Etsy Shop for markaplan

The silken earrings of Lei Tzu

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:51:23 -0500

$58.88
Hi there--- I was inspired to make these earring from the legend below. This pair of earrings are made of sterling silver metal and 14 karat gold-filled wire. There is a faceted briollet cut peridot stone at the base of each. Around the main body is wrapped various complementing colors of fine silken thread. The threads are merely wound on spool style and it is my intention that they be only semi-permanent and are thus changable. Perhaps after a few years or so you acquire a new dress or other garment; then just wind on some thread of that color to make a harmonious outfit. In a couple of generations your granddaughter may do the same thing.

THE LEGEND OF LEI-TZU

The legend is that Lei-tzu was in her garden when she picked some cocoons from a mulberry tree, and accidentally dropped one into her tea. When she pulled it out, she found it unwound into one long filament.

Then her husband built on this discovery, and developed methods for domesticating the silkworm and producing silk thread from the filaments -- processes that the Chinese were able to keep secret from the rest of the world for more than 2,000 years, creating a monopoly on silk fabric production. This monopoly led to a lucrative trade in silk fabric.

But another woman helped to break the silk monopoly. About 400 C.E., another Chinese princess, on her way to be married to a prince in India, is said to have smuggled some mulberry seeds and silkworm eggs in her headdress, allowing silk production in her new homeland. She wanted, the legend says, to have silk fabric easily available in her new land. It was then only a few more centuries until the secrets had been revealed to Byzantium, and in another century, silk production began in France, Spain, and Italy.

For her discovery of the silk-making process, Lei-tzu is also sometimes called Si Ling-chi, or Lady of the Silkworm, and is often identified as a goddess of silk-making. I hope that you remember this fable when you wear these earrings.
--------------here is the end of the fable-----------

so anyway after reading all of that... my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

These earrings are one of a kind and are 2.25 inches[55mm] in length, each weighs 3.3grams. If you have any further questions or would like to see other images please feel free to contact me.

I sincerely appreciate your interest in my work.....

mark kaplan thanks for listening

scribbles recycled earrings

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:24:45 -0500

$58.88
this pair of recycled [upcycled?] earrings are handmade by myself.....

it is made of two materials:
-- 14karat goldfilled wire
-- the discarded steel bristles from a streetsweeping machine

they are made from the bristles of the street sweeping machines of Rome, Italy. My studio is in the old quarter of Rome -centro- and one good thing about living here is my street is swept daily. Like clockwork {odd for Italy} at 4am the sweeper machine loudly comes by.... maybe just up the middle but he does come by.... in the morning stuck between the cobblestones are these steel pieces lying around here and there... i search them out... then sterilize them by heating them to 2,000 degrees F.

its one of a few urban pieces that i did last year.... the scribbled look is individual looking and a tad funky...... the bristles are soldered with actual 14karat gold and i appreciate the dicotomy of mixing real gold with discards found in the street....

i have tried to handle this recycled material in a sensitive and jewellerly fashion: all the edges have been smoothed, burnished and polished to make a wearable and admireable pair of earrings.

the pair weighs 4.3grams and they are 2.25 inches [57mm] in length...

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process as well as telling me which finish you would like...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

beady post earrings

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:07:43 -0500

$55.55
hello out there----

ok, you asked for it you got it....... POST style beady earrings.... they are handmade by myself...... made today and still sorta warm and fresh from the oven so to speak........

All solid sterling silver.... hand fabricated NOT cast so the edges are clean and crisp... the little beady things are articulated so they can shake, roll, rattle, move, wiggle a bit......

much more understated and casual then the long dangling style beady earrings but at the same time they are more dimensional.....

They are around .6 inches [15mm] wide and the pair weighs 4.4 grams......

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

keum boo cone earrings

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:42:17 -0500

$88.88
Hello there----

Here is a pair of cone earrings.... they are handmade by myself.....
They are light, dimensional, fun to wear and dangle like jack and jill's waterbucket.
They are made of pure silver (.999 fine silver) thats oxidized to a deep dark finish.
and pure gold (23.5 karat).
The earwires are 14 karat gold-filled.
They are aproximately 1.25inches[32mm] in total length and each one weighs 3.2grams.

What is Keum Boo???
Because of the similiarities of the two pure unalloyed precious metals they bond together well on a molecular level. It is an ancient Korean technique called Keum Boo or Kumboo. In the Korean language 'KEUM' means gold and the word 'BOO' means applied. This technique was originally used to line to inside of the eating spoons of the royality as it was thought to be auspecious and healthfull to eat from pure gold. I don't know but maybe some of these benefits can also be absorbed by wearing the earrings.

These earrings are made to order and the photos are very similar to the ones you will actually receive. This work is handmade by myself.....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thank you for your interest in my work; i appreciate it----

mark kaplan

The Hexabangle

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:24:01 -0500

$115.15
Hello there-----

This is a thick heavy weight solid sterling silver hammer forged bangle bracelet

It is one of a kind and hand made by myself; the design is a classical european one it is bold, heavy and is appropriate for either sex.

The soft lines ungulate, gently rolling between thin and thick on both perspectives: the side view and the top view; it has six planes/sections thus the title.

It is solid, heavy and has a great feel to it. The inside diameter is 2 1/2inches (a good average size) and it weighs a whopping 23.3grams.

Because it is reflective in several angles, it's damn hard to photograph but i've attempted to do so under various lighting conditions in order to most accurately represent the piece; however if you would like to see and other images or have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Also check out its sister bracelet titled: OCTABANGLE
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29698957

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

the endless bracelet

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:34:47 -0500

$48.88
hello there------

this is a solid sterling silver bracelet, it is hand made by myself...
it has a hammer forged textured finish and is quite comfortable to wear and you don't have to worry about getting it on over your hands.....

bangles can often be problematic in fitting just the right size...
like a pair of nice shoes: fine jewellery needs to fit you as well...
this is especially true for bangles.... whats nice about this piece is that it has a clasp and easily opens and closes over the wrist...... so it fits a wide variety of wrists...

nonetheless i'm happy to make it to your specifications...

still a size for a young girls first piece of precious jewellery is a different size than for an older heavier person...... so let me know what you would like...

