Kristin Bunyard uses animal bones to make stunning pieces of jewelry

Apr 14, 2014 16:09 GMT  ·  By

Sometimes the best ideas for art and fashion come from regular materials that people usually dispose of, especially if we are talking about eco-friendly creations. Austin-based designer Kristin Bunyard, for example, created an unique line of jewelry made from real animal and reptile bones.

Although for some people Bunyard's creations may seem morbid, as she mainly collects her materials from roadkill, I have to admit that the unusual jewelry is actually beautiful and stylish. She makes rings, bracelets and necklaces using nothing else but animal bones and metal, and the result is really impressive.

According to Oddity Central, the artist started her own label of handmade accessories, called Ossuaria Jewelry, in 2009, and her creations have since gained recognition and have been featured in fashion magazines or used by various designers in their runway shows. Moreover, during Austin Fashion Week in 2012, the Ossuaria brand was given Showcase Designer status.

During college, Kristin was drawn by criminal studies and did a lot of dissection. She reportedly worked for a short period of time as an autopsy assistant and attended several autopsies and embalmings. That's how her admiration for bones developed and her interest in repurposing them into stylish designs appeared.

“Ossuaria came about by combining my previous interests in both fashion and dissection – taking the remains of something recently deceased and creating a beautiful, functional, wearable piece of art,” Kristin said.

Kristin selects the bones for each piece of jewelry and transforms them by hand into bold and intriguing accessories that are generally meant for “people with a bit of an eccentric side.” She uses her own process to treat the bones in order to use them for stunning pieces of jewelry.

She cleans the bones herself by first removing all the excess flesh and other non-bone elements. Then she boils the bones for a few hours and cleans them with peroxide. That's why most necklaces take about 30 hours to make, as each bone has to be carefully and thoroughly cleaned before being drilled and assembled into the project.

“I know how ridiculous and crazy it is,” Kristin says about her work. “I sound a bit serial killer-ish, but I promise I’m not. I’m a really nice person.”

Given that each accessory is unique and handmade, Ossuaria prices can be pretty steep. Depending on the scarcity of the materials used and the time needed to clean the bones, the prices for necklaces range from $100 (€73) to $500 (€360). Rings, bracelets, and earrings are all priced between $50 (€36) and $100 (€73).

If you are not appalled by the idea and you would be willing to adorn yourself with animal remains, check out the photo gallery below to see some of Kristin Bunyard's creations.

Accessories Made Out of Animal Bones (7 Images)

Jewelry designer makes amazing accessories using bones
Necklace made out of bonesNecklace made out of bones
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