Ethical Metalsmiths

Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) is Ethical Metalsmiths' innovative community mining project. It raises awareness of the connection between mining, metalsmithing, activism, collaboration and art. It involves volunteer "miners", "smelters", "refiners", jewelers and metalsmiths working together to create a new and transparent supply chain. The project is both performance and event, linking recycling, reuse and collaborative work sessions with the creation of unique, innovative, handmade jewelry, concluding with an exhibition and reception. The project was designed and developed by Christina Miller and Susie Ganch.

Each year, since 2007, Ethical Metalsmiths has organized Makeovers in new locations: Richmond, VA, Lancaster, PA, San Francisco, CA, Penland, NC and Brisbane, Australia. RJM-VI will take place in Santa Fe, NM in October. The RJM section of this website showcases each of these Makeovers. To purchase jewelry created by RJM jewelers, please visit one of our future installments or go to the Radical Jewelry Market, which is NOW available!

This video explains the project through stories and interviews with jewelry donors, metalsmiths and project directors Susie Ganch and Christina Miller. The video, created by ProVisions Productions is also available for sale on DVD through the Radical Jewelry Market.

Here's how RJM works:
We ask the public to "mine" their homes, "uncovering" unwanted jewelry.  These “miners” deposit their “lodes” of outdated, broken, or unloved jewelry made from all types of materials ranging from gold and silver to plastic, plated metal, wood, shell, and beads to designated locations in hosting communities . Volunteer jewelers and metalsmiths working at participating institutions and studios reconstruct and transform this donated material into exciting new jewelry designs. By contributing their skills and time, these artists re-consider jewelry’s material origins,  The resulting fresh, unique, handmade, 100% recycled jewelry is then exhibited. Donors receive discount coupons and proceeds from sales benefit Ethical Metalsmiths' efforts to educate and connect people with responsibly sourced materials and support future Editions of RJM. A portion of the proceeds are designated to student scholarships at hosting institutions and is available to emerging jewelers interested in continuing the research begun during RJM. 

Susie Ganch and Christina Miller created this project for Ethical Metalsmiths because all the doom and gloom of an irresponsible mining industry and the complicated web of information jewelers have to sift through is a burdensome reality to face. So why not explore/learn that information in a fun, high energy, workshop format WHILE using a jeweler's most honed skill, creating jewelry?! The project continues to thrive and the next Makeover will take place in Santa Fe, NM.

Want to learn more about RJM?
Radical Jewelry Makeover Blog
Radical Jewelry Makeover Cummulative Project Resume (PDF)