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

loopy simple earrings

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:39:42 -0500

$25.55
hay there ya'll........ this is a pair of solid sterling silver earrings handmade by yours truly....

the images speak for themselves..... light, understated, dimensional volume....

a simple form----the circle then made dimensional....

....not too fancy... not too shiny.... casual and everyday kind of piece that you wear all the time and gets tons of more use than all the glittery googaas in your jewelery box...

affordable to boot......

they are .75inch/19mm in length and the pair weighs 2.4grams....

I make them to order so I'm happy to do them in other finishes...

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process as well as telling me which finish you would like...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

Whose your BABY spoon personalized in sterling silver

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:28:20 -0500

$115.15
Hello there------

!!! I BELIEVE THAT EVERY BABY SHOULD HAVE A SILVER SPOON IN THEIR MOUTH !!!

This is a solid sterling silver baby spoon. It is fully functional and is intended for actual usage. Personalized for that special new arrival. It is handmade by myself and has a hammered textured finish except for the inside of the bowl which is smoothed and polished to a high shine (which makes it really difficult to photograph). It a a little over 3inches [77mm] long and weighs 19 grams. It generally bears my personal hallmark and a .925sterling stamp on the inside of the easy to grasp handle.

It is constructed of heavy 18 gauge sterling silver for those times when the baby drops the spoon, laughs and you pick it up then the baby drops the spoon, laughs and you pick it up over and over. The end is securely soldered to the base of the bowl. I recommend putting a ribbon thru the spoon and tying it onto the highchair. That way you don't have to bend down so low when the "drop the spoon game" begins. Use the spoon!! Yeah it is an heirloom type item that no doubt future generations will appreciate and cherish but it is also a good workable spoon thats a great way to progress from eating with your hands.

Have you forgotten that baby gift?????
Well this spoon is appropriate for any kid up to 3 years old. You still have time to give a beauitful handmade lasting heirloom. Because this is a personalized item please let me know what you would like. I'm flexiable, easygonig, and fun to work with. I've made some spoons with the inside of the bowl in pure gold-- keum boo--, i've put birthstones in the handles, i'm open for your ideas......

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

our shrinking economy ring

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:50:57 -0500

$66.66
this is a finger ring... the materials consist of sterling silver and an old copper penny...

the lincoln memorial in washington, d.c. is still clearly visable.... you can still make out the tiny portrait of president Abraham Lincoln on the inside of this ring....

the penny's edge is lightly hammered over and over and over until the edge gets gradually thicker and thicker and the diameter shrinks;
it is a metalsmithing technique known as 'UPSETTING'

that seems like an approperate term for how i feel about our economy and our waring nation... it is upsetting... ole honest abe is probably rolling over in his grave

it is made from an old penny because modern pennies are not even copper anymore just plated zinc and i think that plated anything is really cheesy... The value of the copper in this ring is worth far more then a penny. I think it says a whole lot about our economic condition.

america's current image in the eyes of the rest of the world is also really cheesy
it is my sincere hope and prayer that with our new president, we flip over onto a completely opposite track...... then i will make rings with Proud President Lincoln on the outside....

Voice your opinion ---- vote and buy this ring.....

This ring weighs 4.8 grams... in gold that would be a whole lot of money...

I'm happy to make this ring to whatever size you would like.... During checkout just tell me your size under notes to seller..... If you need help in determining your ring size just let me know and i'll send you a link-

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it mucho...

mark kaplan

chromosome earrings mixed metals

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:47:35 -0500

$58.88
hi there-----

this is a pair of earrings made of three metals: copper, brass, and sterling silver
the earposts are sterling....

this earrings are as unique and individual as your DNA....

they resemble chromosomes...

chromosome
|ˈkrōməˌsōm| noun Biology a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. Each chromosome consists of a DNA double helix bearing a linear sequence of genes, coiled and recoiled around aggregated proteins (histones). Their number varies from species to species: humans have 22 pairs plus the two sex chromosomes (two X chromosomes in females, one X and one Y in males). During cell division, each DNA strand is duplicated, and the chromosomes condense to become visible as distinct pairs of chromatids joined at the centromere.

they pretty much speak for themselves, they are delicate and dainty and theres a lot of dangle, wiggle or jiggle going on.... if you need X or Y earrings just let me know.......

the are 2.5inch/63mm in length and the pair weighs 5.1grams

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

a gaggle of bangles bracelet in sterling silver

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:33:22 -0500

$19.99
hello there------ these bangle bracelets are one of a kind and hand made by myself.....

they are all solid sterling silver....

this listing is for ONE BANGLE but you can buy all of them if you so desire.............

i am not sure what to call a collection of bangles:

...a herd of bangles??...a gaggle of bangles??...a flock of bangles??

....a mess of bangles?? {colloquial}...a school of bangles?? {far too academic}

....a bunch of bangles?? {nice alliteraton} ...a wristfull of bangles??

...a #%$&Load of bangles?? {a tad coarse} ...a team of bangles??

well if anyone out there in cyberspace knows what to call a conglomeration of these solid round wrist ornamental adornment objects; please let me know......

anyway enuf of grammer for today.......

these bracelets are made from 14gauge [1.5mm] square profile sterling silver........ i'm not going to tell you how great the melodic chiming of a whole potfull of these on your wrist sounds because you already know that...

they are embellished on the TOP and also on the BOTH SIDES.....
i think that is important!!!! the ones that are ONLY ornamented [stamped or hammered] on the top make for a good photo op but when worn one sees all demensions of these fellows..... so BEWARE of poser imitation bangles that are out there masquerading as really exquisite but are in fact only so in one perspective...

i have priced these guys individually so you may purchase as many as you would like....

