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Every Sunday (KST), articles will be posted here on TL about stories, great and small, of love, hope, kindness, beauty, and the enduring human spirit. These articles, introduced in the title with a ♥, reminds us why, despite everything, life is still beautiful! Everyone is encouraged to contribute stories too, and not just on Sundays.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/mVDmI.jpg)
Source: http://www.africagoodnews.com/brand-africa/art-and-culture/2798-transforming-ak47s-to-high-end-jewelry.html
To combat the devastation caused by illegal assault rifles in Africa's war zones, founder of Ethos water, Peter Thum, announced today the launch of Fonderie 47. Based in New York City, Fonderie 47 removes AK47s from war zones and transforms them into rare jewelry, watches and accessories.
In partnership with NGOs working in Africa, Fonderie 47 already has destroyed more than 6,000 assault rifles. The sale of each piece of Fonderie 47 jewelry funds the destruction of more assault rifles.
Fonderie 47 sprung from the experiences that founders Peter Thum and John Zapolski had in Africa, where each has traveled extensively. They have seen assault rifles in the hands of children and witnessed firsthand the problem of assault rifles and how it hinders many aspects of development across Africa.
"A transformation is needed to break this cycle of violence in Africa. To this end, we are turning the power of the AK47 against itself," said Peter Thum, cofounder of Fonderie 47. "Not only do we destroy these weapons, but we invert what they stand for by remaking them into wearable art."
In collaboration with leading designers, including New York City based jeweler Philip Crangi and Swiss designer Roland Iten, the world's premiere designer of mechanical luxury for men, Fonderie 47 is creating exceptional handcrafted and limited edition jewelry and accessories.
Fonderie 47's initial pieces include a limited series of men's cufflinks, custom-made men's rings, and hand-made earrings for women. The items currently are sold at private events around the world. Sales of each item, along with donations from individuals and foundations, fund programs to destroy more assault rifles in Africa.
"While we create rare objects, their true value emanates from the principles, purpose, ideas, and skill that go into them. The pieces are not merely beautiful – they have real impact on the world. To us, that is the measure of an object's – and a person's – character," said Peter Thum.
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United States130 Posts
Stylin'
I hope that this saves at least one life. Thats all it really takes to be worth it.
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And how exactly selling them for a fortune hinders their production? What a terrible idea.
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Haha, yes they're pretty. But let us not forget the main point of the story.  Happy Sunday TL!
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On November 27 2011 12:50 Soap wrote:
And how exactly selling them for a fortune hinders their production? What a terrible idea.
They could sell them for a fortune and not destroy any guns at all, why is that such a bad idea. At least they are trying to make the world a better place, every bit counts. What a terrible post you made.
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They do actually look kind of weird.
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Someone explain to me the item in that picture....is it a ring?
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On November 27 2011 12:56 Xiphos wrote:
Someone explain to me the item in that picture....is it a ring?
Think it's a bracelet... somehow.
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Pretty cool concept...
Anyone have a link to their other products or a place these things can be purchased? Cant seem to find anywhere.
Edit: Those are cuff links
Edit 2: For anyone wondering, their main site asks for a serial number. I used the number 87538336 to get in... but there is pretty much 0 information there anyway. >.<
Edit 3: Wow, apparently if you let the intro video end, they give you a number. --- So much effort wasted. ./sigh Im done editing now.
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looks like somethin batman would use.
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On November 27 2011 12:56 Xiphos wrote:
Someone explain to me the item in that picture....is it a ring?
Fonderie 47's initial pieces include a limited series of men's cufflinks, custom-made men's rings, and hand-made earrings for women.
I think they look more like cufflinks than rings
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FREEAGLELAND26781 Posts
I'm not quite sure what it's supposed to be jewelry-wise... but Mr. Thum has the right idea.
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Arnt there over 100 million ak's world wide?
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It's cool and admirable but they look really uncomfortable... but good job none the less.
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Thats sweet, all the blood and guts of the battle field compacted into a stylish jewelry piece. "My wristband killed 10 people in iraq!"
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This is an interesting concept.. not sure exactly how this works though...
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On November 27 2011 12:52 CrazyAsian wrote:Show nested quote +On November 27 2011 12:50 Soap wrote:
And how exactly selling them for a fortune hinders their production? What a terrible idea. They could sell them for a fortune and not destroy any guns at all, why is that such a bad idea. At least they are trying to make the world a better place, every bit counts. What a terrible post you made.
How does it prevent those guns from simply being replaced? If anything it fosters gunrunning.
Guns are an instrument, not the cause. Even if all guns but one were removed, it would mean the last armed man gets to rule.
Besides I wonder how those are acquiring those weapons, I can't picture militias voluntarily turning in theirs or NGOs raiding arsenals.
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EPT
