About Elkhorn Silver®

Chris Capkovic is an American artist, lapidarist, and inventor based in Missouri. His journey into lapidary and jewelry-making began with a powerful story passed down from his father, a WWII veteran who served in Burma.

Chris’s father, a member of the Army Air Corps glider infantry, was deployed deep into the Burmese jungle to support airfield construction during the war. While walking through a battlefield, he spotted a jade stone about the size of a softball. Drawn to it, he carried the jade with him throughout the war. After returning home, he had the stone slabbed and crafted into a ring for his wife—Chris’s mother.

Years later, that same jade was passed down to Chris. The gift sparked a deep personal connection and ultimately inspired him to explore lapidary work and jewelry design. What began as a tribute to his father grew into a lifelong passion for transforming raw stone into meaningful art.

Over the years, Chris has honed his skills through dedicated craftsmanship, eventually founding his own studio: Elkhorn Silver®. From one-of-a-kind gemstone pieces to the invention of the patented Elkhorn Silver® Jump Ring Cutting Jig, his work continues to blend precision, innovation, and heartfelt tradition.

The jade—now affectionately known as “The Lucky Jade”—remains a symbol of heritage, creativity, and resilience. It carries the memory of Chris’s father and continues to inspire every piece he creates.

Meet the Team

Chris and Kathy work together as a creative team — exploring new designs, cutting and polishing natural stones, and selecting only the best materials. Whether it’s jewelry or lapidary work, their mission is to deliver high-quality, handcrafted pieces that reflect both artistry and durability.