BUY JUST ONE -or- BUY THEM ALL.... then in check out just tell me how many you would like.... the others ship for a penny each.... you can't afford not too........ i enjoy mixing them up and you're probably smarter to let me select a harmonious grouping-collection-selection-gaggle or whatever.........

do you have a wrist like a parsnip??? not a problem...

do you have a wrist like a pumpkin??? not a problem....

do you have a wrist like brussel sprouts???? then you need to check out my bracelet titled "" the endless bracelet"".....

Most all bangles that you see avaliable commercially are all 2.5" diamater.....
But you are special......
so if you need a special size just indicate size needed in "notes to seller" upon checkout
Small - inner diameter of 2.25"
Medium - inner diameter of 2.5"
Large - inner diameter of 2.75"
X-Large - inner diameter of 3"

you can always convo me with any questions-concerns-worries-laud-praise-chatter or whatever......

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

Goddess Durga Earrings

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:19:02 -0500

$44.44
hello there---

this is a pair of sterling silver earrings handmade by myself. i made them when i was living in the village outside of Bhuj in the Gujarat state of India. the beads are matt glass made in Jablonsk,Bohemia...

One day while working in my openair studio sitting on the ground; an old man strolled by saw i was making jewelry and offered me an old thampa {the metal dieplate tool used to make these earrings}.... Now back in the states i still have this old tool and a few others i've found along the way... i haven't used them since i've been back but would be happy to make other similiar puja type items, let me know....

for info on Durga please just google her up as i would rather you get your info from a definative source as a lot of what i have been told is just old colloquial folk knowledge
and everyone always puts there own spin on the stories....

anyhow Durga is the [consort]wife of Shiva and has two sons Ganesha and Karttikeya; as such she is the supreme mother goddess; she oftens rides a lion sometimes the lion looks sorta strippy like a tiger... sometimes she has a bunch of arms [mothers are often busy] she also goes by the name of Parvati... she's all powerful but look out because on a bay day she morphs into Kail and rides around on a corpse....i've enclosed a photograph of a statue of the Goddess Durga from the Sri Mariamman Temple.

the total length including the bead drops is 1.25inch/31mm and the width is .6inch/15mm the pair weighs 4.4 grams i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

bhuj flexibangle bracelet

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:08:02 -0500

$185.85
hello there-----

this is a solid sterling silver bracelet, it is handmade by myself; the two sections are hinged together and conform to the wearer...

i occasionally work in a small silversmithing town in Gujarat, India named "Bhuj".
while there i needed a tiny hammer and bought one on the street... well that hammer changed my life--at the time; i went from doing fussy constructed pieces to making this style of big, bold, hand forged work; i still have the hammer and continue to cherish it

the next year, back at school in the states all semester long i used that tiny hammer and thus all my work was sort of homogenous and i was worried my professors would not be happy; but to the contrary i was relieved to discover that they were most pleased with this series that i produced

this piece has been exibited in the Biannual Exibition of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department of The Rhode Island School of Design in Providence where i have studied;

technically it's really not a bangle because its not one continous piece but is comprised to two distinct sections but i call it a bangle anyway because visually it is..... the style i feel would be approperate for either women or men thus i have made two--- one with a inside diameter of 2.3inches/58mm and the other one larger at 2.9inches/74mm the weight is aproximately 29grams....the larger one fits me and i'm pretty stocky with muscular forearms from kayaking and swinging a hammer...
i can make it in most any size but find the sizes noted above to be a good average size.......

check out the other pieces i made for this series under the "BHUJ" titles named for the place i got one of my favortie hammers.....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

raindrops mokume gane ring

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:49:00 -0500

$255.55
this ring is made exclusively of two elements: copper and silver.... These two elements are combined in a centuries old Japanese technique called '''mokume gane''' which roughly translates into english as '''wood grain metal'''...

'mokume gane' (pronounced moe’-koo-may gah’-nay) is an ancient Japanese metallurgy technique where sheets of different types of metal are combined in alternating layers and then fused together under intense heat and pressure.... The resulting sheet is then carved, punched, filed and sanded to pattern the metal and thus reveal the woodgrain-like pattern.... its inventor is credited to be a person named Denbei Shoami (1651-1728); he was from northwest Japan and he mostly made sword hilts (the perpendicular disc up near the handle).....

anyway enough for history.....this particular japanese pattern is called 'raindrops'.... it features cocentric rings evenly spaced across the band.... the exterior rails and inside sheath of the band are both sterling silver.... which is also comprised exclusively of those two elements:silver and copper...... the rails have a hammer forged texture........

it is appropriate for either men or women and is a popular style for wedding rings... this ring is custom made to order and ships within two weeks of your purchase......

upon purchase under notes to seller just let me know what size you would like.... i can do sizes in most any country's various measurement systems ......if you need any help in determining your ring size just let me know...

if you are interested in any other shapes, sizes or other mokume gane items just hit the contact markaplan button..... i'm always happy to assist.....

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thank you for your interest in my work; i appreciate it----

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

crinkle earrings in sterling silver

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:43:00 -0500

$44.44
hi there----- this is a pair of solid sterling silver earrings...... they are one of a kind and hand made by myself........

these earrings are made in a crinkle design..... as you can see each one is slightly different but fairly uniform and homogenous.....

the fancy-dancy term for this technique in the metalsmithing circles is
-- 'micro-folding'....
but you can call this design by all sorts of terms:
--corrugated
--wrinkled
--crumpled
--scrunched ............ you get the picture

they feature sterling earwires with an integral built-in catch.... they are light, comfortable, easy to wear...... i can also do them with posts if you prefer......

