In many cities around America, and around the world, violence and crime are realities that even the smallest citizens must live with. For those that believe there are more peaceful ways to settle differences and earn a living, the weapons themselves have become the targets, as people come up with creative ways to remove guns, and the careless philosophies they support from the streets altogether.

In New York City, The Gun Reclamation Project is interpreting the motto of beating swords into plowshares very literally- creating an entire collection of jewelry from gun parts (triggers, firing pins, recoil lugs) and recasts them as symbols of nonviolence.

B-Side Jewelry designers Ken and Dana say that they got tired of hearing the almost daily reports of tragedy caused by guns and violence, and decided to do something about it.

Rather than spend our energy on fear or contempt, we've decided to take this instrument that represents violence and reframe it as symbols of non-violence. Sourcing from gun manufacturers we have transformed components into jewelry. To complete the cycle we want to commit ourselves and those who purchase these pieces to keeping guns off our streets, so for each work sold from this collection a contribution will be made to the NYC “Gun Buy-Back Program”.

Through this reclamation program, the D.A.'s office and the NYPD partner with local churches to offer $200 bank cards for any firearm turned in at one of their one day events. Since 2008, 5,700 guns have been taken off New York's streets.

B-Side Jewelry is available for both men and women, and the pieces serve as silent reminders that creating safety and peace in our neighborhoods is everyone's responsibility.