About W&R
The idea for Wear and Resist was born in 2016 and launched in early 2017
Having grown up in both the US and UK, the political events of 2016 shook me to the core. I had to find a way to channel my frustration and rage into a creative endeavour that would raise money for charities working to promote women’s equality and protect women’s rights, which I saw being eroded by Trump’s policies and the growing right-wing movement in the UK. I'm glad I didn't know at the time that it was all going to get so much worse.
I have always had a love of eye-catching jewellery, but all of a sudden I felt the need to wear something around my neck that made a real statement; something that would speak to other women. Inspired by the jewellery worn by suffragists and suffragettes, I wanted to create pieces that would demonstrate an allegiance to this suddenly urgent feminist cause.
How it all started
I had my first prototype Resist necklace in my pocket and was already desperate to get them made. The march and Eliza's passion for the cause removed any doubts I had that I could 'do this thing'!
Resisting & persisting
The word Resist was soon joined by Persist – in reference to the derogatory comments made about Elizabeth Warren – ‘Nevertheless she Persisted’ – that then became a feminist rallying cry.
The Irish Referendum
I made Repeal necklaces and raised money for ARC in the lead up to the Irish Referendum on Abortion, and Feiminí was designed in collaboration with Irish Gaelic speakers reflecting this growing feminist movement in Ireland.
Shop feimini
Power in Collaboration with Mary Beard
I was asked to make jewellery to celebrate the release of both editions of Mary Beard's Women & Power.
Difficult Woman with Helen Lewis
To celebrate the hardback and then the paperback edition of Helen Lewis's book I made a Difficult Woman, and Difficult necklace. The latest design is a firm bestseller.
How it's going
Wear and Resist is growing steadily, but it's still a small family business. Each item is designed, hand-made and sent out by me in my Oxfordshire studio. My daughter Eliza is my model and inspiration to keep going. She is also an expert chain maker!
when I'm not making jewellery I'm writing
... in my wonderful oak summerhouse built by my husband, Matt, who is also a sculptor. (Any writers in search of a beautiful writing space get in touch!)
My books have been longlisted for several major novel prizes. Having always had a deep interest in both writing and art, (I also has an MFA in painting and worked at Sotheby's auction house for many years) I have a passion for the aesthetic appeal of fonts, and the use of text in art.
My ideal art collection ...
(which I am constantly perfecting in my mind) would consist entirely of text-based works and would definitely include this neon piece by Tracy Emin. My Incandescent design is a tribute to her work.
Solar powered! 🌞
Wear and Resist is now running on solar energy as we work towards making our home and workshop self-sustaining.
Let customers speak for us
As always with this company, I am thrilled with what Sarah makes. These earrings are really pretty and really well-made. They are easy to wear - not just around Valentine’s Day.
They were dispatched very quickly (as always) and the packaging is good.
This is the third set that I have bought and had two more things bought for me and I have never been disappointed!
And there’s more that I want!!
Absolutely love my sheriff badge! Thank you so much
My new statement necklace, I wont go out without it on. Beautiful, bold and brilliant. Really impressed with the quality and it adds a real flare to my outfits. Couldn't be happier that I came across this store. I need mooore!!!!
Fab brooch that I’ve put on my denim jacket, gutted it is still so cold out but as soon as a few degrees warmer ( pretty sure climate crisis will sort that one) it’ll be out and about for everyone to see 😁
Love this necklace. It's fun and empowering and gets noticed. Perfect for being 50 later this year and my 'croning ceremony'.
Gorgeous necklace 😍 present to my poet self! Also the fresh out of fucks necklace. Couldn't resist. Thanks Sarah!
I love my new necklace, I love that it reflects my attitude to life.
Practical stuff - quick delivery, great communication and beautifully made.
Another fantastic necklace to add to my ever growing collection. Love the zing of the electric green colour. The staff in my favourite cafe were equally impressed by it - they love seeing the new designs almost as much as I do!
My first buy and I'm addicted! My vest friend had just quoted to me 'she couldn't find a hero so she became one' and I stumbled upon this glorious creation.
Really bold, sturdy and excellently made. Beautiful customer service, too.
Every identifying female needs one!
What a fab wee product, right down to the lighting bolt on the ebd of the chain. Beautifully packaged and efficient delivery too.
I love this fun necklace. I've had so many compliments on it already. It gives me a confidence boost when I wear it! So fun.
I love my necklace. It fills me with joy and makes me chuckle whenever I think about it
My Hope necklace is so beautiful and I've received many compliments when wearing it. It is well made, arrived on time and I can adjust the chain length to suit whatever top I'm wearing. It's perfect!
I have had a tough work year, feeling like I'm not good enough and questioning my professional identity because others have.
So I bought this beauty because of it's multiple meanings. I am enough, I've had enough of being questioned, this needs to stop- enough now.
I love it!