Tennessee Williams used to wax poetically {after several mint julips} on and on about how nothing sounds better than the sound of a warm summer rain upon a corrugated tin roofed shack...... well we will just have to take his word for it i guess...... because it sure ain't summer......

anyway i'm happy with these earrings and i hope that you will be too.... they are around 1.3 inches [33mm] in length and the pair weighs 9.4 grams.....

these earrings are made to order and ship within 7 days of purchase....
they are very similar but are not the exact ones in the photos....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

beady necklace in sterling silver

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:06:36 -0500

$133.33
this necklace is very flexible and drapes nicely.... its look is light, delicate and comtemporary... it features a matching handmade toggle clasp and the tag bears my individual hallmark.

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

It is made entirely of recycled sterling silver and is aprox. 17" in length. I'd be happy to make it a bit longer or shorter...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

i've also made earrings in this same style...... look in my earrings section under the name 'beady'.....

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

davids star earrings

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:51:21 -0500

$38.88
hi there folks---- this is a pair of earrings, hand made by myself.....

they are comprised on old coins from what was called ""British West Africa""... they are made with the hole in the middle of them and the locals used to string them and wear the coins... the coins are dated 1936 and 1947 thats older than you are...I've got a bunch of these coins and the dates on your pair may vary from the ones you see... the inside of the coins talks about the Emperor King George, ruler and emperor in both english and arabic...

the value is written in the back of the coin as"" one tenth of a penny"".........

the bead in the center is the semi-precious gemstone -- snowflake obsidian -- it is a hard, dark, glasslike volcanic rock formed by the rapid solidification of lava without crystallization..... the beads spin freely on 14 karat goldfilled wire.....

the earposts are sterling silver and are securely soldered on......

the coins are .8inch/ 20mm in width and the pair weighs 4.5grams....

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process as well as telling me which finish you would like...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

same, same but different earrings

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:58:49 -0500

$25.55
hello there----- this is a pair of solid sterling silver earrings handmade by myself.....

they are the same form but appear to be different when worn because the sterling posts are offset by 90 degrees....
you know same, same, but different....
why does everything always HAVE to be the same??
you can conform and still be different--- buy these earrings and show it.......

this geometric form is very contemporary in style while the hammer forging is very traditional in style--- its kind of like the best of both worlds ---except they remind me of the planet 'saturn' and not earth....

they feature a hammer forged texture in simple sterling silver but i'd be happy to do them in an oxidized darker finish or even a matt white fine silver finish but i think they look fine and forthright just the way they are.....

they are .65inch [17mm] in diameter and the pair weighs 2.5grams....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from certified
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong Refinery...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

bhuj cuff bracelet

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:43:05 -0500

$48.48
this is a solid sterling silver cuff bracelet...
it is one of a kind and handmade by myself...
it is a simple hammer forged design of triangular profile--the top edge of which is smooth and burnished to a high sheen;
it weighs in at 24.4grams and because the piece is semi-oval in shape it is adjustable to a wide variety of sizes...
i'm happy to size it to your specifications prior to shipping...
the design i feel is appropriate for women or men... i occasionally wear one....

i've recently returned from and ofttimes work in a small silversmithing town in Gujarat, India named Bhuj... while there on a prior trip, a few years back, i needed a tiny hammer and so bought one on the street...
well that hammer changed my life! at that time; i went from doing fussy constructed/fabricated pieces into making this style of big, bold, hand forged work;
i still have the hammer and continue to cherish it...

that next year, when back at school, in the states, all semester long i used that tiny hammer and thus all my work was sort of homogenous and i was worried my professors would not be happy but to the contrary i was relieved to discover that they were most pleased with this series that i produced...

this piece has been exibited in the Biannual Exibition of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department of The Rhode Island School of Design in Providence where i have studied;

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong Refiners...

check out the other pieces i made for this series under the "BHUJ" titles; named for the place i got one of my favortie hammers

thanks for your interest......

mark kaplan

recycled ms.nivea meets mr.peroni earrings

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:50:08 -0500

$185.85
this is a pair of earrings made from recycled materials....
I've been interested in exploring this 'resin' material but really just hated the idea of making my own plastic in the studio; as I think there is already enough plastic in this world and i did not want to be making any more. So I can up with this concept, I hope you like it.

they consist of a nivea deoderant bottle which is a resinoid plastic and
the bottle caps from a couple of peroni beers which is steel...

the other materials are sterling silver and 14karat goldfill.....

the earrings are similiar but slightly different as is often my style.....

the nivea bottle is a transparent blue color and mounted in the style of plique-au-jour enamel work but is far far more durable.... and besides i think it is more interesting to use recycled materials...... it is sandwiched---securely riveted--- between the bottle cap and the 14 karat goldfilled metal.... both metals are textured on the cobblestones in front of my studio.....

the hammer forged chain and earwires are sterling silver........

the symbolism is supposed to represent the planet jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system and the 7 or 8 [depending on if you count pluto] lessor sized planets......

i find it is difficult the use recycled materials and have the piece still look refined as opposed to looking summer camp crafty.... i enjoy the challange.... i hope i have been successfull....... i've done one other vaguely similiar piece titled 'fructis' ......

the disks are 1.5 inches[37mm] in diameter and the pair weighs 19grams.....i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know..........

This work is one of a kind and handmade by myself.....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong Refiners...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

jellyfish earrings sterling silver

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:42:24 -0500

$55.55
hello there-----

this is a pair of sterling silver earrings handmade by myself...

the sterling silver earwire is balled under the main central dome so that it spins freely...
------pivots

each of the tentacles is also articulated and shakes,wiggles, swims, sways with movement....

the entire length including the earwire is 2.5inch/65mm and the pair weighs 5.4 grams...

