Your Side aired that story, Soll was watching and after hearing about Rost and Claiborne's situation, Shane Co. wanted to help -- and help they did.
"I have a little something for you that will hopefully give you a chance," Soll told the couple. "This is for you guys so you can pick out the ring of your dreams."
Shane Co. stepped up in a big way.
"The Shane Co. generously donated a $3,000 gift card to their store," Claiborne said.
Three thousand dollars -- money to put toward any ring they wanted inside the Shane Co.
"It was the right thing to do," Soll said. "It was an important thing to do for the Shane Co., for them to start their future together in a bright way."
"This definitely puts the shine back into things," Claiborne said.
"Words can't describe, it's like the end to a long, long fight," Rost said.
And with that Rost and Claiborne had some shopping to do. Once they picked out a ring, the Shane Co. sized it right there on the spot and Claiborne was able to propose the way he'd wanted to all along.
Shane Co.'s motto is "You have a friend in the diamond business." Rost and Claiborne say the Shane Co. is now their "best friend." id not so fast. They were out $1,500 after purchasing an engagement ring at Zales, a ring they never left the store with because after buying the ring, Zales was supposed to size it.