Sisters Mary Strong Blackburn and Wendy Strong Lupas saw a gap in the market for inspirational, yet stylish jewelry that women could wear to share their faith—a gap they now help fill with their company, Gracewear Collection.

Founded in 2009 as an online retailer, Gracewear grew, and the sisters started their own boutique in 2011 in Cashiers, N.C., a mountain community that is a “summer destination” for many, Lupas said. Today, Gracewear products can now be found in more than 400 retail stores.

Building the company around its signature "Shield of Faith" design that represents "how we can spiritually dress for the battles that we face every day and the protection of God," the sisters now bring to market a range of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings—and have expanded to some men's accessories.

The fall line, the “Medallion Collection,” features such designs as the 18-karat gold- and rhodium-plated Medallion necklace ($98). The company recommends the necklace be worn long or doubled and layered with any other Gracewear necklace, and can be paired with the 18-karat gold- and rhodium-plated Medallion coin earrings ($38).

“We are in a real design mode as far as branching out the signature Shield of Faith design,” Lupas said. “That is what we’re based on. Our mission at Gracewear is to create a stylish Christian lifestyle brand based on the Shield of Faith branding. It’s based on the Ephesians scripture to spiritually dress in the armor of God each day to represent God’s protection, mercy and grace.”

Lupas said that the company is “very intentional about the messaging, meaning that each piece comes with a scripture card that walks you through the entire scripture of Ephesians.”

With that message, Gracewear “becomes a powerful reminder and a witnessing tool as people wear it, they can actually share the whole message and meaning,” she added. 

Gracewear also donates 10% of its proceeds to ministries that support women and children in crisis.

See the company’s new Medallion line and other collections at www.gracewearcollection.com. Click here to become a Gracewear retailer.

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