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process as well as telling me which finish you would like...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

pice coin global earrings...

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:11:58 -0500

$38.88
hello there----- these earrings are one of a kind and handmade by myself.... i call them global earrings because the components come from several countries all over the planet....

the main component are old coins i that i picked up in India called the 'pice' it was a fraction of a rupee and is not longer in use.... the coins are authentic and dated to 1945 and 1943... When India became independent on 15 August 1947 it had all the goofy non-decimal coins. One rupee was divided into 64 pice. Currently a us dollars is worth around 48 rupees... you DO the math.... I feel like they are worth more as earrings....

the cross pieces are aluminium and thus very light in weight (a crucial consideration in earrings) securely bound with copper wire....

the smaller cobalt blue colored beads are called 'white hearts' [because of the interior color] and are french in origin.... they are NOT old....

the largest bead is called a 'french cross', it is not french at all but was made in Venice, Italy on Murano Island. Its name originated from the red,white and blue stripe on it that is said to mimic the Freanch flag..... They are quite old and date from the 1880s to 1910s. They were purchased by traders in Africa to use as a means of barter with the locals....

ther upper blue bead is the gemstone Lapis Lasuli from Afganistan origin and i believe is of modern manufacture......the lower unit is articulated from the upper and thus moves, wiggles, shakes....

the earwires are sterling silver..... the total length is 2.25 inches[57mm] and the pair weighs 9.4grams....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan
[can you tell i really like to collect beads??? <g>]

The Octabangle Bracelet

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:54:21 -0500

$115.15
Hello there-----

This is a thick heavy weight solid sterling silver hammer forged bangle bracelet...
The design is a classical european design... (think Scandinavia)
It is bold, heavy and is appropriate for either sex.

The crisp lines ungulate between thin and thick on both perspectives: the side view and the top view; it has eight planes/sections thus the title. It is solid, heavy and has a great feel to it. The inside diameter is 2 1/2inches (a good average size) and it weighs a whopping 23.3grams.

Also check out its sister bracelet titled: HEXABANGLE
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29699232

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

barnacle earrings

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:31:29 -0500

$25.55
hi there----
this is a pair of sterling silver earrings ..... one of a kind and hand made by myself.....

they are simple, small, light, and dimensional..... the circles are domed shaped so they have a bit of depth to them.... just enough irregularity and hand forged hammermarks so one can tell that they are handmade........

they are just under .5inch [12mm] in size.... the ear posts are also sterling silver.......

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

beady earrings

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:24:44 -0500

$55.55
hello there---

this is a pair of sterling silver earrings, they are handmade by myself

the main central silver ring pivots freely [spins] on the earwire and the little beady elements also jiggle individually themselves

i make this style in various differing permutations: some with a hook shaped earwire like in these photos; some with straight earposts that don't dangle or hang so long; some with the central ring open (like here) some with the central ring solid;
here is a link to some post earrings in this style:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11958848

they are casual and fun....... so am i

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

God is a Woman Earrings

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:57:09 -0500

$77.77
Hi there.... This is a pair of earrings, hand made by myself.... They are made of old dimes (U.S. 10 cent coins) and sterling silver...

The design for these was inspired from a camping trip I did in Costa Rica where I saw a whole bunch of great Inca jewelery in The National Museum in San Jose before hitting the road in a tent... The rulers wore a central septum nose ring that had the central element coin/disc perforated and hanging over their mouth; so everything that they spoke came through this holy/holey coin-like thing and thus was holy.... I extracted this into my own design and included who I thought was one of our own gods; but I was wrong......

i always thought Mercury (a man) looked sorta of girly but upon researching him/her when making this piece i learned a startling fact--- the image is not the 'God Mercury' at all but is the head of 'Lady Liberty' --- go figure --- live and learn .... i've been mistaken all these years....when i was a kid you would get one of these from the tooth fairy and my mom always told me it was Mercury, the Roman messenger God........

Here is the info i got from wikipedia:

"In 1916, the head of a winged-capped Liberty was put on the dime and is commonly known by the misnomer of "Mercury dime" The Barber dime design was replaced in 1916 by the Winged Liberty Head design, more commonly referred to as the Mercury dime. The figure on the coin's obverse is often thought to be the Roman god Mercury, but is in fact a depiction of Lady Liberty, a woman (all other dimes except the Roosevelt dime feature an image of Lady Liberty as well). The Mercury dime is considered to be one of the most visually appealing of all U.S. coins, and is highly sought after by collectors..."

well it looks like i've been 'misnomed' all my life.... but anyhow folks like these earrings... the coins are freely moving from the central structure and have a good kinetic dangle, wiggle, sway, movement.....

these earrings are 1.6inches/40mm in length and the pair weighs 8.1 grams...

they are made to order and shipped to you within 5 days of purchase......

if you would prefer posts as opposed to the ear hooks pictured here, I would be happy to do that; without feeling that I have subverted my artistic vision too much.. yeah right..

anyway, all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process......

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

Pierced.........

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:50:26 -0500

$66.66
this is a sterling silver pendant necklace.....

It is hand made by myself.....

the ring is securely soldered closed but at the same time is loose and freely attached... so it can move, spin or whatever.......

it pendant is currently hung on a 19" round black leather cord with a simple sterling silver wire clasp........

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

Stitcher's Earrings----golden needle ear threads

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:02:31 -0500

$48.88
hello there-----

this is a pair of ear threads style earrings........
they are handmade by myself from stering silver;
the end of the chain is 14 karat gold-filled wire the length of a sewing needle,
they are wrapped in 100% cotton embroidery floss/thread.

the threads are merely wound on-- spool style-- and it is my intention that they be only semi-permanent and are thus changable. Perhaps after a few years or so you acquire a new dress or other garment; then just wind on some thread of that color to make a harmonious outfit. In a couple of generations your granddaughter may do the same thing.

the overall length when hanging from your ear is 1.75inch/45mm.
they are very light and the pair weighs 4 grams. i have made two pair in differing colors....

if you would like a different color combination; i am happy to do that as well.... just tell me your preferance under notes to seller upon checkout...

