31Bits Hand Crafted Jewelry Review ~ Mediterranean Strands Necklace

31Bits is more than just jewelry. A lot more. It's the story of two twenty-something women with a desire to provide a better life to Ugandan women suffering in the ongoing aftermath of war. 31Bits started with employing six Ugandan women five years ago, providing a living wage and creative guidance. It was a life changing decision for all involved in this venture.

Five years later, 31Bits not only employs over 100 women but they also have implemented a five-year holistic development program in Uganda. Each woman receives health education, finance training, counseling, and business training. She belongs to a community where she can earn an income, be educated, and dream for her future. "After five years in our program, the women graduate, leaving with an education, a career, social equity, confidence, and a voice." 31Bits has changed the lives, childen and community for 120 women currently taking part in this program.

The jewelry is handmade using recycled paper and a varnish coating. Since each is handmade, each piece has it's own personality. They're all a little bit different from each other. According to the 31Bits website, 99% of the materials used to make their jewelry is sourced from Uganda, supporting their markets.

Mediterranean Sands Necklace in Cream- This is a fairly large necklace with three cascading strands of beads both handmade and not. It closes with a button clasp and is 33" long from end to end. It's surprisingly substantial and I really enjoy wearing it. They make a satisfying clack when they hit together, too. I don't know why I like that but I do. :) This comes in a couple other color schemes as well. I like the coral shades although the cream is ultimately more wearable for me.

One thing I love is the clasp! It is SO easy to snap on and off. Way easier than dealing with a lobster claw. It works, too. I had no issues at all while I wore this out and about the other day. I like this piece and the way it feels more than I expected to. It's going to fit in perfectly with my new boho maxi dress I got, too!
Value: $52 (on sale for $39)

The Collector Bracelet- This showed up in my Covet Crate! I absolutely love it. This has gold flecked cream colored beads on a stretchy band and pretty much goes with everything I want to match with it. I love the gold flecks on the cream beads, too. It looks quite luxe. It's so affordable I think I'm going to have to get two more with my FabFitFun gift card.
Value: $14

If you're looking to spend your gift card, hopefully this gives you an idea of what you can expect. These are good quality, substantial pieces and I've happily been wearing them. Knowing what I know now about the mission behind this company, I feel like supporting them is a guilt-free thing to do. I already love supporting women owned businesses and one that also helps other women is all the good things rolled up into one. I'm proud of what these girls have done, it can't have been easy but they stayed the course and I wish them the very best of success.

Find all the 31Bits jewelry you didn't know you needed right here!

Have you used your gift card yet? What did you get and what did you think of it?!

*The necklace was sent complimentary for review purposes to give readers an idea of what to expect to receive when making a 31Bits purchase with their FabFitFun gift card. The bracelet is from a subscription box I purchased on my own.