Behind every piece of jewelry there is often more than the eye can see. A jewelry brand that makes pieces with more than just an aesthetic value, but also an important message is Arild Links. The Swedish brand, inspired by freedom of expression, human rights, art and music, is making waves in the traditional jewelry industry.
It all started with a soccer match, when Håkan Orrling and Fredrik Ivansson sat and waited for their sons to get ready to play. They were inspired by each other's ideas and values and later began to discuss what would become Arild Links. Håkan Orrling is a second generation goldsmith and has a workshop and shop in Helsingborg, Sweden and Fredrik Ivansson has a background as a sales manager and entrepreneur. In 2018, they founded Arild Links, with Håkan is a designer and Fredrik as CEO.
But what is it that separates Arild Links from the traditional jewelry industry? The metal used in Arild Links' jewelry is made of melted firearms. When these are melted down, they are transformed into the metal mix Humanium Metal which gives the material a completely new purpose. By wearing a piece of jewelry from Arild Links, you take a stand against violence and contribute to the safety of people who live in areas affected by high crime.
The collection of illegal weapons is done by the aid organization Individuell Människohjälp (IM) and when weapons around the world are seized, they are melted down. Instead of letting the metal be wasted, it can instead be used for, among other things, jewelry.
One of the first products that Arild Links created was the Non-Violence Bangle. It is a bracelet made of Humanium Metal and each bracelet sold generates money for Non-Violence Project Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to educate children and young people in conflict management.
Arild Links is now working on launching its jewelry in the USA, where an average of 122 people die every day from fatal shootings, together with Non-Violence, which, like Arild Links, aims to create a more peaceful society.
Arild Link's collections consist of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings and all jewelry has its own expression and message with everything from stars, skulls, hearts and peace signs. Here are some favorites that can be found at Arild Links:
A unique bracelet, with a unique story, is Blackness to Blaze, only available in one copy. Blackness to Blaze costs SEK 295,000 ($32,000), of which SEK 100,000 ($10,000) goes in full to the Non-Violence Project Foundation and IM. The beautiful jewelry piece features gold, diamonds and Humanium Metal.
The Human Chain 6 Padlock necklace shows the universal symbols of commitment, strength and dedication. The jewelry represents your dreams and reminds you to hold on to them.
The Spine Bracelets collection consists of bracelets made of oxidized black sterling silver and with end links in Humanium Metal. The bracelet can be easily opened with the tool included in the package to add more charms. The bracelet @ Peace Bracelet is in 18k white gold and has diamond-adorned charms (1.2 ct).
The Changes Full Pavé bracelet is a sparkly version of the brand's popular Changes Bracelets. The handmade jewelry piece is made of Humanium Metal with 340 natural diamonds totaling 0.01 ct. The leather strap is available in three different colors: black, green and cognac. The Changes bracelets have ribbons made from recycled PET bottles or hand-woven fabric scraps, made in collaboration with the carpet brand Seboü.
Arild Link's jewelry takes a position in the fight against gun violence. Håkan Orring and Fredrik Ivansson have managed to create beautiful jewelry that stands the test of time but at the same time helps to create a better, more beautiful and more humane world.