The Sparrow Project by JL Parish

I love sharing lovely gift ideas with a bit of depth and meaning and today is no different. If you are needing the perfect gift to send to a friend, sister, or even your mom, who may be in or just coming out of a difficult time, a piece from JL Parish’s Sparrow Project might be just the thing.

Designer Jill Parish worked for many years in PR and Marketing before finding her love of jewelry making over 15 years ago. What started out as a hobby – she preferred silk knotting and wire wrapping over crocheting! – eventually turned into a full-time business as boutiques began to pick up her line and her loyal customer base grew.

Inspired by the ranch on which she grew up, as well as her stylish mother who has the uncommon gift of being able to mix and match traditional and non-traditional accessories in a beautiful way, JL Parish Jewelry seeks to create high-quality pieces that both encourage and uplift.

JL Parish offers many thoughtful gift ideas like the Halo earrings ($55) that come with hoops and three removable bead charms. And the very popular Circle of Prayer Bracelets ($55) made with labradorite, green jade, or black lava beads and adorned with a handmade tassel.

But probably the most encouraging collection at JL Parish is the Sparrow Project. Launched in 2014, the handmade gold and silver charm necklaces and earrings not only offer encouragement to the recipient, but part of the proceeds benefit the Women Called Moses – non-profit organization that helps women and children transition out of domestic violence through education and advocacy.

The inspiration behind these beautiful necklaces is the hymn His Eye is on the Sparrow by Civilla D. Martin. If you don’t know it, here is the story behind the hymn (that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it!) in Civilla Martin’s own words:

“Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, NY. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle- true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience.”

A Sparrow Project necklace or set of earrings would be such a thoughtful gift for someone who may be struggling or who has just come out of difficult trial, as a reminder that they are always significant in God’s eyes.

dallas-style-blogger-do-say-give-2196 — Paired with JL Parish’s Coin Pearl Necklace ($225)

And I love that included with each piece is a card with a verse from the book of Matthew and a little note that that tells about the non-profit that a portion of the proceeds will benefit.

Click here to see all the different pieces available in the Sparrow Project. I am wearing the large silver charm necklace ($65) that has a tiny freshwater pearl (love a little detail like that!) and the Sparrow Project silver earrings ($50).

The smaller 14K Sparrow Project charm necklace (available in both 14K gold and silver) is perfect for women who like more of a dainty necklace. Of course, my two year old saw mommy wearing it so she wanted to try it on, too!