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Illegal Guns and Bullet Casings Used to Make… Jewelry? Check Out the ‘Caliber Collection’

Feb. 1, 2013 9:15am

You’ve probably heard about gun buy-back programs aimed at getting illegal firearms off the streets, but what about jewelry that is crafted from these weapons and sold in an effort to combat crime? Enter The Caliber Collection, a fashion line by Jewelry for a Cause (JfaC), a group that helps non-profits use fashion as a fundraising tool. Using guns and bullets acquired from 250 illegal weapons that were collected in Newark, N.J., the company has molded, created and put bracelets on sale in an effort to help prevent violent crime. TheBlaze interviewed JfaC founder Jessica Mindich on Wednesday to learn more about her unique program.

Mindich explained that the idea for the jewelry line came after she met Newark Mayor Cory Booker at a conference in 2011. She recalls being inspired by a speech he gave about gun violence in his city. It was his passion, Mindich says, that helped spawn the idea for The Caliber Collection, as she felt his words — and devotion — helped motivate her to action.

Jessica Mindich Takes Guns off of Newark Streets Through The Caliber Collection

Photo Credit: The Caliber Collection

“As a designer who creates jewelry as a fundraising tool, I felt like this was a way that I could contribute to being part of the solution,” she told TheBlaze in an e-mail. “After the conference, Mayor Booker introduced me to the Newark Director of Police Samuel DeMaio and with his support I worked with the Police Department to make this project happen. It has truly been a collaborative effort.”

The Newark Police Department decided to work with Mindich , providing her with illegal guns and bullet casings that had been seized by officers. After each firearm was processed by authorities, the designer worked with Sims Metal Management in Jersey City, N.J., to shred the metal and turn the weapons into wearable creations. While these interesting bracelets are certainly conversation pieces, Mindich’s purpose with The Caliber Collection is to do more than simply make nifty jewelry – it’s to help alleviate the gun violence issue.

Jessica Mindich Takes Guns off of Newark Streets Through The Caliber Collection

Jessica Mindich (Photo Credit: Jewelry for a Cause)

JfaC donates a portion of the sales for each of the bracelets (they range from $150 to $375 per piece) to Newark’s Gun Buyback Amnesty program. A section on the initiative’s web site describes the project as follows: “The result is a series of pieces that embody the gun’s transformation from a destructive weapon to a powerful symbol of renewal. Jewelry for a Cause proudly donates a portion of the proceeds from each sale to the Gun Buyback Amnesty program in Newark.”

Rather than delving into the overarching gun debate, The Caliber Collection tackles the damage and carnage that often comes at the hands of illegal firearms. According to Mindich, a statement is made by those who choose to wear the bracelets. That message, as she explained to TheBlaze, tells others that the individual is “interested in seeing illegal guns taken off our streets” and that the person donning the jewelry wants “to be part of the solution.”

The entrepreneur says that the Caliber project is a symbol of hope — one that works toward the elimination of “senseless illegal gun violence.” And it is an effort that has caught global attention. So far, Mindich says that the response has been “incredible,” with individuals from “practically every state” and in countries across the world writing to express their positive views.

“It is clear that gun violence is something that touches many people,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding for me to see this jewelry touch so many people around the world.”

Of course, gun-focused programs, especially in the current political cycle, raise eyebrows among individuals on both sides of the aisle. When asked if the Caliber project has a vested stake in the “liberal vs. conservative” paradigm, Mindich indicated that it is something she believes everyone — regardless of political affiliation and inclination — can support.

“I think that one thing everyone can agree on is the fewer illegal guns on the streets being used by criminals the better,” the designer and advocate said.

While The Caliber Collection started with 250 guns from the Newark Police Department, Mindich has no plans to stop the initiative, telling TheBlaze that she will continue the partnership as long as it benefits authorities.

Jessica Mindich Takes Guns off of Newark Streets Through The Caliber Collection

Photo Credit: The Caliber Collection

After just six weeks of sales, the Caliber project brought in enough for her company to donate $20,000 to the Newark Police Department for an upcoming buyback initiative. The effort will then be continued with new guns that are collected, spawning a cycle of buy-back and jewelry creation that benefits both Mindich’s business and Newark’s local government.

It should be noted, however, that Mindich’s detractors will likely cite the donation of thousands of dollars to a gun buyback program as evidence of her leanings. After all, such programs don’t just target illegal guns. In fact, gun supporters in Seattle recently tried to undermine one by setting up and offering buyback participants money for their guns before they were turned in to be destroyed.

Either way, the success of the jewelry line has led to discussions with other cities who are interested in raising funds for similar gun buyback programs. Mindich praised her public-private partnership as an example of how government and business can work together to help solve complex social problems.

“Soon the inside of Caliber bracelets may read Detroit, or New Orleans, or Baltimore, or Chicago, or Oakland and people all over the world will have a way to participate in this virtuous circle,” she said.

For more about the project, go here.

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Comments (30)

  • Kerstile
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:58pm

    It’s a piece of brass. Copper and zinc with traces of lead. Yee-ha. Do the atoms of copper and zinc know what they were previously? Good grief what a dumb idea. This is the “Pet Rock” of jewelry. Cheap metal sold at outrageous prices. If someone “showed-off” a piece of this cheap, costume jewelry and bragged about how it used to be shell casings, I would be compelled to question their judgement. Hmm. Then again, I question all anti-gunning progressive’s mental processes. Ya-know, I bet there are some gun metal atoms in my refrigerator’s metal shell and the keys I use to open my door locks. Unreal.

    Report this comment

    Kerstile  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:36pm

    “I think that one thing everyone can agree on is the fewer illegal guns on the streets being used by criminals the better.”

