In July of 2017, riding through the country, founder Megan Malone merged her passion for public health and building equity for women into a greater cause; developing a platform that empowers, educates, and employs women.
Riding past the lake towns and into the northern-mountain regions, they couldn't help but notice gem filled trails. With one glance at the rocks that filled an outstretched hand and another glance at each other - The Akazi Project began.
Akazi creates meaningful, hand-made product that meets the fashion-savvy woman's accessory expectations, while establishing a force for good that trickles into communities we work directly in.
Each piece is handmade here in San Diego, California & our profits get directly invested into creating genuine change in Malawi - the warm heart of Africa.
Our business model follows a one-for-one model, where one piece of Akazi jewelry purchased provides life changing cervical cancer treatment at our women's health clinic in rural Malawi.
]]>Community is what drives us. There is so much power in valuing our community and when utilized properly, monumental change for good can be seen afar, and even in our very own backyards. Here's a few ways we keep that connection alive in everything we do.
We consider ourselves pretty lucky to have made some incredible collaborations with small businesses in the US + over seas. Check out which Akazi pieces are products of collaborations:
Hand-mined semi-precious gems by The Akazi Project:
The partnership that started it all. During our first visit in Malawi, we noticed gem-filled trails that filled our pathways in the northern mountainous region of the country. After a year of research and community building, we met an incredible group of 17 Malawian women who have been mining semi-precious gems for an upward of 20 years.
We were able to see the stones in abundance, however, the opportunity to turn their talent of mining into an income fell short. You see, Malawi is ranked as one of poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita just over $800 (for scale, neighboring South Africa is 6k while the US sits around 59k). So, these women have spent years perfecting their craft, but are presented with no market to sell in or are overshadowed by males in the same market.
Hearing this disconnect was what ignited The Akazi Project.
The partnership is simple: the women of The Akazi Project continue to do their incredible work in mining and Akazi operates a lapidary education program. Whats lapidary, you ask? The art of gem or stone shaping. So, with the help of our resident expert, the women will be taught lapidary skills in a safe work environment. After the gems are shaped, we purchase from each woman to incorporate into your jewelry that is handmade here in San Diego, CA.
Clay jewelry dishes with Ciara:
We met Ciara at one of our favorite San Diego local markers in 2018, SoNo Chili Cookoff in the San Diego neighborhood of South Park. She was a prospective customer that quickly turned friend... annnddd just so happened to be a maker herself. Our visions quickly aligned (ours in women's health, hers as a future RN) and we soon had our first collaborative partner. The clay jewelry dishes you see on our page are our second collaboration with her (but not to worry, they won't be the last!)
Handwoven + dyed textiles:
While completing her Master's work in Guatemala, Akazi co-founder Megan Malone worked with women working with the traditional art of hand dying textiles with plants. There is so much knowledge to be gained from the land and these women bring it to life. We've created custom designs with Casa Flor to dive into the world of home accessories to start our Akazi Home Collection. Each blanket and pillowcase is handwoven + dyed by one woman from start to finish that allows her to work from home, which isn't an option for many women in Guatemala. This partnership allows them to provide for their families and themselves.
Sewing Collective:
We're sure you've noticed the beautiful jewelry pouches included in your Akazi shipment. These pouches are designed by Akazi and handmade by the women-run sewing collective we've partnered with in Malawi, Africa. Being a company that proudly stands to reduce plastic waste, these pouches are designed with our environment in mind. Keep the pouches on your nightstand or carry with you to the gym as an easy stowaway of your Akazi jewels.
]]>..is to bring you the BEST quality 14k/18k gold-filled jewelry. The only thing that could make it better is solid gold but when creating Akazi we wanted this brand to be inclusive and affordable for all. This is how we decided on gold-filled, its an affordable but luxurious finish that we’re 100 percent ready to back!
We hope to answer all of your burning questions here like: “Is this real gold?” or “Will it tarnish?” - Our 14k gold-filled pieces can last you a lifetime, we spent time and care picking the absolute best for our akazi tribe. While we guarantee quality, there are a few things that can affect the wear of your jewelry and help it to last longer.
Q: First: What is gold-filled?
“Gold-filled” is the USA industry standard that required 1/20 pure gold by weight. This regulated process bonds multiple layers of solid gold over a core of high quality jewelers metal. From this we get a super durable high quality gold product. Gold filled is a little bit of a misnomer since its bonded on the outside.
Q: Is it real gold?
You bet! Thick (af) layers of 14k gold on the outside of a brass or sterling silver core.
Q: Is gold-filled better than plated?
No shade, but 100% yes, it is better.
Gold plated is a flash plating over a base metal - this is thin and not adhered to the metal. Gold filled is pressure bonded to the high quality jewelers brass core.
Q: Will it turn my skin green?
Nah, girl. Very rarely will someones body chemistry react with 14k gold ( were talking 0.001% of people)
If you have jewelry that does this, its most likely gold plated or brass.
How to tell? Mostly this comes down to price point. Pay a little more for something that will last. You wont find us using gold plated because we want this piece to stay with you as something you cherish, not a one time wear and ditch because it made you look like the hulk.
Q: Does gold-filled tarnish?
14k gold-filled really won’t tarnish for a very long time. Its possible but we have some tips to prevent this below!
Q: Does it have nickel?
Not in this house!
How do we make gold-filled last forever? This comes down to a few things like, what it comes in contact with, what other chemicals end up on it from daily wear, stay stays on it for extended periods and how you store it.
14k gold-filled will last you for years! But, when mixed with chemicals that get left on the surface of your jewelry it can darken them. The following are ways that will speed up the oxidation process that causes jewelry to darken:
Hot tubs/pools - you’re giving your jewelry a chemical bath thats a little too harsh for it. Take it off before a dip.
Your body chemistry - Everyones hormones vary and mixed with other chemicals (lotions, perfumes etc) can cause that process to speed up! This includes sweat! Try taking your gold-filled jewelry off before that SoulCycle class for a long lasting wear.
Beauty Products - Sunscreen, hairspray, lotions end up getting on (and staying on) your precious gold and should be cleaned off to avoid build up!
We’ve been rocking our gold-filled pieces for years and they still look great but overtime, they might not have the same sparkle. Here are some ways to care for your jewelry to keep it looking fresh.
Daily(ish)
Remove makeup or oils with a soft cloth (like a lens cloth). If you know its gotten product/sweat on it, give it a rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth. (admittedly I do this in the shower). A bonus step is taking them off when you sleep.
Deep(ish) clean
So you brunched hard, you were out in the sun with your SPF 35 ….it needs help.
Use a bowl of warm water with a little mild soap and let it soak for a minute or so. Scrub gently with a toothbrush, getting into the chain where product builds up. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth before storing.
Storage
Oxidation happens when exposed to chemicals but also added airflow. Store your clean piece in a low humidity environment with an airtight container. Some people used ziplock bags!
We hope this was helpful. Please contact us with any questions you have about your new piece!
xo,
akazi
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