Would this necklace offend you?

[lovedogs]

This might sound incredibly strange, but a "trend" I find myself liking is the idea of jewelry made out of bullets. I think there's something about the idea of recycling something dangerous into something beautiful that appeals to me, or maybe the juxtaposition between "hard" and "soft".

In particular, I like these longer bullet casings with onyx or other gemstones at the bottom--see pics at the bottom. I would also pay to have it ornately engraved (see work by the artist below).


My problem is that I'm afraid of offending people. I don't like guns, have never shot them, and am generally in favor of stricter gun control. Will people think I like guns if I wear something like this? Will people be offended if I wear it (if they've experienced gun violence)?

I tend to care a lot about not offending anyone, and I certainly don't want a piece of jewelry to be offensive, but I really like it! Thoughts?

 

[redwood66]

I love the engravers work especially on the third disc. I have quite a bit of western engraved silver and love it all very much. I even took a preowned platinum band and had it engraved similar to the third disc for my husband. I probably would not wear a bullet type necklace but I like your idea of it and would put it on a very long chain. I would not be offended by it in the least though.

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks @redwood66 ! I would definitely put it on a very long chain.

 

[Karl_K]

I'm a gun guy and I think the cartridge key chains and necklaces are lame.

 

[redwood66]

Thanks @redwood66 ! I would definitely put it on a very long chain.

You are welcome. I think if you are a tactile person like me the feel of it in your hand might be pretty cool. I can see fondling it throughout the day.

 

[redwood66]

I'm a gun guy and I think the cartridge key chains and necklaces are lame.

But you are not a chick so there is that. LOL.

 

[lovedogs]

You are welcome. I think if you are a tactile person like me the feel of it in your hand might be pretty cool. I can see fondling it throughout the day.

lol I would CERTAINLY be fondling it!

 

[cmd2014]

I don't think you will offend anyone. But they might get the impression that you are crazy about guns. Usually people wear theme-wear to show what they are into (think Pandora charms), and people would probably not think beyond that to see the symbolism that you see in it.

 

[lovedogs]

I don't think you will offend anyone. But they might get the impression that you are crazy about guns. Usually people wear theme-wear to show what they are into (think Pandora charms), and people would probably not think beyond that to see the symbolism that you see in it.

ugh, I really hope they don't assume I'm crazy into guns. My DH said the same thing and I'm worried about it. Granted I'd rather have people make an incorrect assumption than be offended.

 

[ksinger]

I'm with cmd2014, I wouldn't be offended, but I'd probably look askance and wonder what you were into. And I say that as someone who is comfortable with guns and most gun people. Now that's only for the ones that are cartridges, which are not exactly neutral or purely aesthetic when viewed. Be aware that people will view YOU differently for wearing one. If you're good with that, then by all means, go for it. Otherwise, stick with the engraved pieces, where only you will know.

 

[Arcadian]

Nope, not offended. I'm very comfortable with weapons of all types and seriously it ain't like you'd be wearing a penis necklace right?

 

[Platinum-blonde]

I think that the first three you posted at kind of cool looking. I would have had no idea that they were upcycled bullets.

However, if I saw someone wearing the ones with the stones, I would probably roll my eyes, and assume that they were a gun nut. That being said, it wouldn't offend me, but I probably wouldn't strike up a conversation with a stranger wearing one.

 

[stracci2000]

I just figured I'd throw this into the conversation.
This is torpedo "sweetheart jewelry" from WWII.
These items came to me in a box of jewelry from an estate sale.

 

[Matata]

This is torpedo "sweetheart jewelry" from WWII.

They look like vibrators to me.

 

[stracci2000]

They look like vibrators to me.

Matata! Get your mind out of the gutter!!

 

[kenny]

All bullets should be converted to jewelry.

Think of the lives saved.

 

[kenny]

Matata! Get your mind out of the gutter!!

Aw hecks no.
Matata and I need to go out drinking together.

 

[foxinsox]

I wouldn't be offended and I think that engraving is exquisite but.. I really don't get the point of bullet jewellery outside of being a super keen gun enthusiast.
Like it's not a pretty enough shape to be decorative imo and the engraving doesn't hide or alter what it is. It's got no diamonds or sparkly bits.

 

[Arkteia]

I would not be offended, nor assume anything. I know people who like, even collect, guns, and they probably would not spend their money on "recycled" bullets. They'd probably buy real ones. Recycling in general is not a bad idea.

 

[Arkteia]

Nope, not offended. I'm very comfortable with weapons of all types and seriously it ain't like you'd be wearing a penis necklace right?

Penis jewelry, doorknobs and and lamps were popular in Roman times. I made photos of these items in one of Berlin museums. I don't knows what the ancients thought of them, but with the patina of time, they look cool.

 

[PintoBean]

My main concern is that the metal be hypoallergenic since I don't know what bullets are made of...

 

[sonnyjane]

I wouldn't be offended, but I would assume you were a gun enthusiast/gun rights activist. DH is former military and now in law enforcement so guns are a part of our everyday life, just for context. Now, my friend whose niece almost died at age 7 when someone brought a gun to her school and will never be able to have children as a result, she may see that and be triggered. I think I'd stick to the engraved ones that aren't obviously bullets if it were me.

 

[Missy]

Wouldn't offend me at all. However like the PSers who have replied before me I would think you are a gun enthusiast if you are wearing this jewelry.

 

[Missy]

Have you seen these? Made from ammunition. I first saw it on Shark Tank. I think they are doing very well. Doesn't appeal to me but many people like it.

Hand crafted 50 Caliber bottle openers made by Active Duty service members and Veterans. The staff at Bottle Breacher used to use 50 Caliber ammunition to defend our country down range, they now use them to provide the best MAN gifts, groomsmen gifts, and promotional products on the market.

http://bottlebreacher.com/our-story/

 

[Arcadian]

My main concern is that the metal be hypoallergenic since I don't know what bullets are made of...

Usually lead, steel, and copper.

 

[Rfisher]

Offend? no.
Judge? Too harsh of a word.
Assume it's a statement of some sort? Yes.
I could add a beautiful glass bong to my cake stand collection. Same.

 

[Austina]

Offended? No, do I like them or would I wear them, no.

The first 3, although not my taste, are more appealing than the bullets.

 

[lyra]

My youngest daughter has a collection of the casing pendants, with various crystals. I think she has about 5, all from the same artist. I've honestly never thought that much about them. They are just a "unique" setting for a gemstone crystal to me. She was more into them a few years ago.

 

[redwood66]

My main concern is that the metal be hypoallergenic since I don't know what bullets are made of...

Those casings you posted appear to be brass and the first one might be steel. Most casings will be brass but the cheap stuff is steel.

 

[AGBF]

Offended? No, do I like them or would I wear them, no.

The first 3, although not my taste, are more appealing than the bullets.

I have returned to reread this thread. I thought about replying the first time I read it, but decided not to. I feel the same way that Austina does. The reason I didn't reply is that all you asked is whether the necklaces would offend us, and for me, the answer is simply: no. You didn't ask whether we liked them or whether we would wear them and I didn't think it was my place to tell you that what I liked or wore should have any bearing on what you wore. My first instinct was to reply to you, "wear what you like".

Hugs,
Deb