The .38 Special cartridges used for Caliber are collected from shooting ranges. Vinylize upcycles the entire cartridge case.

The headstamp markings that show who manufactured the bullets are removed with a lathe. This leaves concentric marks on the surface that look a lot like the grooves on a vinyl record – a nice nod to the Vinylize brand’s USP. The brass casing is separated from the rim bearing the headstamp and melted into ingots. Next, the rims are fitted onto the acetate temple tip of the frame and crimped into place. After the frame has been assembled, it’s rhodium plated. Rhodium is a highly reflective silver-white metal extremely resistant to corrosion, which makes it tough and hypoallergenic.

The idea to make eyewear from spent bullet casings came when Vinylize’s Zack Tipton found some 9mm casings on Maui a few years ago.

Zack acknowledges that there is a great connection between rock and roll and bullets. But he’s much keener to emphasize the fact that it is also about repurposing spent bullet casings to make a smart, practical frame.

“I’m inspired by everyday discarded manmade things I come across,” he says, “and unfortunately you find casings all the time in America.