Do you love contemporary, sustainable, meaningful jewelry? Then this is the brand for you! (and what’s more, each piece contributes to a better world).
After telling you about ethical brands like Rays and Riches and Futura, it’s time to introduce you to another brand in the field of committed jewelry.
Discover Article22 and its jewelry created from defused bombs
Article22 is a brand founded by Elizabeth Suda, whose mission is to combine fashion with peace and rehabilitation initiatives. The brand transforms remnants of war into precious objects and carries a strong message of positive transformation, while supporting local communities.
Engagements: a jewelry brand committed to peace and sustainability
The brand is committed to using recycled materials, including defused bombs and other remnants of weapons dropped in Laos during the Vietnam War. More than 80 million unexploded bombs still litter the country, and Article22 is actively contributing to their disarmament.
Each piece of jewelry is forged by Laotian craftsmen from aluminum bombs, which not only recycles hazardous materials, but also supports local families. This unique craft helps preserve traditional know-howwhile transforming the stigma of war into symbols of peace and resilience.
The brand is helping to clean up 13,000 m2 of contaminated land, but it doesn’t stop there. It also donates 10% of its revenues to local village development to facilitate access to electricity and bank loans. It is also committed to paying its craftsmen more than 5 times the minimum wage!
Ndlr: This brand is particularly close to my heart, as my in-laws are refugees from Cambodia and lost everything during the war. I was lucky enough to make a trip there last year (superb! ) and the remnants of the war, particularly in Phnom Penh, are still painful.
Too often I see European or American brands proudly stating that they pay “the legal minimum wage” or “just above”. It’s important to remember that the legal minimum wage is just enough to live on. Thanks to Article22, employees are paid 5 times more than the legal minimum wage, which means they can live more comfortably, feed themselves, enjoy leisure activities with their families, save money, build projects as well as treat and educate themselves more easily. Basically, live with dreams, projects and passions, as every human being should , and not just work to live.
In short, it changes everything. And the worst thing is that our companies are more than capable of imposing this standard. But they don’t. Because earning a little more on their 6-figure salary, or offering an ever-lower price, is more important than allowing the person who built our object to live. Anyway, I’ll stop here. Thank you Article22 for making a difference, and thank you to everyone who reads these words for being there!
Crafts: handmade jewelry with meaning
Each piece of Article22 jewelry is handcrafted by artisans in Laos. Recovered metal is melted down and transformed into unique pieces, often engraved with messages of peace , such as “DROPPED + MADE IN LAOS”. The use of aluminum bombs gives the jewelry a raw texture, making each piece authentic and steeped in history.
Made-to-measure craftsmanship is at the heart of theArticle22 philosophy. Each piece of jewelry can be customized with special engravings or unique details, making each piece truly unique. In addition to recycled aluminum, some models feature gold or stones…
It’s worth noting that the materials used can be worn in water, will not tarnish, rust or discolor. Nor do they contain nickel.
The range: unique jewelry with a message
The range consists of minimalist jewelry with a strong sense of meaning. Each collection tells a story with bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings forged from recycled bombs, earrings and rings forged from recycled bombs. The brand also offers ornaments AND a men’s collection, as well as a daily promotion of up to 40%off!
Prices start at €20.95 for the Resolution Wrap bracelet (surprise color, otherwise 29.95 here), then hover around 50 to 60€ for flagship Arrow Bangles. They end up at over 400€ for pieces incorporating 14k gold or gemstones, such as the Birthstone 14k Glod Wire Drop earrings.
Sets of 10 bangles are also available at this price, which I think is great for those who like to accumulate or simply as a gift!
There are also collaborations with artists and personalities such as Beatrix Ost, Legacies Of War and champion Rebecca Rusch. We also discover a collaboration with Stanislav Drokin, who creates jewelry made from pieces of bombs dropped in Ukraine.
The brand is also proudly worn by many celebrities , including actress and ambassador Emma Watson. For fans (like me!), you can find her famous earrings in a special set (seen above).
The brand ‘s website is available in English and ships worldwide. The jewelry is delivered in minimalist, eco-friendly packaging, ready to give as a gift.
So, what do you think of this initiative? Personally, I think it makes great , meaningful gifts!
Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored. I don’t accept sponsors because I want to select ethical and committed brands myself and share them with you. I have personally contacted the brand and may receive a commission if you like the brand and decide to buy a piece through my site. As I don’t display ads for the same reasons I don’t accept sponsors, this is the only way I can get paid for my work. However, I will never push people to buy and only wish to highlight brands that, in my opinion, deserve it. Buying ethical jewelry should be a positive act and should never put you in financial jeopardy. I intend to recommend committed brands for all budgets and styles, so hang on tight.
Lauréline Colliard FGA
FGA Gemmologist, graduate of London's prestigious Gem-A Academy (and former lead 3D animator in the video game industry). Her focus is on research, the ethics of gemstones and their environmental and social impact, and the protection and education of gemstone buyers and enthusiasts.