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

fringe elements bracelet in sterling silver

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:21:47 -0500

$115.15
hello there------

i got all fired up and made three bracelets---- each in a different finish.....

this listing is for ONE solid sterling silver bracelet; it is handmade by myself...

just look at the first two photos and during checkout let me know if you would like the top, middle or bottom finish...

top finish--- all oxidized
middle finish--- half and half
bottom finish---all matt while

it really is like fringe: dainty, light and delicately pretty.....
it has a gentle jiggle, wiggle or sway....it is also durable and long lasting... no flimsy, pull apart stuff here......

heres what the old dictionary has to say:
fringe |frinj| noun:
-----an ornamental border of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists, used to edge clothing or material.

-----(often the fringes) the outer, marginal, or extreme part of an area, group, or sphere of activity • ( the fringe) the unconventional, extreme, or marginal wing of a group or sphere of activity : the lunatic fringe of American political life | rap music is no longer something on the fringe.

----- short for fringe benefit . adjective [ attrib. ] not part of the mainstream; unconventional, peripheral, or extreme....

well that sounds like the perfect title for this bracelet...
it sounds kinda like you dosen't it...

**********get one for your friend with benefits-- hay love still counts************

it is 7 inches [18cm] in length and has a matching handmade toggle clasp.. with this clasp it is an ideal size for most women.... if you have any special size requests--- just let me know i'm happy to tweek things around a bit to better suit you...

this bracelet is special made to order and ships within 5 days of purchase...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process as well as telling me which finish you would like...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan---- living on the fringe

a gaggle of bangles bracelet in sterling silver

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:01:08 -0500

corrugator earrings... sterling silver

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:21:17 -0500

$48.48
this is a one of a kind pair of sterling silver earrings, handmade by myself...

it explores the concept of texture and the technique of corrugation...

textures, bumpies, ripples, ridges, washboards, plowed fields, hill and valleys, plaids... for me it is sort of like a sterling plaid... note each one is slightly different from its mate while still staying within the same family...

the pair weights 8.4grams and size is 2.1" (54mm) by a width of 1" (27mm)

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thank you for your interest in my work; i appreciate it----

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

amulet talisman fetish charm mezuzah tabiz reliquary necklace

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:21:33 -0500

$113.13
this is an item that is called many things in many cultures:

amulet, talisman, charm, fetish, mezuzah, tabiz, gris-gris, reliquary are just a few of the names...

it is an object (necklace and pendant case) meant to hold precious or sacred items...
wearing the object is supposed to protect the wearer and possibly impart some of the sacred objects power to the wearer...

This particular amulet is handmade by myself and is comprised of a hollow case made of sterling silver and copper. The ends are made of old coins i picked up in south asia. One coin, a french Indo-chine franc dated 1925 is securely soldered in place. I got it on northern Laos (Maung Singh village)... The other coin has a Tibetan mandala on it, it opens (pulls out) and is the door to the inside of the case... It seals securely and holds the objects in place.

On the front of this case is a .925 sterling silver seated Buddha repouse piece that made with the Lord Buddha surronded by an 8 petal lotus blossom. The eight petals represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism; the eight parts of the Dharmacakra.

Inside are two sterling silver objects and several pages from holy books. The objects are a Ganesh figure seated on a lotus blossom that I made in the town of Bhuj in Kutch, India... it bears my personal makers mark on the reverse... again, another religion and another lotus flower...

The other object is a "Naja"-- a Native American sacred symbol... i bought this in New Mexico from an Indian trading company... This object also transcends into many other cultures as well... In Islam it is called "The Hands of Fatima", she is the Prophet Mohammed's mom. She reaches around you in a protective embrace... This symbol bops around and pops up in several cultures and religions.

Also inside are pages from two actual books:
--an actual page from the Koran written in Arabic and
--an actual page from the Bible written in Greek
as well as a photocopy of the mezuzzah prayer from the Torah written in Hebrew...

I believe in the sanctity of all of people's belief systems...
anther way to say that is " I believe in covering all your bases "

i could ramble on all night so here is the physical stuff:
this object weighs 1.25oz. /35grams and its length is 1.2inches/31mm... as a reference the mandala coin is somewhere in size between a nickel and a dime/US 5+10 cent coins.
It hangs from an 19 inch sterling silver chain that is easily made shorter to suit you personal preference.

Note this object is water resistant but not waterproof... It could leak if you wear it deep underwater... I had planned in sending it in openable condition in case you wanted to add other relevant items...{a lock of your lover's hair}... but if you would prefer I can seal it to completely waterproof condition before I ship it... just let me know what you would like...

i have tried to take photos at differing angles and lighting conditions in order to most accurately represent this piece; however if you would like to see other images or if you have any further questions please feel free to contact me

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it very much...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

baby moon earrings

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:47:12 -0500

$25.55
hello there-----

this is a simple pair of sterling silver earrings; they are handmade by myself

a hand punched disk of sterling is first domed in a dapping block then hammer forged, oxidized and polished leaving darkened "craters" in this baby moon

they are 3/4 inch [19mm] in diameter...
the same size as a penny [US one cent coin] and the pair weighs 3.4 grams

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

a really good screw........ earrings

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:11:23 -0500

$19.99
a good screw is nice....

a really good screw is even better....

with this listing you get two really good screws (left and right)...

yes, these are really screws, maunfactured by The Crown Bolt Company, but then they have been treated in a soft and delicate jewellerly manner.... the sharp edges are gently filed smooth before being soldered with a jeweler's torch onto sterling silver ear wires that are professionally hardened and shaped.... then the entire piece is sensually tumbled over and over to a smooth finish....

