This artist is making jewelry out of F1 cars to give Formula One fans a more personalized piece of merchandise

This artist is giving Formula One fans a radically different kind of merchandise – jewelry made from parts of F1 cars.

Mike O’Connor founded RESS to pursue this end, making bracelets and necklaces from raced F1 components.

Not only is this a great memento for fans, but it’s affordable too.

Mike O’Connor spoke to Supercar Blondie about his line of work and why it appeals to fans.

How this artist got started on making jewelry from F1 cars 

The story of how Mike O’Connor got into making F1 jewelry began after a period of being an F1 demo driver and owning an Arrows FA15 Formula 1 car.

Having a background in fine art, he began creating sculptures from the race-used parts, such as exhausts.

“But there was a demand for something more affordable. Something every fan could own,” he told Supercar Blondie.

It’s not the first time that F1 cars have served as a source for interior decor.

From there, he decided to start making jewelry, and RESS was born. 

“What we’re trying to do with the jewelry is bring fans even closer to their favorite sport, to own and wear a piece of a Formula One car that was actually driven by their hero [it means a lot].”

Looking into the future, he sees RESS becoming part of Formula One culture and a RESS bracelet identifying a real F1 fan. 

“The idea that fans could watch their heroes race in a Grand Prix while wearing a piece of the previous weekend’s car is an exciting prospect,” he said.

How you can verify your bracelet came from Michael Schumacher’s car 

O’Connor admitted that the company thought it would appeal primarily to an male demographic. However they were totally wrong. Not only was the demographic younger but there were so many more female customers than they expected. 

“Ever since Drive to Survive came out, I’d say 80% of our market are under 35,” he said.

The role Drive to Survive has played in the growth of Formula One has been significant.

One 2022 survey found a third of F1 fans cited the show as a ‘major inspiration’ for their interest, which rose to half among US fans.

People have occasionally questioned whether or not the jewelry is the genuine article.

Fortunately, RESS has a feature on their website which allows customers to prove the authenticity of their bracelet and/or necklace.

By entering the unique serial number, found on their ‘RESS Block’, into the Authentication section, customers will unlock its full history and receive an authenticity document. 

Confirming they are actually wearing a piece of, for example, Michael Schumacher’s World Championship winning car.

How is this feature added to the bracelet?

Once the Formula One part is verified, it’s CNC-machined into the signature shape.

Then, each block is laser-etched with its serial number – this number serves as both an identifier and as a key to unlocking the authenticity record.

O’Connor recalled a time he saw his jewelry being worn at a VIP party at the Monaco Grand Prix.

“Someone was wearing our Lewis Hamilton necklace, and I thought that was so cool, it was a piece of Lewis’s car,” he said.

“Lewis is racing, and she’s holding an actual piece of his car. That’s what it’s all about for me.”

Exciting things are on the horizon for RESS, including announcements forthcoming with current drivers & teams.