# Upcycled Bullet Bangles Newark's Gun Buyback Program Turns Gun Metal into Chic Accessories By Ryan Fowler | Published 2013-04-03 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gun-buyback-program References: [bornrich](http://www.bornrich.com/bangles-made-recycled-metal-guns-bullets-newarks-gun-buyback-program.html) Newark, New Jersey has turned its gun buyback program into an interesting form of art, which portrays a positive message against gun violence in America. Jessica Mindich, a former lawyer from Greenwich, has become a designer who creates jewelry from the guns and ammunition handed in by New Jersey's buyback program, and has been using the 'Caliber Collection' as a fundraising tool. This program was implemented to help decrease the overwhelming amount of gun violence present in America, a reward of $200 is given and there are no questions asked when someone turns a firearm into the local police. This program has been incredibly effective, as hundreds of firearms are turned in on an annual basis. Turning these weapons into jewelry takes a destructive weapon and turns it into a powerful symbol of renewal. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/jewelry) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Gun Buyback Art:** Opportunity for artists and designers to create innovative and meaningful products by repurposing firearms. - **Upcycled Jewelry:** Growing demand for unique and socially conscious accessories made from repurposed materials. - **Anti-gun Violence Campaigns:** Increasing focus on using creative initiatives to raise awareness and combat gun violence in communities. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Accessories:** Fashion industry can explore the use of upcycled materials, such as firearms, to create edgy and socially conscious accessories. - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can leverage their creativity to turn destructive weapons into artistic and thought-provoking pieces. - **Social Activism:** Opportunity for organizations and individuals to use visual campaigns and fundraising initiatives to promote anti-gun violence sentiments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Anti-Gun Water Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigun-water-toys-jayhayspray20-promotes-change-in-societys-relationship-w.md) - [Contemporary Military Fashion Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ukrainian-brand-rbtnk.md) - [Recycled Metal Jewellery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-metal-jewellery-reformation-x-clair-waight-keller-create-a-limited.md) - [Handcrafted Jewelry Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretty-weird.md) - [Statement Bangle Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/statement-bangle-collection.md) - [Recycled Utensil Street Gyms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gymshark-x-steel-warriors.md) - [Recycled Gold Jewelry Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-gold-jewelry.md) - [Bug-Inspired Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/murder-hornet-ring.md) - [Americana Subculture-Themed Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bullet-proof.md)