    WTF has the word “illegal” got to do with this? It betrays a dangerous mindset. Guns should not be “illegal”, criminal acts should. But then, we live in a nation that uses law to commit criminal acts all the time.

    Idiots…

    Report this comment

    THX-1138  
  • Bobinator
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:10pm

    As bullet jewelry goes, this sucks. My wife and I make real bullet jewelry that celebrates the second ammendment. Google Dazzlez to see it.

    Report this comment

    Bobinator  
    • georgette
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:47pm

      will be happy to check it out……….

      Report this comment

      georgette  
    • Gazoiks
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:57pm

      Just checked out your sight. It is very nice looking jewelry and compared to this person’s art, you all are the Rembrandt and these libs are the Joe Shmoes. Good ole American entrepreneurialism. Keep it up!

      Report this comment

      Gazoiks  
    • DeathRattle
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:58pm

      Bob great looking stuff there, will make purchase for my entire family.

      Report this comment

      DeathRattle  
  • MrApple
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:46am

    All those firearms wasted, all the brass from the shells wasted what a shame.

    “The result is a series of pieces that embody the gun’s transformation from a destructive weapon to a powerful symbol of renewal.’ The designer of this junk is working on renewal alright, renewing her bank account.
    “According to Mindich, a statement is made by those who choose to wear the bracelets. That message, as she explained to TheBlaze, tells others that the individual is “interested in seeing illegal guns taken off our streets” and that the person donning the jewelry wants “to be part of the solution.” If they want to make a statement that might actually help how about putting the right people in office so that mental health care can receive the money it really needs, prosecute those that break already existing laws, and promote the importance of our Constitutional Rights and freedoms.

    This is nothing more than window dressing on an extremely complex and convoluted issue that plagues our great nation.

    Report this comment

    MrApple  
  • 700P
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:39am

    Buybacks are only a way for criminals to dispose of stolen weapons “no questions asked” and receive something in return before going out to steal another. Legal owners don’t receive their property back.

    If you are a gunowner, buy a GOOD safe, bolt it down, get a GOOD alarm company that will call you first, get a CCW permit, train yourself mentally and physically and be ready to handle things if the worst happens.

    Report this comment

    700P  
  • What the Heck
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:26am

    DONT BOTHER LOOKING.
    Liberal junk, high priced, and will only help liberal progressive agenda.

    Report this comment

    What the Heck  
  • MangoT21
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:10am

    You would make FAR more selling firearms directly instead of melting them down first.

    And as a bonus you don’t have to explain the dumb ass novelty.

    Report this comment

    MangoT21  
  • CWPrequired
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 11:02am

    I started my own buy back program. I buy them back from Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabelas, local gun shops, individuals, etc. You guys want to contribute?

    Report this comment

    CWPrequired  
  • HOOT_OWL
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 10:08am

    I was thinking of making Paper-Mache items to sell..

    Out of Books full of ‘illegal’ laws.

    Report this comment

    HOOT_OWL  
  • Eastinfection
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 10:01am

    i think this “jewelry” will prove (ironically enough) to be more popular among 2nd amendment supporters than detractors.

    Report this comment

    Eastinfection  
  • skyguy51
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 10:00am

    What makes these particular guns “illegal”?
    Are they constructed in a manner that is in violation if existing US or state law?
    Is it that they are owned by US citizens without the express consent of the political establishment?
    Or is “illegal guns” a politically correct term to advance a political agenda of some politicians and a lazy liberal media?
    Just wondering

    Report this comment

    skyguy51  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:59am

    When will they start a line of hammer jewelry? You know, for the hammers used in illegal activity, or that hurt someone?

    Report this comment

    Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • IndyGuy
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:32am

    Is it just me??? Or does it seem that the “Illegal” firearms would serve a better purpose if they were raffled to law abiding Citizens and the proceeds go towards programs for inner city youth that teach them to be respectful and self reliant??? Just a thought…

    Report this comment

    IndyGuy  
    • IndyGuy
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:40am

      P.S…Have to wonder just what percentage of “Illegal” firearms recovered are stolen from law abiding Citizens and what percentage of that does Law Enforcement return to the rightful owners…

      Report this comment

      IndyGuy  
  • txswalker
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:30am

    Jewelry for a Cause proudly donates a portion of the proceeds from each sale to the Gun Buyback Amnesty program in Newark.”

    And the rest pays for my big house and fancy car. Way to make a buck off a tragedy while claiming your only doing it because you care…Nice left wing lib using right wing free market capitilism

    Report this comment

    txswalker  
    • IndyGuy
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:48am

      Yeah…”a portion”……..Like 10% or 95%……Makes a big difference…I doubt it is much or they would have stated the %………….

      Report this comment

      IndyGuy  
  • WarMunger_Al
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:25am

    This is a better investment…Silver bullets they come in several calibers.
    https://store.nwtmint.com/product_details/5158/10_oz._Silver_Bullet_Bullion_.50_BMG/

    Report this comment

    WarMunger_Al  
  • RaydocX
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 9:24am

    … fine for people interested in wearing them, it’s a free country.
    gun owners know that the vast majority of gun crime is accomplished with illegal guns.
    we don’t need to hype it.
    and i don’t see this as being any substantive step to addressing the problem… worn in the wrong place, if the jewelry is nice enough, the purchaser might wind up experiencing illegal gun crime.

    i can think of a host of gun related and life related issues where my money can be better spent, thanks.

    but you gotta admit it’s an enterprising response.

    Report this comment

    RaydocX  
    • Bonnieblue2A
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 10:15am

      Accurate terminology is important. Technically speaking, most of the times the gun are not illegal, it is the possession or the activity conducted that is illegal by the criminal. We cannot allow the gun grabbers to win the war with words and define the conversation.

      Report this comment

      Bonnieblue2A  

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