She Beads might not exist today if it hadn’t been for Michael Jordan. Yup, the Michael Jordan. While She Beads designer Sandy Rueve was working as an X-ray tech for the Chicago Bulls, Jordan spotted her stringing beads in the locker room and asked for his own set. Sandy wasn’t making her own beads at the time, but was motivated to do so, and thus She Beads was born.

She Beads are hand-rolled clay beads incorporating a technique called caning. Sheets, wedges, and rods of clay are rolled together into long “canes”. When sliced, the cross section shows an intricate design of flowers, animal prints, geometrics, and more. The beads are baked and strung together. These sturdy pieces can withstand heat and cold; sand and surf. Finally jewelry that you can wear in the wilderness (not like I ever go out into the wilderness, but it’s good to know).

Giving back to the community is important to She Beads. You can make almost any bracelet or necklace into a good cause by adding a Charity Bead. These specially crafted beads include the logo or ribbon color for your chosen charity, and a portion of your purchase price is donated to your chosen charity. Currently, She Beads supports Pink Ribbon Girls breast cancer awareness, Chicago Ovarian Cancer Alliance, National Childhood Cancer Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the Oneness foundation, promoting racial harmony.

Please visit SBStore.com to purchase your She Beads, find out more about the process of making the beads, or to get info on the charities they support.