Where does it go? Jewelry edition
A shining example of community impact
When we first introduced “jewelry” as a featured category in 2019 it stood out a bit from the other materials we were collecting (loose diapers, electronic odds and ends, gently used bras, etc). While we were initially unsure about how much our members would have (and want) to contribute, we learned quickly that old, broken, and otherwise unused jewelry is a great example of a material that doesn’t have an easy answer to the “what should I do with it?” conundrum.
35 heavy boxes later, we also saw first hand the enormous community good these items can produce when entrusted to the creative, compassionate, and skilled hands of a partner like the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project.
The Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project - sponsored by The Seattle Metals Guild - was founded by Micki Lippe in 2016. Jewelry donated to WSJP is sorted, cleaned, and bagged by WSJP volunteers (though sorting parties like the one shown below now happen virtually).
Most pieces are distributed to shelter clients and Dress for Success in the Puget Sound region, where the jewelry takes on a new life when it’s given to the women for birthdays, when they have a job interview, or just as a way to bring joy and lift their spirits. Children in the shelters can select a piece as a gift for their mom for her birthday, Mother’s Day, or a special holiday.
The Project sells better pieces through a special sale event, and sends broken sterling silver and karat gold items to a refinery in return for cash. The funds raised from sale and the refinery are then distributed to shelter partners in the form of unrestricted grants. Since 2016, WSJP has donated hundreds of pounds of jewelry and more than $50,000 in grants to Seattle-area women's shelters and Dress for Success.
The story of the Women’s Shelter Jewelry Project is best told in Micki’s own words:
“When I was trying to decide how I could give back to the community it occurred to me that I should think of a project that used my skills as a jeweler. I've had friends who have been abused. This is something I've always had empathy for.
Domestic violence is not just physical. It takes verbal, psychological, sexual and economic forms too. A typical tactic is the dismantling of a woman’s self-esteem: by the time she needs to run, she no longer believes she deserves to feel good or have nice things. Another common abusive tactic is the destruction of items precious to the victim, most commonly photos, clothes and jewelry.
This project communicates to survivors that people in the community care – that they understand how hard it is to start again and want to help. It’s women reaching out to women to share precious things that make them feel good. It’s been 20 years since I thought of doing this project and it has grown far beyond my wildest expectations!”
WSJP can accept all types of unused jewelry, including watches, whole or broken rings, chains, and brooches. Even a single earring can transform into a pendant. We are proud to partner with an organization that brings joy and hope for a better future to women in transition - one piece of jewelry at a time.