Question: where are the aetherium shards found in skyrim?
Answer: The lower piece can be found in the Dwarven Storeroom outside Mzulft, without needing to start "Revealing the Unseen." Once the Aetherium Crest is formed, it can be used with the Aetherium Forge located under the Ruins of Bthalft to craft one of three unique artifacts/items: the Aetherial Crown, the Aetherial Shield, ...