everybody likes screws but some people prefer different types of screws.....

how do you like your screws???
it is your choice what kind of screw you want.....
hooks or posts/studs
just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process......

hay checkout THOSE screws......
the hooks are made from #8 one inch brass flat head phillips countersunking wood screws....

the post studs are made from tiny half inch #6 brass phillips head flat top screws.....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

recycled bottlecaps of Peroni Beer Earrings...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:32:22 -0500

$68.88
hello there----

folks are always attracted to these type earrings and don't seem to understand they are made from bottlecaps; when i tell them they are generally surprised and reply with something like,
"wow, cool i didn't realize it"
well now you know....

this is a pair of earrings that are made from steel bottlecaps of peroni beer. they are formed, folded, and textured on the cobblestones in front of my studio. the caps are securely riveted onto a sterling silver disk. the handmade chain and earwires are also sterling silver.......

there are three ornamental cross bars just above the cap: one each of bronze, sterling silver and copper.

their total length is variable and i can make them with either earhooks [pictured] or post style ear wires...

they are very light----each one weighs about 4 grams...

they are handmade with love by myself..... each pair is individually made and ships in under one week of purchase....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

i especially like it when you purchase these particular earrings because the very first thing i do is go and have a couple of beers and collect two bottlecaps.....

thank you for your interest in my work, i appreciate it...

........mark kaplan

davids star earrings

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:50:21 -0500

$38.88
hi there folks---- this is a pair of earrings, hand made by myself.....

they are comprised on old coins from what was called ""British West Africa""... they are made with the hole in the middle of them and the locals used to string them and wear the coins... the coins in this photo are dated 1936 and 1947.... thats older than you are... the inside of the coins talks about King George, ruler and emperor in both english and arabic.... I've got a bunch of these coins and the dates on your pair may vary from the ones you see...

the value is written in the back of the coin as"" one tenth of a penny""...
there were 240 pennies in a West African Pound which was equal in value to a British Pound... so its value was 1/2400 of a Pound...

the bead in the center is the semi-precious gemstone -- snowflake obsidian -- it is a hard, dark, glasslike volcanic rock formed by the rapid solidification of lava without crystallization..... the beads spin freely on 14 karat goldfilled wire... I have some other types of gemstone beads as well... they also look very nice done in turquoise...

the earposts are sterling silver and are securely soldered on....
the coins are .8inch/20mm in width and the pair weighs 4.5grams....

i've tried to take photos under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process as well as telling me which finish you would like...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

non-saint christopher ring

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:37:54 -0500

$44.44
hello there... this ring is hand made by myself... it features a solid sterling silver band and a recycled (upcycled?) bronze saint christopher medallion that has been readapted with the bail removed.....

Saint Christopher is featured carring the Christ child on his shoulder across a river----- lets hope it is not the river stix.....

The poor guy lost his job in 1969 and now he is pretty much a non-saint...

in Catholicism he was considered to be the patron saint of travellers and the patron saint of sports.

HOWEVER...... St Christopher's feast day was removed from the universal calendar of saints by the Vatican in 1969 due to lack of historical evidence. It is unclear whether the man in question actually existed and if so, whether he lived a life of holiness. The feast remains on local calendars, but in case you are hungry and feel like feasting--- his feast days used to be 25July on the roman calander and 9March on the greek calander.....

the ring says""protect us"" but in hidden da vinci code cryptography does it really mean:
""protect the US"" buy this ring and find out.....

He used to have a full time saint job and was in charge of all sorts of cool stuff like being against lightning; against pestilence; archers; automobile drivers; automobilists; bachelors; Baden, Germany; Barga, Italy; boatmen; bookbinders; Brunswick, Germany; bus drivers; cab drivers; epilepsy; epileptics; floods; fruit dealers; fullers; gardeners; hailstorms; Havana, Cuba; holy death; lightning; lorry drivers; mariners; market carriers; Mecklenburg, Germany; motorists; pestilence; porters; Rab Croatia; sailors; Saint Christopher's Island; Saint Kitts; storms; sudden death; taxi drivers; toothache; Toses, Girona, Catalonia, Spain; transportation; transportation workers; travellers; truck drivers; truckers; watermen

Now he is just a nobody.... a has been...... kinda like those rock stars from the 1980's....

Carry a little protection with you......

anyway ......if you need help in determining your ring size just let me know and i can send you a link... during checkout under "notes to seller" tell me what ring size you would like... and also let me know if you would like the small cloth drawstring pouch or the gift wrapping that you see in the last photograph here....

this ring will be made to order so you may have some input on how you would like the shank decorated.
maybe stamped???.... like in the photos
maybe hammer forged texture???
maybe wording??? Can I do wording??? Yeah, sure I can... just nothing to overly verbose... if you want some wording just let me know...

the recycled (or is this upcycled?) ex-medallion is 14.3mm wide and the ring weighs 4.4grams.
the interior of the band bears my personal maker's hallmark.....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan--- being blasphemous

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

recycled fructis shampoo peridot earrings

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:29:45 -0500

$222.22
Hello there, this is is a pair of earrings is made from recycled materials... they are one of a kind and hand made by myself.

I've been interested in exploring this 'resin' material but really just hated the idea of making my own plastic in the studio; as I think there is already enough plastic in this world and i did not want to be making any more. So I can up with this concept, I hope you like it.

They are made from a fructis shampoo bottle which is a resinoid plastic and
the other materials are sterling silver and 14karat gold and 14karat goldfill metal.....
the briolette cut drops are the gemstone peridot.....

the earrings are similiar but slightly different as is often my style.....

