Guns can save lives by Fonderie 47

New-York based social entrepreneur Peter Thum set up Fonderie 47 in 2009, with the humanitarian ambition of reducing the number of assault rifles and other small arms around the world. In 2010 he began purchasing confiscated AK47s from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to make jewellery and objets d'art from the parts. The sale of each piece founds the destruction of assault rifles in Africa.

This year, Fonderie 47 teamed up with French-born jewellery designer James de Givenchy, nephew of the famous fashion designer, to produce a collection of ten limited edition pieces. They are crafted from AK47 steel, sustainably sourced 18-carat gold and conflict-free diamonds, and are inspired by the shape of the egg, a symbol of budding possibilities and the potential for rebirth.

Photograph by Alfie Hunter, Halcyon Gallery