DIFFICULT WOMAN – collaboration with Helen Lewis
'The difficult woman is not rude, petty or mean. she is simply willing to be awkward, if the situation demands it; demanding, if the occasion requires it; and obstinate, if someone tries to fob her off.' Helen Lewis
Helen writes:
'In early 2018, it was already apparent that the referendum on Ireland's abortion laws would be an era-defining battle. It followed two years where progressive politics seemed to be in retreat in Britain and the US, with the vote for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. Would Ireland buck the trend by repealing the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution - which gave equal weight to the life of a woman and her foetus - and liberalising its laws? When I appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr programme, I decided to wear a REPEAL necklace - reasoning that if branded jewellery was good enough for the Suffragettes and Suffragists, it was good enough for me. Mine came from Wear And Resist, and for days afterwards, people asked me about it. So when I finished Difficult Women, I wondered if there was a way to collaborate with Sarah again. She said yes, as did our charity partner Women for Refugee Women, and the result is stunning. Many female refugees are escaping from sexual and physical violence, and Britain should not retraumatise them as it processes their applications. Women For Refugee Women gives them a voice - through English and drama lessons - and campaigns for a fairer asylum system.'
I was absolutely delighted to be asked to make a necklace to celebrate the publication of Helen Lewis's Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights. This is a manifesto for the Difficult Woman and this necklace is the perfect accessory. A must-read for 2020 and a voice of the Persisterhood.
'Above all she knows that no woman can fight all the battles alone, no matter how difficult she is. Sometimes, she feels tired, and worn out. But one thing saves her, because a difficult woman should always find herself some other difficult women.'
£2 from the sale of every necklace will go to Women for Refugee Women – a UK-based charity that supports women who are seeking asylum and challenges the injustices they experience. They run a range of activities for refugee women, including English classes, drama and writing workshops, with the aim of empowering them to tell their own stories. Women for Refugee Women also advocates for a fair asylum process and works towards a world in which all women who cross borders have the right to safety, liberty and dignity.
Raging! Fab brooch that I’ve put on my denim jacket, it’ll be out and about for everyone to see 😁
Love them! This is my second set of XL lightning bolt earrings because I wear them all the time and I needed more colours 😂. Be prepared to be asked “where did you get those amazing earrings?!”
I absolutely love this necklace and it's a perfect way to honour this warrior woman! I have many beautiful items from this awesome little company. The quality is fabulous and the communication/customer service is outstanding- LOVE them! ❤️
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About Sarah Day
Wear and Resist is a culmination of my love of text and art. As a writer with an MFA in painting, I have always loved making and writing. I have also always loved bold, colourful jewellery, precious but inexpensive. I design and make everything in my Oxfordshire studio.
Solar powered! 🌞
We are in the process of making our home and workshop self-sustaining. Wear and Resist is now running on solar power.
Let customers speak for us
Love my crone necklace, the second piece I've purchased. Came quickly and well packaged. I've had many compliments and am already looking for my next treat to myself!
A wonderful piece of jewellery that makes a statement!
I'm so grateful to Sarah for making this necklace happen, my quote was at the maximum of what would fit but she made it work and my mum adores it. The little details are really what makes this necklace special. It's clear that a lot of care and consideration went into the design and where it sits on the chest, as well as the little charms on the end of the chain, it feels like a completely realised idea and the result is stunning. Couldn't be happier or recommend it more!
I love this charm bracelet - gives me a bit of courage to start the day! Lovely to wear with one or more charms, well made and fun :)
Lovely choker. Looks amazing! Plus it glows in the dark and I love it that you can choose from a selection of colours.
I ordered this necklace to wear at my band’s first gig showcasing our original songs. Sarah was super helpful, ensuring that the necklace arrived on time.
The necklace itself is so beautiful: great design, inspiring wording and makes a statement.
Thank you so much. I’ll definitely be placing orders with you again.
I bought the moss green heart earrings for my funky, punky daughter for Valentines! They're great, comfy and she loves them! And they've got heaps of attitude (just like her!)
10/10
I have been following Wear and Resist for years from the US. I wear it on those days when I need the affirmations and have gotten so many positive comments on it.
I got this bracelet to help me through a tough time. It helped to remind me to have my own back, even when it's hard.
The thunderbolt earrings are beautifully crafted and very lightweight. I was able to reach out to the owner with a question, which brought a personal touch to an internet shopping experience. Delighted to discover the jewelry of Wear and Resist. It cheers me up and cheers me on!
Got this for my mums birthday and she absolutely adores it! The quality is amazing and the customer service is brilliant as well, will definitely be ordering again, thank you xx
I treated myself to this as a Valentine's present - well why not? Every time I wear it I get compliments and people asking where I got it. I only wish I could buy more sweary charms for it!
Thank you so much for all your help and the repairs. So glad these earrings are ready to go again, I love them! I love that this service exists, so great. Thank you! ❤️
Having already got the 'poet' necklace, I had to get this too. Beautiful necklace, well-made, great design, and I love that the chain has the option to fasten it at three different lengths. I wish more necklaces did this, as the length I want varies according to my outfit! I also love that Sarah is an independent artist working with her daughter, and that they support a variety of women's charities. As a sweary woman and poet, I'll be wearing both necklaces to perform at readings in person and online!
As soon as a fellow poet posted a picture of herself on Insta wearing this, I had to get it. Beautiful necklace, well-made, great design, and I love that the chain has the option to fasten it at three different lengths. I wish more necklaces did this, as the length I want varies according to my outfit! I also love that Sarah is an independent artist working with her daughter, and that they support a variety of women's charities. I have already bought another necklace. I am wearing this to my MA in Writing Poetry seminars at The Poetry School and will certainly wear it when performing at readings in person and online!
