Go Premium
CXO

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

By Bill Detwiler

Image
1
of 74

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit board tie tack

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

Circuit board tie tack

Dead computer hardware doesn’t have to end up in the scrapheap. And, it really shouldn’t considering the toxic materials and precious metals inside most computer equipment.

A few artists and craftspeople however, have found a unique way to breathe new life into dead computer hardware–jewelry.

This gallery showcases computer jewelry from Violets new Vintage and 2Roses Jewelry. From bracelets and cuff links made from circuit boards to necklaces and rings full of resistors, these beautiful, unique creations illustrate a very creative way to reuse old computer hardware.

Read an interview with the artists behind these amazing piece of jewelry in the TR Dojo blog.

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage
Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Triangle Earrings

Circuit Triangle Earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTec Aztec

HiTec Aztec

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“The first of the HiTec Series. This necklace uses non-conforming military circuit boards salvaged from missiles (don’t ask).”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Filigree Necklace

HiTek Filigree Necklace

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Mosaic

HiTek Mosaic

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“Recycled electronic components (i.e. resistors, diodes, chip sets etc) combine to add color and texture to this necklace. Components are set on tubes of varying diameters and length.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Resistor Necklace

Resistor Necklace

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“This is the initial piece in the Hi Tek series, and the result of a grant we received from a large electronics manufacturer. The concept behind this piece addresses the transitory nature of value. The components used in this piece have a combined value of well over $10,000. Because they had been deemed “non-conforming” (they don’t meet specification) their value immediately became zero. By using the components in a piece of jewelry value is reinstated. Its all in how you look at it.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Slinky

HiTek Slinky

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Microchip tie tack

Microchip tie tack

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit board earrings

Circuit board earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit board earrings

Circuit board earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit board hoops

Circuit board hoops

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit board earrings

Circuit board earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Computer component earrings

Computer component earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

CPU brooch or Sun Ray Pin

CPU brooch or Sun Ray Pin

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Earrings made from memory boards

Earrings made from memory boards

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Micro chip post earrings

Micro chip post earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Ceramic circuit board earrings

Ceramic circuit board earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Ceramic circuit board earrings

Ceramic circuit board earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Guitar key chain

Guitar key chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Bicycle key chain

Bicycle key chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Saxophone key chain

Saxophone key chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Ceramic circuit board cuff links

Ceramic circuit board cuff links

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Little Glass Raindrop Earrings

Little Glass Raindrop Earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Pin/Brooch from recycled ceramic circuit board

Pin/Brooch from recycled ceramic circuit board

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Tie Tack made from Recycled Circuit

Tie Tack made from Recycled Circuit

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Puzzle Piece Circuit Key Chain

Puzzle Piece Circuit Key Chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Ceramic Circuit Board Key Chain

Ceramic Circuit Board Key Chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Microchip Tie Tack - Grey and Gold

Microchip Tie Tack - Grey and Gold

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Micro Chip Tie Tack Grey and Gold - Side

Micro Chip Tie Tack Grey and Gold - Side

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Key Chain Green and Gold

Circuit Board Key Chain Green and Gold

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Key Chain

Circuit Board Key Chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Ceramic Circuit Key Chain on Silver

Ceramic Circuit Key Chain on Silver

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Ceramic Circuit Key Chains

Ceramic Circuit Key Chains

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Cuff links?

Circuit Board Cuff links?

