I adore jewelry. It’s the icing on the cake to any outfit, it always fits, it gives people a glimpse of your story, and it can be a tangible reminder of precious memories. Jewelry has got to be the most gifted gift, right up there with candles and gift cards. So buying the first shiny object you see at the mall for someone might come across as an unoriginal and mindless gift.
However, when you really put thought into matching a piece of jewelry or a brand to someone’s personality and style, I truly think there’s no better gift you can give a woman. Whether you’re already thinking of buying jewelry for someone on your list or you’re looking for less traditional presents this season, I’ve rounded up a few jewelry brands that are one of a kind, full of character, and either donate to or support a special purpose.
**This post may contain affiliate (which means I make a small commission when you shop from them) and sponsored links (gift items are indicated with a [c/o] and sponsored links with a [sp]) because we all have to pay our bills, and I’d rather keep creating awesome content for you than get a real job. All opinions are my own.**
Seeds of Love Bracelets
The best part of the holidays is that no matter what is going on in life, for a few weeks, everything seems to be filled with a little more love. The greatest gift you can give this season is embracing love, and as they say at Seeds of Love [sp] “sow it everywhere you go“. The loving and welcoming spirit of the artisans of Guatemala is what inspired the heart behind Seeds of Love. Not only are the bracelets hand-crafted in Guatemala, but 10% of net profits are also donated to missionaries to provide jobs and support. Every inch of the brand is infused with intention – even the colors used in the beads have a significance of their own. When you buy one of these cutes bracelets (for yourself or someone else), not only are you supporting global artisans, but you’re also sharing a reminder for us to all walk around with more care and compassion in our hearts.
Simply Nature Bio Goods
You may remember seeing this innovative Bull Hoof Necklace [sp] from Simply Nature Bio Goods that I wore during New York Fashion Week! It’s been one of my favorite pieces to style ever since. The original post talks more about their process and how these one of a kind pieces are created (and when I say one of a kind, I truly mean that no two pieces are ever the same!), but today I want to draw your attention to their efforts to give back. Founders Priscila Barbedo & Fernando Guevara are passionate about brightening the spirits of the homeless local community – even the smallest act can bring joy to others this time of year. $3 from each sale is saved to give a sustainable goody bag to as many people in need as they can during the holidays. They are also involved in the 1% For The Planet Foundation and the Seeds Savers Exchange Program. You can learn more about their efforts to make a difference here.
Maria Shireen
I first connected with the Maria Shireen [c/o] brand for my “4 Brands Built by Entrepreneurs with Depression” post a few months back. In that post, founder Shireen Thor courageously shared with me her experiences with perinatal anxiety and depression, as well as postpartum depression after the birth of her son (and how this impacted her role as CEO). She’s also the original creator of the hair tie bracelet! This Gem is constantly collaborating with organizations to give back with her CHARITY TIES social good platform. Each one of the CHARITY TIES bracelets (there’s one for Maternal Mental Health, one for Breast Cancer, and one for Ovarian Cancer) has the words #BANDOFSTRENGTH engraved in it. $10 from each purchase is donated to organizations that make in impact on that bracelet’s specific cause. Hair Tie Bracelets make an wonderful gift because they are both fashionable and functional (aka, it’s something she’ll actually use, I promise!).
ReStrung Jewelry
It’s so neat when I find brands who make a common product (like jewelry) from a completely unexpected source or process. At ReStrung Jewelry, New Orleans native Naomi Celestin recycles old guitar strings into remarkable, eye-catching jewelry pieces. How cool is that?? What’s even cooler is that 5% of profits are donated to The New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation (NOMAF), which evolved from and raises funds for The New Orleans Musicians Clinic (NOMC). Both organizations, which you can learn more about on the ReStrung website, are dedicated to keeping the music and arts alive in New Orleans. The gold earrings [c/o] I’m wearing are sadly no longer available, but I am loving these gemstone earrings, this guitar pick necklace, and these lovely bangles!
Do you know of any other jewelry brands built with heart that have a unique purpose? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Photos by Shaun Novak, Christina Imberlina Stein, and Kate Stutz
