AKIN - Wear the World

MORE ABOUT THE AKIN COLLECTION

Are you looking to to connect with something beyond yourself? To carry a piece of the world with you? To connect with people, places, and experiences that inspire you?

That’s where AKIN comes in—designed for those who want to feel close to the world, even at a distance. Each piece of world sand jewelry holds grains from every nation, letting you carry the world’s stories wherever you go.

Imagine wearing a locket that no matter where you are, you’re always connected to something greater. One that connects you to places you’ve been, places you dream of, and places yet to be discovered.

Imagine people worldwide gathering sand, each grain uniting into one piece of jewelry. That’s how the story of OUAW’s sand jewelry AKIN starts.

Sustainably collected

The sand comes through partnerships with geologists, travelers, environmental organizations, ambassadors, and generous souls worldwide.

WHY SAND?

At OUAW, we believe that sand is more than just a material. It’s a connector—bringing together people, places, and the moments that take your breath away.

When you wear sand, you’re not just wearing jewelry; you’re carrying the world with you, a constant reminder of the beauty and diversity that surrounds us. Whether you’re drawn to the science, the culture, or the history behind it, sand proves that no detail is too small to matter.

Everything at OUAW connects to sand. Yet nothing is really about sand. Instead, it’s about a sense of togetherness, of connections. Connections to people, places, and ideas worldwide and connection to feeling awe or “Oh wow!

And sand happens to be a great “oh wow” connector. The fact that sand is small enough to carry the world in one piece of jewelry? That’s just a bonus.

HIDDEN STORIES OF SAND

After water, sand is the world’s most used natural resource. It’s in roads, buildings, glass, semiconductors, toothpaste, and more. Sand filters drinking water and helps protect against floods.

The demand for sand is growing, turning it into a conflict-ridden commodity. There’s even a sand mafia.

Sand can connect you with science, culture, history, sports, philosophy, and more. Sand connects to awe. And to you. Sand can mirror strength in numbers and prove that nothing is too small to matter. 

With sand from 195+ nations, OUAW’s pieces connect you to the world. To see close-ups of the sand and learn where it comes from, check out OUAW Sand Origins.

HOW DOES SAND FROM EVERY NATION END UP IN YOUR JEWELRY?

Collecting sand from every country is far from a one-person show. It’s a massive effort involving over 1,000 hands—entrepreneurs, travelers, ambassadors, and locals.

Collecting grains of sand from all over the world is one thing. Collecting legal sand from all over is very different. Numerous individuals from geological, mining, and environmental institutions have played important roles in issuing permits for collecting sand and sending sand out from their respective nations.

IS EVERY COUNTRY INCLUDED IN THE AKIN COLLECTION?

The simple answer is: Yes! Every time you wear it, you’re connected to the diversity and unity of the world. But the full answer is a bit more nuanced.

How many countries exist in the world depends on who’s doing the counting. Some say 193, others say 195, 201, 204, or even more. The number of United Nations (UN) member states is 193, with two observer states, making a total of 195 recognized by the UN.

At OUAW, our base is these 195 UN-recognized nations. But we go beyond that.

We include additional places that some consider independent but aren’t universally recognized—like Taiwan, Western Sahara, and Kosovo. These places have their own cultures, identities, and stories, so sand from these regions is part of the collection.

There are also territories that, while not universally recognized as nations, are independent in certain contexts, like in sports or local governance. OUAW jewelry even includes sand from self-declared nations—some large and well-known, others as small as a football field.

At OUAW, we believe in inclusivity. Our jewelry transcends political borders, representing not just official countries but also the places and people who don’t always fit neatly into the geopolitical landscape. The 195+ nations represented in our pieces include recognized countries and what we call “possible nations”—our way of celebrating diversity in every sense.

For the AKIN silver collection, OUAW’s founder carefully handpickes sand from over 195 jars,to make small sand batches to create a global piece of jewelry.  The sand is well blended before it’s little by little placed between sapphire glass. Each locket holds the world’s stories within it.

If you’re looking for something even more exclusive, the AKIN One by One in solid gold contains individually selected grains of sand from each and every nation across our globe.

WHAT IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT?

Beyond the nations, your piece may also include sand from extraordinary places—extreme points, historical sites, or locations of religious significance. Awe-inspiring locations for one reason or another.

You will find the story behind some of the “secret sands” in the blog or on OUAW’s social media, others not. How else can it be a secret?

The secret ingredient blend is dynamic. You have the power to fill it with what awes you. Connect to share your thoughts, connections, or sands. For example, sand from the Mariana Trench and the seven summits is high on the wanted list. 😉

Please note that collecting sand from certain places may be restricted or require a permit.

RECYCLED SILVER, SAND, AND SMALL SCALE PRODUCTION

All OUAW silver jewelry is made from recycled silver, an eco-friendly alternative to newly mined silver. Like the sand, the silver carries its own history. Each piece is hand-finished with care.

Each grain of sand in our lockets is unique in size and color, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are almost identical. Placing the sand in the lockets is done by hand, and slight variations may apply as with all that is handcrafted. Therefore, please allow and expect minor variations compared to images of the pieces.

The Akin collection is of Scandinavian style. It’s minimalistic silver jewelry based on grains of sand. Plain jewelry with a meaning.

WHY WEAR SAND AS JEWELRY? 

Your AKIN jewelry is more than an accessory—it’s a statement. A reflection of your connection to the world, to places you love, and to experiences that define you.

Each piece invites you to explore, to stay connected, and to embrace the world in a way that’s uniquely yours.

The AKIN sand locket celebrates the feeling of togetherness and the beauty of our world. What does it mean to you?

I hope you’ll come to love your piece and that it’ll connect you to people, places, and ideas close to you. That it’ll become a statement of you.

This is About You.

What’s your reason for wearing sand? We’d love to hear your story! Feel free to send us a message, whether it’s a PM, DM, or email.

If the sand necklace, bracelet, or brooch speaks to you, we believe it’s about more than just looks. (Although we take pride in the design and hope you’ll love it!)

We hope your piece gives you a sense of connection—to nature, people, places, and experiences that matter to you. Something that gives you goosebumps. That makes you say, “Oh wow.”

STAY CONNECTED. WEAR THE WORLD.

P.S. We’d love to see how and where you wear yours. Share your look with #OUAW