African Jewelry: The Benefits of Wearing Natural Elements

Beads are among Africa's most important and intruiging symbols. They have the largest variety of materials from glass to bone. The way that the beads are worn and the types of beads that are worn represents a perspective or sense of self by the wearer. Since it is believed to have an energy or purpose the African bead is considered an effective healing tool. As an African Jewelry Designer for many years I have had many customers come back and share some of their experiences while wearing the jewelry. Some of them have shared healing moments that occured while wearing my work. If we can think about how a crystal or stone is a natural element and compare it to the natural elements that I use to create the jewelry it is easy to see how my artwork (African Jewelry) offers healing benefits. Visit our website to check out the collection.

Frankincense The Royal Resin

Frankincense is a resin that many of us is familiar with. Especially around the holidays and the Winter Solstice. I would like to begin by first explaining the origins of this sacred gift from Mother Nature. This resin is native to Somalia. In this part of Africa it is known as the Mohor tree. It has a distinct trunk and grows in stony soil. So it is common to see Frankincense growing near boulder bluffs. The inner resin secretes and that is how Frankincense is created. 

In African tradition medicine Frankincense was used for treatments of skin diseases, inflammation and wound healing. It is used in religious ceremonies for spirit invocation and worn or burnt in the home to raise the vibration. The resin is generally eaten in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region as a tonic for the skin. But only the puriest form is considered edible. 

Frankincense is also one of the gifts that the Three Wise Men gave to Jesus. This resin is considered holy among religions throughout the world. I just wanted to share some of the amazing benefits of this much loved resin. As an African Jewelry Artist I like to incorporate elements of high vibration into my work. Sometimes it is a challenge but always fun. In the pic above I created the chocker from Frankincense resin. 

Peace, Love & Light

The African Headwrap

The African headwrap has become an exotic symbol and fashion statement probably at it's conception. Each headwrap gives the wearer a chance to express Africa and African fashion in their own unique way. However there is much more to the headwrap then the beautiful colors and fascinating style. There is a rich cultural history.

The headwrap originated in sub sahara Africa. It represents spirituality, prosperity and humility. Even men in Africa wear headwraps to symbolize wealth and social status. Headwrapping is literally a way that Africans for centuries have been able to non verbally communicate their place in life. Head wraps also serve as a practical function protecting the head from the rays of the sun. In West Africa headwraps are called Gele in Yoruba, Ichafu in Ibo and turbans in the Middle East. I hope that I have inspired you to go look up some of the other symbols and meanings of this exotic fashion statement.

The Symbolism of the Ankh

The ankh is a symbol that is usually associated with Egypt but it was honored throughout Africa. It represents life itself. Signifying wisdom and insight on the highest levels. Fertility is also associated with this sacred symbol. When used as a fertility symbol it represents the union of the masculine and feminine energy which in turn creates life on the physical plane. If we were not fertile we would not be able to create the lives that we live. So fertility can be viewed in many different ways much like the Ankh. On the mental plane it represents the union of the left and right brain or the union of Heaven and Earth. There have been many books written about the Ankh so go out and read about all the interesting things that this beloved African symbol means!

How To Create An Accessories Budget

Ways To Stick To Your Accessories Budget

Do you like to shop but need to keep it under control? Well I don’t think your are alone in this love/hate relationship with keeping your wardrobe fly. I have put together 4 basic rules that I follow and want to share with you. Below is my list.

1. Give yourself a clothing and accessories allowance. You should use 5-10% of your take home pay for your personal and professional wardrobe. Put the money aside each time you get paid. You could even shop every other month that way you will be able to spend more in one go.
2. Invest in versatile pieces. Look for staples that you can wear to work, at night and on weekends. Like a pair of beige pumps or statement necklace. The key is to look for classic and eccentric pieces that flatter your signature style. 
3. Treat yourself to small luxuries. Little things like lipstick will make you less tempted to splurge on something big outside of your budget. It will still keep your everyday look refreshed and exciting. 
4. Keep track of your progress. Write down where your money is going every month and keep the list somewhere you can see everyday. I actually downloaded an app from the app store earlier this year that I use to budget my family’s monthly bills. It has been a big help since using it my life has been much easier. I included my own personal budget for shopping. It may sound unbelievable but I have been able to shop more this year than I have in the past three years. And it is all because I am budgeting. I hope this inspires you!

African Earrings, Beaded Bracelets & African Necklaces

Figuring Out What Story You Want To Tell

Be You

Creating a look for a special get together or day to day self expression can be fun or challenging it’s all up to you. One of my favorite styling tricks is to experiment with wearing non traditional jewelry. Of course that would be my answer. After all I am a Jewelry Designer. I truly believe that you can have on jeans and a t shirt combine the look with unique jewels and receive compliments all day. Try mixing opposite colored jewelry and clothes in one look or you can mix colors of the same family. It’s the one of a kind touches that will make the look your own. Details like this gives the look energy and excitement. Above I give examples with a few of my designs. Just for a day create a look where your jewelry pops. This is going to be so much fun.

#recycledphonorecord #africanbeads #maliweddingbeads

Simple Outfit Funky African Jewelry

I have always been an accessories lover. Some of my high school classmates can share with you how I always loved to have on jewelry and paired them with my outfits each and everyday. As I have moved through many experiences in my life one thing that I definately know about my personal style is that simple outfits work great for me. I pop on a bright colored shirt, jeans or shoes and layer the jewelry. It is so much fun to create from a blank canvas each day. A canvas that is totally my own and it is very liberating. I am sharing this because almost everyone loves African jewelry and clothes but there are still a tiny group who are attracted to it but cannot figure out how to wear it and feel comfortable. If you start creating the look with a simple outfit I am sure that you will come up with some outfits that you like. Remember it's about how you feel, how you want to project your personal style and being at peace with yourself from the inside out.

Jessie Broome modeling Fish Vertabrea & Coral Necklace

It's Spring Time To Rebirth Our Style

From the loving heart and hands of Artist Sheinata Carn-Hall.

Spring is here and since we have just gone thru our spiritual rebirth it's time for us to do the same with our jewelry and wardrobe collection. Fashion is something else but style is something else. It is the distinct way that we speak, act, socialize and dress. It's just a matter of deciding what works best for you? What makes you feel good from the inside out? The idea that I am sharing with you is that the Spring cleaning of the closet is so much deeper than just getting rid of old clothes and jewelry. It's about us consciously releasing things that no longer serve us. My challenge to everyone of you all is to stay connected as closely as you can while you are in the act of it and you will learn a lot about yourselves. Do you purchase things that nurture your inner well-being or do you purchase because it was on the cover of Lucky Magazine? I am a jewelry and clothes designer that specializes in one of a kind African Art Jewelry & Clothes. All of my creations are made with love and the excitement to create. Not to mention I work with all natural and recycled elements. So what I design goes much deeper than looking good for that Spring event. It actually nurtures the mind, body, spirit and emotions. And I promise you that in all the 17 years of creating and selling my designs no one has ever got rid of my jewelry in a Spring cleaning. The reason why is because they heal as well as adorn. 

Go Bold

The holidays are around the corner and we all have events, dinners and parties to attend throughout the Winter months. If you are like me and want to tone it down but still receive compliments. Why not focus on statement earrings. In the pic above the model is wearing big Chipped Coconut & Tomato Bead Earrings. These earrings do not need a necklace and can compliment a scarf, coat, sweater or blazer. These were fun to create. Fashion is fun especially when you allow yourself to be free to express who you really are. If you don’t have a collection of statement earrings start one this holiday season!

The model is wearing Chipped Coconut & Tomato Bead Earrings @reflectionsafricanjewelryllc