While strolling through the booths at this summer’s US Open Of Surf, a wicked cool bracelet tent caught my eye.  Pura Vida Bracelets featured colorful handmade jewelry that showcased a “small town boutique” look, beachy and bright.

Not only does a purchase from PV Bracelets help provide full time jobs for local articans in Costa Rica, but Pura Vida is also a member of One Percent for the Planet and donates a portion of its proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots organization dedicated to cleaning up beaches and oceans around the world. 

The bracelets come in some sick colors with all different types of woven designs; from vibrant colors to earth tones, Pura Vida Bracelets has every combination.

As if the design wasn’t enticing enough to go purchase a handful of Pure Vida Bracelets, the company has a great back story:

“One day, two friends visiting a small community in Costa Rica noticed a man named Jorge peddling bracelets on the street. The colorful bracelets were handmade in a simple way and seemed to capture the essence of their journey. The pair quickly asked Jorge if he would be willing to make them 400 bracelets to take back to the states with them. When they first met Jorge, he was living in a single room with three beds shared by several other members of his family. Soon after returning to the states they were able to give him enough business to live comfortably in a house and have 30 of his amigos working with him.

Jorge went from selling 2-5 bracelets a week to now over 20,000 a week. Jorge’s bracelets are now being sold in 2,000+ surf shops, boutiques, college book stores, and a few large chain stores nationwide. Each one has a unique and different color combination so coming across someone with your exact bracelet will be a tough find.”

You can be assured that whether you’re shelling out $5- $20 on a bracelet, or $30 on a hand painted vintage wood sign, a portion of your money is going to help a great cause.

But don’t fret if you missed their booth at the US Open of Surfing; you can buy all the bracelets you want on their website! Check out their awesome collection of Pura Vida Braceletes here!

Images: Pura Vida Bracelets

Alex Smith (5 Posts)

Currently a sophomore at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY majoring in Management & Business. College tennis player, and all around sports enthusiast!