Our Materials
METALS
Our metal of choice for our jewelry is gold filled; an actual layer of gold pressure-bonded to other metals, with the same tarnish-resistant and allergy-free reaction qualities as pure gold. Gold-filled is constructed in two or three layers. The core metal is jewelers’ brass. A gold alloy is then bonded to one or both surfaces of the brass core with heat and pressure. Unlike plated (aka electroplated or "dipped") metals, gold-filled is legally required to contain 5%, or 1/20 gold by weight. This 5% is then described by the karatage of the gold alloy.
We also use 18K gold, sterling silver and brass.
STONES
We source beautiful and exotic stones from around the world, such as druzies and geodes. These unique stones with their crystal-like appearance and bright colors, are naturally occurring and derive their beauty straight from nature.
BEADS
We source local and recycled glass beads made in Ghana. This supports the bead-making economy in Ghana and supports numerous women who spend time handcrafting them. Using recycled glass reduces the amount of waste in our landfills and saves our environment from the several thousands of years that would be spent waiting for the glass to gradually decompose.
WAX PRINT
We source fabrics from women in the local markets with whom we have formed relationships over the years. These women are a major part of our supply chain, and they love that their wares go into the creation of beautiful accessories that end up in homes all over the world.
LEATHER
We source leather locally from traders of repurposed leather from Italian factories. We mix and match these scrap leather pieces, that would have otherwise ended up in landfills and taken millions of years to decompose, with our other materials to make your unique Kua pieces. We believe that through fashion and more conscious sourcing of materials, we help prevent the terrible trash disposal problem in Ghana, and the world at large. We find the beauty hidden in trash and help the world to see it one bag at a time.