Voting, election, and patriotic jewelry fascinates me, but many jewelry designers shy away from making it. I can understand why. This type of jewelry often tends to focus on very immediate ideas (campaign slogans or candidates), which means that the jewelry will have a very short shelf life just like any other trend. Who wants to invest major time and effort in making something so fleeting? Also, the colors of the American flag (red, white, and blue) can be challenging. It's hard to make jewelry that feels sophisticated with certain color palettes. (I find the same issue when working with some athletic team color combinations.) This type of jewelry also tends to prompt conversation and it's understandable that you might shy away from making or wearing it. Conversations are a lot more fraught these days.
My Experience With Political Jewelry
I've sold voting-related jewelry in my Etsy shop since 2012. It's never been a major focus, but more of a curiosity. In 2012, 2014, and 2016 I sold Democrat and Republicans earrings with little sterling silver charms. It unexpectedly proved to be a way to have my own little political focus group. For example, in 2016, I quickly sold my Republican earrings, but the Democrat earrings lingered in my shop. Even with my small sample size, I had a pretty good idea in early on who might win the presidential election.
Now that I've sold my lot of sterling silver donkeys and elephants, this year I've made a few non-partisan jewelry options, including simple red, white, and blue star earrings, an adjustable "Vote" ring, and a wood engraved Vote tie tack or pin.
What Is Political Anyway?
Earlier this year I designed blue wave earrings as a way to learn more about cutting acrylic. I felt the earrings were compelling in that they could be interpreted as a political symbol ("the Democratic blue wave") or simply a beachy accessory.
This last idea is an important point. When someone talks about voting or election jewelry, the natural inclination is to think of it as a very narrow category. But in truth, everything these days can be viewed as political. In an era where basic science (and even the act of reading) is seen as suspect, making the science-related (or book-related) jewelry that I do can be viewed by some as a major political statement.
Even if you shy away from thematic jewelry, you're not completely off the hook. Your choice of basic materials can be viewed as political. Beads and other craft materials from China that fill shops like Jo-An Fabric are soon to be taxed with tariffs under the current administration. Is it an anti-American statement to use supplies from other countries? (I don't believe that, but it wouldn't surprise me if some people do.)
Whether you believe that everything is inherently political or not, it's a good reminder that what you choose to make and wear is a reflection of you. Make sure your jewelry voice is telling the story you want to tell!
Examples of Patriotic, Election, and Voting-Inspired Jewelry
I looked for voting-related jewelry designs that interpreted this theme rather broadly, rather than focusing on individual candidates. (I figured you could easily find that kind of jewelry on your own.) I also tried to focus mainly on handmade designs. Here are a few jewelry designs to inspire you to vote:
- DIY "I Voted" Sticker Bracelet
Follow these step-by-step photos to transform your actual "I Voted" sticker into a handmade bracelet. - Gerrymandering Necklace
Gerrymandering is the practice of organizing a district so that it favors one party over another. This organization's slogan is "A diamond is forever, but a district lasts a decade." You can request a custom piece of jewelry based on your specific voting district. - Granger Weasley 2020 Pin
A fun election-themed pin for Harry Potter fans.
- Ice Cream Cone Patriotic Earrings
A cute choice for the young or young-at-heart, these red, white, and blue wood ice cream earrings are hand painted. - I'm A Voter Necklace
This abstract necklace in sterling silver and gold plate features a box with a checkmark. - I Voted Pin
Who doesn't love getting the little "I Voted" sticker after a visit to the polls? This beaded version by Patti Bartosch ensures that you won't need to be disappointed if the polls run out of stickers. - I Voted Tie Tack
This hand stamped sterling silver pin by Nina Gibson makes a nice accent for a business suit. - Patriotic Leather Bracelet
I love the shades of red, white, and blue in this wrapped bracelet by Pat Stradling. This makes for a much more sophisticated color palette than the normal bright shades.
- Patriotic Ring
Red, white, and blue jewelry like this beautiful fused glass ring by Patti Jones can be worn year round.
- Rosie The Riveter Pin
This shrink plastic pin is handmade by Colleen at CafeChaCha. The red-headed Rosie appears on many of her other items, including coffee mugs and postcards. - Suffragette Statement Necklace
I love that this handmade necklace uses a historical image. - Vote Cross Stitch Pin (a DIY kit)
Julie Jackson of Subversive Cross Stitch created this kit with everything you need to make one pin.
- Votes For Women Pin
This black-and-white enamel pin featuring a pair of suffragettes is based on an original drawing by Kate Gabrielle.
Pictured at right: Please Vote lampworked bead by Amy Kuczewski (Flamekeeper on Facebook). This handmade glass bead is not currently listed for sale, but if you're interested, get in touch with Amy.
Voting Resources
If I haven't convinced you to try making or wearing voting-inspired jewelry, I hope you'll still register to vote. (If you're already registered, remember to check that your state still has you listed as a voter.) Here are a few resources that might be helpful:
- Register to Vote
Official USA.gov website.- Rock the Vote
This site is aimed at encouraging young voters.- Voter Registration Rules
If you're curious how voter registration works in different places, this is a quick overview. This is a section of vote.org which bills itself as "everything you need to vote."