Gia Bahm, the New York based artisan behind Unearthen makes jewelry not just from gemstones, but from bullet casings. Her unique jewelry line consists of unisex pendants which uses different caliber bullets as the bails to hold rod-shaped gemstones.
The unusual combination of materials could perhaps be explained from the description of the artisan on her website. "A collector, an aestheticist, a creator, and a destructor… much like all of us who are constantly perplexed by the forces of nature and humankind."
The Unearthen website promotes the jewelry as mystic "charmstones" and as such has a new age look and soundtrack. The belief that minerals (many are gemstones) have healing and mystic powers has been around for centuries. The Unearthen website allows you to click on each crystal to get information on its healing powers and properties. There is no scientific evidence that minerals can heal and affect people in different ways but the placebo effect or cognitive bias probably plays a role.
For those fond of this type of jewelry, the website has a list of international stores which carry this line.
Bullet Casings as Charms
Unearthen Jewelry by Gia Bahm
Trend Themes
1. Bullet Casing Jewelry - Creating jewelry using bullet casings as the main material seems to be gaining popularity among independent artisans and could potentially disrupt the traditional jewelry industry by offering a more unique and edgy approach to jewelry design
2. Mystic Charmstones - The popularity of mystic and healing properties attributed to gemstones could potentially disrupt the wellness industry by offering an alternative approach to healing and wellness through jewelry and accessories
3. Unisex Jewelry Line - The trend towards unisex jewelry designs could disrupt the fashion and retail industry by offering a wider range of choices for consumers who are looking for more gender-neutral options
Industry Implications
1. Independent Jewelry Artisans - Independent jewelry artisans who are looking to offer a unique and edgy approach to their designs could potentially benefit from incorporating bullet casings into their jewelry collections
2. Wellness Industry - The wellness industry, which focuses on alternative approaches to healing and wellness, could potentially benefit from incorporating gemstone jewelry and accessories with mystic and healing properties into their product offerings
3. Fashion and Retail Industry - The fashion and retail industry could potentially benefit from expanding their offerings to include more unisex jewelry designs, catering to a wider range of consumers who are looking for gender-neutral options