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Circuit board jewelry is creative use for dead computer hardware

By // August 13, 2010, 3:30 AM PST // billdetwiler

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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • HiTek Filigree Necklace

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • HiTek Slinky

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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 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 hoops

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

  • 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 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 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 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 earrings

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Tie Tack

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Cuff Links

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

  • 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.

  • 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 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 Key Chain

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

  • 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.

  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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 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 Cuff Links

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • HiTek Bracelet

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • Chip Set Bracelet

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • Galaxy Bracelet 01

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • Galaxy Bracelet 02

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • Galaxy Bracelet 03

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • Electrical Cable Bracelet

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • HiTek Earrings 03

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Lapel Mine Brooch

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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 .12¢ for the acrylic."

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • Hi Tek Primitive

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • Roman Ring

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Titan

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • On top of Vesuvius

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • Pythagoras' Ring

    Photo credit: 2Roses Jewelry

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

  • 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.

  • 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 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 Clocks

    Photo credit: Violets new Vintage

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

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.

Related Topics:

CXO Innovation Digital Transformation Tech Industry SMBs Security

About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Managing Editor of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...