Hey fellow runners! I'm so excited to share my journey of finding the perfect jewelry that can keep up with my active lifestyle. As much as I love running, I also love wearing jewelry, especially necklaces. But finding pieces that are both stylish and durable enough to withstand sweat, water, and the general wear and tear of running has been a real challenge. I've tried many different materials and styles, and I'm here to share what I've learned along the way. My goal is to help you find a necklace that you can wear every day, no matter how intense your workout is!
I used to think I could wear any old necklace on my runs. I quickly learned that wasn't the case! I started with a delicate sterling silver chain with a pendant from David Yurman. It was beautiful, but the sweat and constant movement caused it to tarnish and eventually break. It was frustrating because I really loved the necklace, but it just wasn't practical for my active lifestyle. I needed something that could withstand the elements and wouldn't require constant polishing or repairs.
I then ventured into cheaper, costume jewelry options. While they looked good initially, they quickly tarnished or turned my skin green. It was embarrassing and uncomfortable. I knew I needed to find a better solution, something that was both affordable and durable.
I started researching different materials and styles that could withstand my running routine. I learned a lot from talking to jewelers and other runners. Here's what I discovered:
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to invest in 14k gold jewelry. A jeweler I spoke with, who's in the process of starting a brand focused on "never take off" pieces, emphasized that 14k gold is incredibly strong and looks fantastic. They run, sauna, and swim every day, and they wanted to focus on jewelry that is bombproof. I found this really inspiring, and it made me seriously consider investing in gold pieces. While it's a bit pricier, the durability and longevity make it a worthwhile investment. I'm now on the hunt for a minimal 14k gold pendant and a thin curb chain.
I heard great things about jewelry from Minted New York. Some fellow runners mentioned they run in their silver jewelry and have never had any issues with rusting or the quality degrading from sweat. This was a huge relief to hear because I love the look of silver. It's definitely on my list to try!
If you're looking for fine gold jewelry, brands like Mejuri, Catbird, and Gorjana are worth checking out. They offer relatively good gold for the price. Pawn shops are also a great place to find affordable gold pieces. If cost isn’t a major issue, aim for 14-18kt gold for the best durability.
This is where I found my current go-to! Instead of silver, I decided to try stainless steel. I have a stainless steel bracelet that I haven’t removed in 8+ years, and it still looks great! Stainless steel doesn’t tarnish, turn green, or do anything weird. It's incredibly low-maintenance and perfect for everyday wear. I've been wearing a Stainless Steel Chain Necklace from BlingCharming Unisex Jewelry. It's a long hip-hop style chain that I love layering with other necklaces. The quality is fantastic, and it's held up perfectly during my runs, swims, and even in the sauna. The 4mm width is just right – not too bulky, but still noticeable.
I love how versatile it is. I can wear it alone for a simple look, or layer it with other necklaces for a more stylish vibe. It's also incredibly affordable, which is a huge plus. If you're looking for a durable and stylish necklace that can withstand anything, I highly recommend checking out the stainless steel options from BlingCharming. They have a great selection of unisex jewelry that's perfect for runners and athletes.
For something a little more sentimental, I know someone who has a diamond cross from James Avery that they’ve never taken off in ten years. They clean it often, but it totally withstands all their training. It's a testament to the quality and durability of James Avery jewelry. While it's a bit more of an investment, it's a piece that can last a lifetime.