I learned early on in my travels that traveling not for the purpose of simply seeing new lands, but instead for the human connection, creates the opportunity to experience moments that affect our souls. Sometimes, those moments are so life altering that we bring them home with us. This is the story of how Pura Vida Bracelets came to be.
Five years ago, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman took a college graduation trip to Costa Rica where they crossed paths with two bracelet artisans named Jorge and Joaquin. The colorful handmade bracelets seemed to capture the essence of their journey: the simple lifestyles, the beautiful sunsets and the incredible people.
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“Pura Vida” is Spanish for “pure life”, a Costa Rican philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life’s simple treasures. Slowing things down, celebrating good fortune, and refusing to take anything for granted embodies this laid back lifestyle. “Pura Vida” means choosing to live life to the fullest. It’s more than just a saying… it’s a lifestyle.
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At the time, Jorge and Joaquin were living in poverty. They slept with their family in a single crammed room with three beds. After seeing this, Griffin and Paul asked Jorge and Joaquin to make 400 bracelets to take home with them. Upon returning home to San Diego, California, Griffin and Paul placed the bracelets in a bowl at a local boutique. Within days the bracelets sold out and everyone was asking for more. Griffin and Paul soon recognized the significance of these simple string bracelets. It was more than just an ordinary friendship bracelet… it was a movement symbolizing the simple things in life.
And so, a beautiful partnership was created. Today Jorge, Joaquin, and 100+ of their amigos hold full-time jobs thanks to Pura Vida Bracelets. Every Pura Vida Bracelet is carefully handcrafted by artisans in Costa Rica and each bracelet is as unique as the person wearing it.
You would think this would be the end of the story, but the company dreamed to do more and thus the Charity Collection was born. This special collection was created to give back to different causes all over the world and partners with over 190 different charities. To date, Pura Vida has donated more than $935,358 to various charitable causes!
Bracelets We Love
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Every bracelet is 100% waterproof. So you can surf, shower and build sand castles with them on.
This is one of my FAVORITE bracelets. I love this bright and sunny color scheme.
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Bracelets come in a variety of styles including braided, unbraided, with charms, with beads and combinations in between.
I mean, with a name like Hakuna Matata what’s not to love?
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Bracelets for a Cause
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10% of the net profits of this bracelet are donated to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The vision of NCADV is to create a culture where domestic violence is not tolerated; and where society empowers victims and survivors, and holds abusers accountable.
Beach Platinum Marine Debris Solutions
10% of the net profits of this bracelet are donated to B.E.A.C.H. Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai`i (B.E.A.C.H.) is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that brings awareness and solutions to the problem of marine debris through environmental education; plastic reduction/litter prevention campaigns; and marine debris removal and research; in order to inspire actions by individuals and the community that save and protect Hawai`i’s marine life, sea birds and the ocean/coastal environment.
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By partnering with indigenous people of rainforest communities, Rainforest Partnership is an international non-profit organization focused on saving and protecting tropical rainforests. 10% of net profits of this bracelet will be donated to Rainforest Partnership.
Every day people (mainly children) all over our world suffer and die because they do not have access to clean drinking water. WaterHope is a non-profit foundation established to raise money for these people. 10% of net profits of this bracelet will be donated to WaterHope.
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Clothing and Accessories
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Festive Pineapple Tee
How cute is this pineapple tee? The pineapples are actually hand beaded.
One of the things I love about Pura Vida’s collections are their beautiful, island inspired color schemes.
The wave ring is simple but adorable. It comes in two finishes: sterling silver and gold.
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This is the kind of tank top that’s perfect for throwing over your bikini on the way to the beach.
Something about the Blue Drama Mala necklace reminds me of the shoreline.
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Bracelets run between $5 and $28 but you can sign up for the Pura Vida Bracelet Monthly Club. Each month, you’ll receive 3 exclusive bracelets (up to $50 value) that are only available to Pura Vida Club members for $14.95 – shipping is completely free!
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Bracelets are looking really great and colorful. I definitely recommend these types f Bracelets.
Such cool designs! These friendship bracelets would make for a nice gift for a teenager. The other pieces I love are the wave ring in sterling silver and the Blue Drama Mala Bead Necklace!