From transforming bomb shrapnel into super meaningful jewelry…
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Turning Fragments of Bombs into Jewelry
Have you heard that bombs can be turned into jewelry? War’s legacy is deep and enduring, stretching far beyond the cessation of conflict, the signing of treaties, or the final entries in history books. ARTICLE22, a visionary brand, taps into the powerful narrative of history’s darker chapters to inspire reflection and change. Between 1964 and 1973, Laos was subjected to relentless bombing—one bomb every eight minutes, around the clock—resulting in 250 million bombs dropped, 80 million of which did not explode. These unexploded ordinances have since caused over 25,000 casualties.
In a remarkable initiative, ARTICLE22 collaborates with traditional Laotian artisans to repurpose these remnants of war into exquisite pieces of jewelry. This project not only preserves history but also turns a source of destruction into symbols of beauty and resilience. Each sale funds the clearance of landmines from war-affected lands, with 13,000 square meters already made safe. The initiative continues to gain support, expanding its impact and turning a painful legacy into a hopeful future.
The Triple Bottom Line by Design of ARTICLE22
ARTICLE22 stands out as a social enterprise, operating out of Brooklyn with a mission that spans beyond mere profit. Named after Article 22 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights—a manifesto driven by Eleanor Roosevelt to prevent the repeat of World War II’s atrocities—this brand encapsulates a commitment to a triple bottom line: benefiting businesses, craftsmen, consumers, and the planet without negative environmental impacts.
About Planet
Each piece of jewelry not only transforms violent relics into symbols of peace but also contributes directly to making the Laotian landscape safer. ARTICLE22 partners with the Mine Advisory Group (MAG) to clear unexploded ordinances. For every piece sold, funds are allocated to clear three square meters of bomb-laden land, while also supporting risk education workshops for affected communities. “This strikes a balance between people, planet, and profit, which is the essence of sustainability,” says founder Suda, whose initiative also focuses on eradicating the dangers posed by unexploded bombs.
About Profit
ARTICLE22 has captivated a global audience with its compelling narrative and minimalist design aesthetic, drawing customers from over 39 countries. “Our community spans worldwide, with about 60% of our sales in the U.S. and 40% international. We frequently ship to places like Australia and Europe,” shares Suda. This widespread appeal underscores the brand’s significant market impact and growth potential.
About People
The brand’s international acclaim and continuous innovation not only foster new designs but also enhance the livelihoods of local artisans. These craftsmen earn wages at least five times the local hourly minimum, significantly elevating their standard of living. By providing stable, well-paying jobs, ARTICLE22 helps artisans become catalysts for change, healing their land and ensuring community safety through ongoing clearance efforts.
This model of business where profit meets purpose showcases ARTICLE22’s innovative approach to sustainable development, demonstrating that companies can indeed thrive while fostering social and environmental progress.
The Diminished Value of Luxury in the Face of War
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has profoundly impacted local perceptions of value and luxury. “When shells and missiles fall daily on Kharkiv, destroying homes and schools, the uncertainty of tomorrow makes fine jewelry and luxury goods seem irrelevant,” shares Drokin, a Ukrainian jeweler and designer who chose to stay in the war-ravaged city of Kharkiv. Since the war’s onset, Kharkiv has seen over 10,000 civilian deaths and 20,000 injuries, transforming the city and its people.
Amidst the destruction, Drokin’s creative spirit has adapted. Shifting from precious metals like gold, he now works with more resilient materials such as bronze, titanium, and steel. His poignant creation, a Forget-Me-Not brooch made from blue titanium flowers set into jagged projectile steel, symbolizes remembrance and resilience. These brooches are not sold; instead, they are gifted to those who have supported Ukraine. Notably, one such piece was auctioned by Sotheby’s on November 10, 2022, raising funds for a Ukrainian rehabilitation center.
In an inspiring collaboration, Drokin has partnered with ARTICLE22, integrating his work into their REVIVAL series, which is available through ARTICLE22’s store. Each sale from this collection contributes $100 to the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), supporting the safe removal of unexploded ordnance contaminating Ukrainian communities. This partnership underscores a shift in the jewelry industry from mere adornment to meaningful symbols of support and recovery.
Good Design as Catalyst and Comfort
The narratives and operational cycles of brands like ARTICLE22 serve not only as business inspirations but also as forces for positive change. The inception of ARTICLE22 might seem serendipitous, beginning with founder Suda’s visit to Laos, yet it embodies the core principles of Triple Bottom Line by Design (TBLD): benefiting the earth, humanity, and the economy simultaneously. This holistic approach exemplifies systemic sustainability—doing well by doing good.
While jewelry often captures attention with its compelling stories, other everyday items, such as spoons crafted from projectiles, may hold more significant transformative potential. These products weave history into daily life, making the past relevant and poignant in the present.
The strategy of transforming waste into valuable products poses substantial challenges, requiring a delicate balance between business viability and the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Yet, even a small, engaging narrative can plant the seeds for widespread impact, demonstrating that attractive stories can catalyze meaningful, sustainable change.
Extended Readings
[1] https://article22.com/pages/about
[3] https://vimeo.com/84527451
[4] https://article22.com/pages/revival-stanislav-drokin-ukraine