by Michael Satterfield - 02/23/2017
CRASH Jewelry makes sustainable cuffs, bangles, earrings, necklaces and accessories from the metal of luxury automobiles that have been in minor accidents. Christi Schimpke, the founder of CRASH Jewelry, came up with the idea to create fashion jewelry from cars when she moved her studio into her husband’s Los Angeles body shop, Beverly Coachcraft.
Beverly Coachcraft specializes in collision repairs for late-model Mercedes-Benzs, BMWs, Audis, Bentleys, Porsches, Mini Coopers, Maseratis, and more. Schimpke, who has a background in art history, began working with metal when she discovered her passion for jewelry fabrication after taking metal smith courses a few years ago.
CRASH began as a crazy idea on a day when precious metal prices were at an all-time high. Etsy, the handmade marketplace, was at its zenith in popularity for artisans who seemingly could afford to sell their handcrafted jewelry at below market prices. Like many jewelry artists at that time, Schimpke cast her lot into the ever-growing Etsy arena only to realize that the numbers didn’t quite come together. Dejectedly gazing around the body shop garage, Christi thought, ‘why not?’
Each piece of CRASH jewelry is made by hand from cars with their original factory paint. Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that states the type of car it came from and the date it was made. "We take pride in ensuring that your CRASH cuff or necklace is of the highest quality, craftsmanship, and design" Christi Schimpke.
To order online or to find a retailer near you visit www.crashjewelry.com
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| Cuffs made from a Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes-Benz |
CRASH began as a crazy idea on a day when precious metal prices were at an all-time high. Etsy, the handmade marketplace, was at its zenith in popularity for artisans who seemingly could afford to sell their handcrafted jewelry at below market prices. Like many jewelry artists at that time, Schimpke cast her lot into the ever-growing Etsy arena only to realize that the numbers didn’t quite come together. Dejectedly gazing around the body shop garage, Christi thought, ‘why not?’
Each piece of CRASH jewelry is made by hand from cars with their original factory paint. Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity that states the type of car it came from and the date it was made. "We take pride in ensuring that your CRASH cuff or necklace is of the highest quality, craftsmanship, and design" Christi Schimpke.
To order online or to find a retailer near you visit www.crashjewelry.com
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| Christi Schimpke |
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