I have always been interested the the brilliant colors of the Fructis brand shampoo bottles..... the fructis shampoo bottle component is a transparent bright green color and is mounted in the style of plique-au-jour enamel work but is far more durable.... and besides i think it is more interesting to use recycled materials...... it is sandwiched---securely riveted with solid 14k wire--- between sterling silver and the 14 karat goldfilled metal.... the metal is textured on the cobblestones of the street in front of my studio.....

the earwires are sterling silver and lock into place...... the reverse bears my personal hallmark........

i find it is difficult the use recycled materials and have the piece still look refined as opposed to looking summer camp crafty.... i enjoy the challange.... i hope i have been successfull....... i've done one other vaguely similiar piece titled 'ms. nieva' ......

the earrings are 2.25inch [57mm] in length and the pair weighs 14.9grams.....

This work is one of a kind and handmade by myself.....

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

keum boo hair doodle

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:02:54 -0500

$38.38
hello there---

this is a hair doodle type thingy---- pony tail holder... actually its just a button with an elastic band on it.... you know how to use it.... it pretty self explanitory... it does not come with instructions or an owners manual.... i don't have a problem if you want to just take off the elastic band and just use it as a button.....

its a great gift for someone that doesn't wear a lot a jewelery..... completely functional

it is one of a kind and handmade by myself.......

the material consist of pure silver [.999] and pure gold [24 karat].....

the silver is oxidized to a dark black finish...
the gold is not gold plated, not gold-filled, not gold leaf , not teknobond or any other bogus term...... its just a sheet of thin gold foil that i interweave on the silver....

What is Keum Boo???
Because of the similiarities of the two pure unalloyed precious metals they bond together well on a molecular level. It is an ancient Korean technique called Keum Boo or Kumboo. It was originally used to line to inside of the eating spoons of the royality as it was thought to be auspecious and healthfull to eat from pure gold. I don't know but maybe some of these benefits can also be absorbed by wearing this hair ornament.

it is just shy of one inch [24mm] in diameter and the elestic band is one of those beefy large ones {4mm thick}....

ii've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it...

mark kaplan

silversmiths ring

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:53:53 -0500

$44.44
hello there...... this is a solid sterling silver ring...... it is hand made by myself....

plain-bold-simple-upfront-striking-vivid- strong-eye-catching, prominent.....

thats way too many words for such a ring.....

my favorite description is: "bold without being ostentatious"--thats how folks should be...

anyway i am happy to hammer forge one out by hand to whatever size you would like....

i can do sizes in American, European, or Japanese measurements
if you need any assistance in determining your ring size;just let me know and i can send you a link.....

the one in the photo is a us size 10 and weighs 8.5grams....

it is a full one-third of an inch wide... {width= .3inch/8.23mm}
... note the third photos show the ring sitting on a penny so that one may better determine scale......
.... and it bears my personal hallmark.....

i have tried to take photos at differing angles and lighting conditions in order to most accurately represent this piece; however if you would like to see other images or if you have any further questions please feel free to contact me

I'm happy to make this ring to whatever size you would like.... During checkout just tell me your size under notes to seller..... If you need help in determining your ring size just let me know and i'll send you a link-

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it very much...

mark kaplan

to get into my shop just click here: http://markaplan.etsy.com

multiple O ring

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:33:24 -0500

$38.88
hello there------ this is a solid sterling silver ring.... it is one of a kind and hand made by myself....

O's are good......

Big O's are even better....

Multiple O's are good too....

Would you rather have one big O or a bunch of smaller multiple O's????

well with this ring you don't have to worry...... you get them all......

I'm happy to make this ring to whatever size you would like.... During checkout just tell me your size under notes to seller..... If you need help in determining your ring size just let me know and i'll send you a link-

the ring weighs 2.8grams and bears my personal hallmark and has a smooth curved 'comfort-fit' inside the band.....

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest in my work... i appreciate it mucho...

mark kaplan

baby moon earrings

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:57:10 -0500

$25.55
hello there-----

this is a simple pair of sterling silver earrings; they are handmade by myself...

a hand punched disk of sterling silver is first cut out and domed in a dapping block then hammer textured, oxidized and polished leaving darkened "craters" in this baby moon

they are 3/4" in diameter and the pair weighs 3.4 grams...

they are simple, fun and casual... so am I.

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for your interest...

mark kaplan

keum boo dome earrings

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:53:56 -0500

$48.48
this is a pair of earrings made of fine silver [.999]
and pure gold [23.5 karat]
the ear posts are sterling silver
the domes are just under one inch in diameter and the pair weighs 4.4 grams
the reverse bears my personal hallmark

they are one of a kind and handmade by myself; the disks of silver are cut out and domed in a dapping block then hammer textured next the gold is cut out and applied by hand under heat and pressure in a technique called keum boo

what is Keum Boo???
because of the similiarities of the two pure unalloyed precious metals they bold together well on a molecular level. It is an ancient Korean technique called Keum Boo or Kumboo. It was originally used to line to inside of the eating spoons of the royality as it was thought to be auspecious and healthfull to eat from pure gold. I don't know but maybe some of these benefits can also be absorbed by wearing the earrings. Anyway the foil is much thicker than gold leaf and is long lasting; it has nothing to do with gold plating whatsoever and with normal use will last well beyond your great-grandchildren's lifetime.

they are one of a kind and handmade so there will be some very slight variation between each pair. i'm going to try making some of this style in other finishes; I'd love to know what you think...

i've tried to take photos at several angles, under various different lighting conditions and backgrounds in order to most accurately and fully represent this piece but if you would like to see other images or have any questions just let me know...

all of my work comes packaged in either a gift box or a small cloth drawstring pouch; just tell me your preferance in the "note to buyer" during the checkout process...

i care about where I live so all my precious metals are made from
100% recycled material... 'The Harmony Line' from Hoover&Strong...

thanks for looking...

mark kaplan