You can’t go wrong with an original. The Classic Pendant Necklace has been a mainstay of The Giving Keys line from day one.
length: 24″ / 60cm oxidised brass toned chain.
Wear this key and embrace its message until you meet someone who needs the message on the key more than you. Each key has been hand engraved by an individual transitioning out of homelessness, meaningfully employed by The Giving Keys.
PLEASE NOTE: THE GIVING KEYS USES REPURPOSED KEYS. EACH ONE IS UNIQUE AND MAY NOT LOOK LIKE THE KEYS PICTURED
It started in a New York motel. The key to my room was old and rusted. And I immediately loved it. So I ‘permanently borrowed’ it, put it on a chain, and slipped it over my neck. The rush of compliments that key received completely surprised me. After all, it was just a key. Or so I thought.
Back home in Los Angeles, I asked a locksmith to engrave the word LOVE on the key. And the questions and compliments kept coming.
Not long after making that decision, I attended a screening of the documentary Invisible Children about child soldiers in Uganda. It was held at Ecclesia Church on Hollywood Boulevard and after it was over I walked out of the main building and into the rain. My face was red and puffy from crying. But at the same time, I was on fire. I wanted to change the world, wanted to help. Right there, right then. I was bursting with passion for humanity. Every person I passed on Hollywood Boulevard had a story I wanted to know.
That’s when I saw them. “The homeless couple sitting under an umbrella holding a sign that said “Ugly, Hungry and Homeless.” I went to them, I’m not sure why, and fell in love.”
That’s when I saw them. “The homeless couple sitting under an umbrella holding a sign that said “Ugly, Hungry and Homeless.” I went to them, I’m not sure why, and fell in love.”
Their names are Cera and Rob. They were 23. Their stories were profound… and I ended up canceling my plans for the evening to take them to. I complimented Cera on her necklace. She said she had made it herself. A light bulb went off. I had an ‘Aha Moment’ right there in the restaurant. I flung my hands up in the air and screamed, “Ahhhh! You guys are the missing link! You have to be my business partners!” I showed them “The Giving Keys” website and it was ‘on.’
I knew nothing about the fashion or the jewelry industry when this all started, but the word of mouth has spread, and now The Giving Keys are being sold all around the world. So I’ve hired more great people, all trying to transition out of homelessness, just to keep up with the orders. The goal is to keep expanding to get as many people employed and off the street as possible.
I think it’s fascinating that pounding out positive words, over and over for hours can improve a person’s well-being, hope and motivation. And when you know that each unique key is being paid forward and passed around the world to people who need a little inspiration… well, that makes all of us feel so grateful; makes us understand that we are part of a love movement.
