The Jewelry I Never Take Off (And Why I Love Stainless Steel)

I have a bit of a confession.

I work at Starfish Project, and I own...well...hundreds of necklaces. Yet if you see me on any given day, chances are I'm wearing the exact same stack.

I switch up my earrings all the time (hello, statement pieces!), but when it comes to necklaces, I've found the ones I love—and I rarely take them off.

As a mom of two active boys, life is busy. I'm juggling work, school pickups, sports, workouts, grocery runs, and all the little moments in between. I wear my favorite stainless steel necklaces to the gym, in the shower, to the pool, at the lake, on the beach, and pretty much everywhere else life takes me.

They're simply part of me now.

I love that they make me feel put together, even on the most chaotic days. There's something about wearing jewelry you love that adds a little confidence. A little beauty. A little reminder that you matter, even while you're busy taking care of everyone else.

Radiant Joy Snake Chain Necklace pairs with EVERYTHING!

Why I Keep Reaching for Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has quickly become one of my favorite jewelry materials because it's made for real life.

• Water resistant for showers, and everyday adventures.

• Tarnish resistant so it keeps its shine with minimal maintenance.

• Comfortable for everyday wear, making it perfect for those pieces you never want to take off.

• Beautiful enough for every occasion, whether you're wearing leggings or dressing up for dinner.

Instead of wondering if I should take my jewelry off before every activity, I simply wear it and go live my life.

Jewelry That Means Something More

One of my favorite parts about working at Starfish Project is knowing there's a story behind every piece.

Every necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings represents more than beautiful design. Your purchase creates meaningful employment, vocational training, and opportunities for survivors of human trafficking as they build lives of freedom and independence.

I love that something so simple can carry so much meaning.

My Everyday Favorites

If you're looking for jewelry you'll actually wear every day, here are a few stainless steel pieces worth checking out:

• Looking for a playful texture and shine that layers so well? Choose The Confetti Gold Necklace or a pop of color with the Guiding Light Necklace in Mint.

• Where your impact and values everyday and everywhere in the The Walk Humbly Bar Necklace!

• Your choice of silver or gols with the Radiant Cross Necklace in Gold and available in Silver.

• Reversible Faith Cross Bar Necklace and the Give Hope Necklace - Two ways to wear them!

Jewelry Made for Real Life

I love beautiful jewelry. But even more, I love jewelry that can keep up with my life.

The necklaces I wear every day remind me that beauty doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions. Sometimes it's found in afternoon workouts, bike rides, long workdays, and ordinary Tuesdays.

And if the jewelry I wear every day can also help another woman build a future filled with freedom and hope?

That's something I'll happily wear every single day.

Shop Life-transforming Necklaces 

Author:  Shelby Gleadow

Shelby is the Asia Director of Sales & Marketing Development at Starfish Project. She believes stories have the power to bridge people around the world and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. Having called Asia home for more than 20 years after growing up in Austin, Texas, she loves connecting people with the women and artisans behind every Starfish Project piece. When she's not working, she's raising her two energetic boys alongside her artist husband, traveling, or chasing the next adventure—hello, Enneagram 7!