If you’re like me, the closest you get to “dressed up” these days is when you put on a matching sweatsuit and do your hair instead of wearing that messy bun for the 4th day in a row.
And while I may not necessarily miss the heels I’ve relegated to the back of my closet (for now), the one thing I haven’t parted with is my jewelry, which is why I was so excited to discover Atom&Matter. You may recognize founder Bethany Mota as one of the pioneers of YouTube haul videos, but she’s also an author, designer, and entrepreneur who loves to give back. She founded Atom&Matter out of her desire to form a community of like-minded women who value philanthropy and making sustainable choices, all linked by something tangible; jewelry. Far more than just another brand looking to add simple sparkle to your wardrobe, here are just some of the reasons that I fell in love with Atom&Matter.
Their designs are timeless, well-crafted, and I feel great wearing them
After years of wearing statement pieces that were part of the “bigger is better” category, I was in search of something a little more timeless. I liked the thought of something that I could stack together when I wanted to make a statement but would have the same beautiful impact when worn alone. Enter Atom&Matter. The product of a collaboration between Bethany Mota and former Tiffany & Co. designer Yunjo Lee, their delicate, minimalist pieces work with everything from dresses to sweats, making me feel instantly more put together. Taking inspiration from the universal motif of a star, they’ve elevated their lines by focusing on exceptional design details and craftsmanship. This brand isn’t just about how you look with these pieces on, but also how you feel while wearing them.
The pieces are high quality, meaning they’ll last no matter how often you wear them.
I grew tired of jewelry that didn’t last. I was ready to say goodbye to pieces that fell apart or, worse, turned my skin green. Atom&Matter is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen with decades of fine jewelry experience, using only the highest quality hypoallergenic and lead-free materials. Their pieces are 14k gold and rhodium on 100% recycled sterling silver, while their stones are white sapphire. In a world of cubic zirconias, if you can be a white sapphire, always be a white sapphire.
Their sustainability is key and means that I can feel good about supporting a business whose products are both ethically sourced and crafted.
Some brands tout their sustainability without any transparency, so how do we know what we’re actually getting? Atom&Matter guarantees sustainable practices by partnering with a manufacturer that is certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council. If you’re like me and had never heard of that, a quick Google search will tell you that it’s the world’s leading standard-setting organization for the entire jewelry and watch industry. Impressive, right? But it guarantees the pieces you’re getting are both sustainably sourced and crafted, and what’s not to love about that?
The price is right. You get what you pay for, and with Atom&Matter, what I’m paying for is gorgeous, high-quality, and hypoallergenic.
With jewelry, the adage that you get what you pay for is undoubtedly true. What I’ve realized is that some things are worth spending money on. When I finally committed to upgrading my jewelry box, I was nervous. I wanted something timeless, but that wouldn’t cost a month’s rent. After purchasing their Star medallion pendant necklace (the first piece I bought myself, but definitely not the last), I knew I’d made the right choice. As some of my sensitive skin people out there have surely experienced, I’ve had several instances where I had a reaction to jewelry that I’ve worn. This isn’t a problem with my Atom&Matter pieces: they are hypoallergenic and high-quality so that I can wear my pieces daily with no worries.
Giving back is part of Atom&Matter’s fabric. I love supporting a female-owned business that helps by giving back to other women and girls.
I try to be an educated and responsible consumer, which is why I love that Atom&Matter calls themselves jewelry with a conscience, and they’re using their platform to create inspiration for women everywhere. From their celebration of self-expression within their designs to the organizations they partner with to help inspire girls in under-resourced communities, Atom&Matter puts their money where their mouth is. Each purchase helps support philanthropic organizations. Step Up provides free mentorship programs to girls living or going to high-school in underserved communities, aiding them in becoming confident, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of women leaders. Pratham is one of India’s largest education NGOs providing skills training, job placement, and entrepreneurship opportunities that have led to career growth and economic self-sufficiency for thousands of underprivileged youth from rural India. So while Atom&Matter makes beautiful jewelry, their brand is clearly about more than just being pretty on the outside, and that’s something I can feel great about supporting.
