From Burma Jade to Bench Tools: The Story Behind the Elkhorn Silver™ Jump Ring Jig

At Elkhorn Silver®, our story begins not just with silver and stone, but with a legacy — a quiet thread of history that we carry forward in every piece we create.

A Legacy Carved in Jade

During World War II, my father served in the Army Air Corps glider infantry and was deployed deep into the Burmese jungle. Amid the dangers of war, he discovered a piece of jade — roughly the size of a softball. He brought that stone home with him, carrying it through the chaos of war and into the peace of a new chapter.

Years later, he transformed that jade into a ring for my mother. That simple, meaningful act planted the seed for what would become a lifelong fascination — and eventually, a career — in lapidary and jewelry-making. When he passed, he entrusted that same piece of jade to me. It remains one of my most treasured possessions and a symbol of everything that’s come since.

A Journey in Craftsmanship

Through patience and persistence, a small Missouri studio was shaped — grounded in the principles of craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless design. From cutting and polishing stones to hand-finishing metalwork, each piece is created with care, reflecting our belief that jewelry should be both meaningful and made to last.

The Jig That Started It All

One of the earliest frustrations I encountered was cutting jump rings. Like many jewelers, I tried using a bench pin, but it was unstable, imprecise, and frankly uncomfortable. After searching for a jig that could hold coils for cutting — and not finding one that worked — I decided to build my own.

After many prototypes and refinements, I developed the Elkhorn Silver® Jump Ring Jig: a tool that delivers clean, consistent cuts from 2.5mm to 11mm without hand strain or frustration. The response from the jewelry-making community was immediate — and validating. Other makers shared the same challenge, and this simple tool has helped solve it.

A Tool for Makers, Built by Makers

Today, our jig is used by jewelers across the country. It’s built in Missouri with the same care and attention to detail we bring to our jewelry. And like all good tools, it’s designed to make your creative process smoother, not harder.

Whether you’re making chainmaille, crafting jump rings for wire wrapping, or just need more stability at the bench, we hope this tool becomes a trusted part of your setup.

Our Story Continues

That piece of jade from Burma still sits on my bench — a daily reminder of how legacy, curiosity, and craftsmanship can come together in powerful ways. From my dad’s hands to mine, and now, perhaps to yours — thank you for being a part of our story.

🔧 Explore the Jewelry Tools Collection to learn more about the Elkhorn Silver® Jump Ring Jig and other tools designed with makers in mind.