Metalsmith, jewelry maker and artist Kristal Romano has found a dazzling new use for old credit cards that are no longer needed. Instead of throwing them away or cutting them up, she crafts them into plastic gems and sets them into gorgeous pieces of jewelry.
Leaving the original logos and images on the cards serves to add bursts of color as well as incorporating ironic details such as the phrase "shop 'til you drop" found along the side of the artificial diamond shapes. Credit cards are practically synonymous with money and wealth, just like fancy baubles are, and combining the two is a match made in heaven.
Find the beauty in recycled old credit cards with Kristal Romano's glamorous plastic jewelry.
Upcycled Credit Card Charms
Kristal Romano Uses Old Credit Cards to Craft Gorgeous Trinkets
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Jewelry - Exploring the use of unconventional materials like old credit cards to create unique and sustainable jewelry pieces.
2. Sustainability in Fashion - Incorporating eco-friendly practices and materials into the fashion industry, such as repurposing old credit cards, to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
3. Ironic Design - Using irony and unexpected elements in design, such as juxtaposing luxurious jewelry with recycled credit cards, to create unique and attention-grabbing products.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry - Integrating innovative materials and techniques, like upcycling old credit cards, to create distinctive and environmentally-conscious jewelry designs.
2. Plastic Recycling - Exploring opportunities for recycling plastic waste, such as repurposing old credit cards into jewelry, to reduce environmental impact and foster a circular economy.
3. Art and Craft - Blurring the boundaries between art and craft by transforming everyday objects, like credit cards, into aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking creations.