reclaimed piston rod bearing shells

The discovery process involves sifting through oil covered auto parts from engine shops to find distinctive, metal “piston and camshaft bearing shells” that once weathered the harsh elements inside engines.  It was by accident that I discovered these "gems" because I often search for larger car parts that have a sculptural shape. It would have been easy to overlook them at first glance because of their simple ring shape. Yet, upon wiping off the oil, the amazing metal surface is revealed...a palette of distressed patina resembling a landscape or terrain.  The original specs, logo and year that identify the car part’s origin and point in time are also stamped into the the worn metal.

The artistic process involves envisioning a new function for the worn out automotive bearing shells and transforming them into wearable cufflinks and accessories and even incorporating other automotive objects such as fan belts, engine metal, vintage emblems and automotive factory tags.  With the decline of the automotive industry and car capitols like Detroit - where many of the parts and factory tags originated - the jewelry pieces become even more collectible, historic and valuable.
- Artist / Designer - Steven Shaver

Show off your love for cars with our signature cufflinks and belt buckles made from recycled automotive parts, emblems, factory tags and license plates.
Cool gift for guys who love cars, motorcycles, rock n' roll, vintage artifacts and industrial art jewelry unlike anything else.
Limited edition cufflinks made from Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Dodge Viper, BMW, Audi, Porsche parts and more!  Wear a piece of your favorite car!
We carry cufflinks made from more cars than listed here.   Send us a request.

Got questions?  Please contact Steven at (310) 781-9792 from 9-6 PST or email:  steven@stevenshaver.com.

© Copyright and TM 2010 .  Steven Shaver Designs.  All rights reserved.



click to enlarge
Car Part Cufflinks™
Ends cut from piston rod bearings with stamped part specs
become wearable automotive art cufflinks with a story to tell.
Natural pattern and patina or brushed satin silver finish.
Gift box and certificate of authenticity included.

Car Bearing Cufflinks™ - vintage 308 Ferrari® - Ends cut from piston rod bearing, with stamped specs and burnt patina. Curved backing follows shape of part. Cufflink gift box and certificate included. click to enlarge $250.00 Car Bearing Cufflinks™ - 1960's Ford Mustang FOMOCO® - Ends cut from piston rod bearing with burnt patina, stamped year 1968, logo, and specs. Curved backing follows shape of part. Cufflink gift box and certificate included. click to enlarge $150.00 Auto Bearing Belt Buckle™ Flattened GM piston rod bearing pieces with rare pre-WWII Flint Machine Chevrolet Motor Co. bowtie tag click to enlarge $250.00 (limited edition) Car Engine Metal Belt Buckle Cut engine part metal with colorful orange and blue paint and patina inlayed in "antiqued" nickel buckle click to enlarge $99.00

Car Bearing Cufflinks™ - Mercedes Benz® - Ends cut from piston rod bearing, with stamped logo, part #s, and burnt patina. Curved backing follows shape of part. Cufflink gift box and certificate included. click to enlarge $155.00 Car Bearing Cufflinks™ - Dodge Viper®  racing - Ends cut from piston rod bearing, 5 lines stamped specs and part year. Curved backing follows shape of part. Cufflink gift box and certificate included. click to enlarge $150.00 Auto Bearing Belt Buckle™ Ford piston rod bearing pieces with patina, stamped specs and Ford logo inlayed in "antiqued" nickel buckle click to enlarge $125.00 - SOLD - request something similar Ford Galaxie Emblem Belt Buckle 1960's Ford Galaxie 500 XL emblem inlayed in "antiqued" brass buckle Just one of these! click to enlarge $89.00 - SOLD -

Car Bearing Cufflinks™ - Jaguar® - Ends cut from piston rod bearing, with stamped logo, part #s, and burnt patina. Curved backing follows shape of part. Cufflink gift box and certificate included. click to enlarge $150.00 Car Bearing Cufflinks™ - Chevy with GM ® letters - Ends cut from piston rod bearing with burnt patina, stamped logo, specs and part year. Curved backing follows shape of part. Cufflink gift box and certificate included. click to enlarge $95.00 Auto Bearing Belt Buckle™ Flattened GM piston rod bearing pieces with rare pre-WWII tool tag from the Ternstedt G.M.C. Detroit plant click to enlarge $199.00 (limited edition)