Jewelry represents your individual style and personality. An investment in fine jewelry immortalizes a moment in time and creates a connection to that memory. However, for people with disabilities, finding jewelry that suits their individual needs can be a challenge. As designer and founder of Cut + Clarity, Mariana Russo Chambers focuses on accessibility and inclusivity is front and center.
Jewelry is a Reflection of Identity
Jewelry is a form of expression and identity; it is a symbol of who we are and what we believe. For the disabled community, it is very hard to find jewelry that is specific to their needs, which is why Cut + Clarity designed the Disabled + Stylish collection. By designing jewelry specifically for the disabled community, we can provide them with the opportunity to express their identity and mark moments in time.
Accessibility is Crucial
The disabled community is not a monolith and various disabled communities face a large array of challenges when it comes to wearing jewelry but tiny lobster clasps are across the board difficult. For Disabled + Stylish, we created easy-to-put-on sliding-ball clasps and chains that slip over the head. By prioritizing accessibility when designing jewelry, we can provide the disabled community with the chance to wear any piece they want.
ASL charm for Mother's Day
Marking moments in solid gold creates memories that live on for generations to come. When collaborating with Actress Millicent Simmonds’, she was clear she wanted to create a physical representation of the most important relationship in her life, her mama." Creating a solid gold 2-part charm in solid gold of her first ever ASL sign that symbolizes the importance of her mother in her life⎯mom was crucial. Naturally, Millie and Cut + Clarity’s partnership benefited the nonprofit, SKI-HI that taught her family ASL. The sign for Mama on the 14K solid gold charm is an open hand with the thumb pointing toward the chin's profile. “Working with Millie and Emily was just amazing. They are generous and caring and their love and respect for each other is palpable. This is why creating jewelry for all, including the disabled community goes beyond designing something simple. It’s about inviting our friends and neighbors to be a part of conversations.
Setting a New Standard for the Jewelry Industry
The jewelry industry still has a long way to go in regards to creating jewelry that meets the needs of the disabled community. By designing jewelry specifically for disabled individuals, we are setting a new standard for the industry towards inclusivity and diversity. As designers, we can lead the charge to create inclusive jewelry.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at cutandclarity@cutandclarity.co with any questions about any pieces of jewelry, and be sure to check out our exclusive Disabled + Stylish collection!