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Tie Clasp

Circuit Board Tie Clasp

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Tie Tack - mini

Circuit Board Tie Tack - mini

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Tie Tack - Mini

Circuit Board Tie Tack - Mini

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Pendant

Circuit Board Pendant

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Tie Tack

Circuit Board Tie Tack

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Earrings - Black and Silver

Circuit Board Earrings - Black and Silver

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Earrings - Dark Green and Silver

Circuit Board Earrings - Dark Green and Silver

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Photo Pendant Geisha in the Snow

Photo Pendant Geisha in the Snow

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Microchip Key Chain

Microchip Key Chain

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Microchip Pendant featuring Gauguin

Microchip Pendant featuring Gauguin

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Renoir Microchip Pendant The Umbrellas

Renoir Microchip Pendant The Umbrellas

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Cuff Links

Circuit Board Cuff Links

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Electronic LED earrings

Electronic LED earrings

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Quadruple Buckey Bracelet

Quadruple Buckey Bracelet

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“This piece was named in honor of Buckminster Fuller. A “Quadruple Buckey” is hacker slang for a keyboard maneuver that requires four keys to be pressed simultaneously often with considerable difficulty.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Bracelet

HiTek Bracelet

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Chip Set Bracelet

Chip Set Bracelet

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Quadruple Buckey Bracelet

Quadruple Buckey Bracelet

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“This piece was named in honor of Buckminster Fuller. A “Quadruple Buckey” is hacker slang for a keyboard maneuver that requires four keys to be pressed simultaneously often with considerable difficulty.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Galaxy Bracelet 01

Galaxy Bracelet 01

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Galaxy Bracelet 02

Galaxy Bracelet 02

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Galaxy Bracelet 03

Galaxy Bracelet 03

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Electrical Cable Bracelet

Electrical Cable Bracelet

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Earrings 01

HiTek Earrings 01

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“This was a limited edition commissioned by a corporate client for Christmas gifts to their clients.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Earrings 02

HiTek Earrings 02

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“These are fabricated from recycled military circuit boards. Many military spec boards use 24kt gold circuitry (as these do). Set with cz.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

HiTek Earrings 03

HiTek Earrings 03

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Hi Tech Earrings 04

Hi Tech Earrings 04

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“A number of our interests converge in these earrings. Recycled circuit boards, lenticular plastic and white light laser refractive foils. When worn, these constantly change color and shift focus.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Korenation Ring

Korenation Ring

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“Here is a story about found objects in the 21st century. The gold discs on this ring are actually experimental photo diodes that were developed for use in Cat Scan machines. The original cost of developing the diodes was over $30 Million dollars. Approximately 300 diodes were produced. When it became clear that they would never perform to expectation the project was terminated. The diodes immediately went from having a very high value to no value, back to value as a piece of jewelry.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Lapel Mine Brooch

Lapel Mine Brooch

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

The World's most expensive earrings

The World's most expensive earrings

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“The gold discs in the earrings are actually experimental photo diodes that were developed for use in Cat Scan machines. The original cost of developing the diodes was over $30 Million dollars. Approximately 300 diodes were produced. When it became clear that they would never perform to expectation the project was terminated. These are two of the original 300 at a cost of $100,000. each plus .12u00a2 for the acrylic.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Flippity Floppity

Flippity Floppity

Description from 2Roses Jewelry:

“We just hate to throw anything away. So there we were looking at a huge stack of old computer floppy disks. What a marvelous material this turned out to be. The disk part itself is a very tough and durable polyvinyl film that has an incredible reflective quality.”

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Hi Tek Primitive

Hi Tek Primitive

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Roman Ring

Roman Ring

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

The Key To Titan Ring

The Key To Titan Ring

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

My toaster's pet butterfly

My toaster's pet butterfly

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

On top of Vesuvius (side view)

On top of Vesuvius (side view)

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

On top of Vesuvius

On top of Vesuvius

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Pythagoras' Ring

Pythagoras' Ring

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

The Amphora of Cybele Front

The Amphora of Cybele Front

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

The Amphora of Cybele Back

The Amphora of Cybele Back

Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

For more information on circuit board jewelry from 2Roses Jewelry, please check out 2roses.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Clock

Circuit Board Clock

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

Circuit Board Clocks

Circuit Board Clocks

Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

For more information on circuit board jewelry from Violets new Vintage, please check out VioletsNewVintage.etsy.com.

Image of Bill Detwiler
By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.