Bombshell Jewelry by Slate + Salt

Last week I had so many great conversations revolving Fashion Revolution Week. My friends and colleague questioned where our clothes are made and thought about the social and environmental implications of wearing pieces produced by fast fashion retailers. It was awesome questioning what textiles are least detrimental towards the environment… which made me also question my accessories! This year I have been rocking these awesome pieces by Slate + Salt! These jewelry pieces are made from recycled bombshell scraps by ironwork artists in Cambodia.

In Cambodia, about 30% of the population lives in poverty. While Cambodia has enjoyed peace since the war of the Khmer Rouge regime, most only make up to $1.25 a day. The ironwork artists who create these pieces use recycled bomb shells, modeling them into beautiful jewelry in the community of the Kandal Province.

Recycled Jewelry

Slate + Salt points out the recycling methods has turning war into peace by giving back to the community that was once devastating by bombing. The Bombshell Peace Earrings especially hold that vibe with small peace symbols engraved in the brass.

Another favorite of mine are the Honeycomb Bomb Earrings. They are super unique, as I love the honeycomb pattern. These pieces have a little weight to them, which is very different from the light, cheap jewelry that I’m slowly phasing out of my wardrobe.

Every year it seems I am so much more in love with high-quality, unique, artisan-crafted pieces. For one, it feels beautiful to wear something that has a greater good. And secondly, these pieces are distinctly unique for most jewelry a person wears, so it adds character and interest to an outfit. I grew up wearing big hoop earrings and statement jewelry, so it’s fun to wear these earrings because I find them to be the perfect size.

“Everything you own has a story. Wouldn’t it be nice to know where your products came from and who made them?” – Slate + Salt

Lastly, there’s the Lotus Cuff: eye-catching, beautiful arm candy!

I really like Slate + Salt because they offer a lot more than just these awesome bombshell pieces. They are a fair trade shop with a mission to offer a curated collection of luxe, one of a kind pieces while preserving traditional techniques and supporting the Fair Trade movement. By working closely with artisans in extreme poverty, Slate + Salt  allows us to explore other cultures and traditions in a socially conscious way.

Slate + Salt believes that what you wear and how you chose to shop says a lot about who you are. Although many people are ignorant to the horrors behind the fast fashion industry, I can’t help but agree! I think it shows a sense of kindness and consciousness to intentionally choose to be a socially conscious buyer because it helps divert money, energy, resources, and love towards people who deserve a fair wage in a safe and healthy work environment. By voting with our dollar so to speak, it helps break a cycle of poverty and empowers people to do whatever they dream of in their lives.

Perspective is Everything

I watched a Ted Talk recently about how we have the ability to do anything we want in life. We can literally walk into a library and check out 10 books written by people with a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish whatever wild dream we have, because our dreams have likely been conquered before! The only thing we have to do is to force ourselves to get up, become educated, and start kicking ass. I got really exciting realizing this tough, but simple formula to get anything I’d ever want.

However, how convenient it is for me that I am healthy? And I don’t live in poverty? That I don’t have to work 80 hours a week to feed my family? And I have the time to become educated? That I had the money and resources to get an education and afford a laptop to research how to get everything I want?

I still think the formula of hard work and dedication holds true, but reaching your dreams is a lot harder for those who struggle just to make it through a day and provide for their family. The thought really saddens me that’s it’s more attainable for privileged people to get what they want in life because they have the leisure and privilege to place less energy towards surviving divert more energy in getting what they desire.

Reflecting on this, I am incredibly humbled and grateful. This alone makes me proud to wear such beautiful jewelry made with beautiful intention. It feels wonderful to wear gorgeous pieces while supporting people to live their best lives, and help them conquer their dreams. Isn’t that such an amazing reason who buy fair trade?