Silver Piston Jewelry
Rebellious accessories for people who don’t like flash and frills
After completing a silversmith course in 2009, Steve West played around with his craft for a few years before a man asked him to create a custom ring for his husband. The result was a silver spinner ring that had a more polished and refined look than West’s previous pieces. Four years later, Silver Piston has its own website, and West has left his day job as a Creative Director to focus exclusively on the brand. From rings to keychains and zippos, money clips and necklaces, West’s entire offering has a rebellious, biker edge—with plenty of skulls incorporated. Most of his pieces incorporate Hobo Nickels—hand-carved coins (of any denomination) that he designs and cohort Shane Hunter carves. From there West manipulates the coin on to jewelry, a process that often includes carving out negative spaces to create a more graphic statement.
While the vibe is certainly badass, West’s jewelry is beautifully made. After carrying my Hobo Nickel Fob for a few weeks, I took it off the ring and threaded it onto a piece of leather. It looks just as good hanging from my keys as it does around my neck. This is what’s so great about Silver Piston pieces—especially for people who don’t feel they are really “jewelry people”—they are versatile and functional, but most of all, they are edgy for those who want to avoid flash and frills.
Steve West is constantly producing new work and his pieces are available at Silver Piston, with prices ranging from $50-$1500.
Images courtesy of Silver Piston
