NOTE: Even though this is an old page, I update it every time I get a new piece of Elis Kauppi’s trapped orb jewellery. So if you are a fan of these pieces, do bookmark this page! My Etsy shop is now closed, but I am selling on Instagram: Inglenookery.
I am a massive fan of Nordic jewellery, and especially the designs of Elis Kauppi (1921-2004) made by his firm of Kupittaan Kulta of Turku, Finland. One type of jewellery that Kauppi specialised in is the ‘trapped’ or ‘caged’ bead series, where spherical balls of semi-precious gemstones are caught in shell-like or barred or pronged or other sort of cage, enabling them to move but not escape. This type of kinetic jewellery dates from the 1960s and 1970s.
I am always keeping an eye out for these pieces, as they appeal to me so much, and I have had a few in my Etsy shop (now closed) and now for sale via my Instagram account, Inglenookery. I’ve put the ones for sale at the top of the pics here, so they’re not quite in the design order I’d like, but it’s easier for buyers to find what’s still available.
1960s trapped carnelian orb ring by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale via my Instagram account, Inglenookery.
Trapped citrine orbs in a stylish ring designed by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale via my Instagram account, Inglenookery.
Two different styles of trapped orb rings. The triple-orb rings are now sold; the dangling double-orb citrine ring is still available.
A stylish ring with an aventurine orb held by four prongs, allowing the bead to swivel in its pretty trap. Another Elis Kauppi design for Kupittaan Kulta. (NOW SOLD).
Smoky quartz trapped orb ring by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Chrysoprase trapped orb ring, by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Carnelian trapped orb ring, by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Kupittaan Kulta ring, designed by Elis Kauppi, with three dangling chrysoprase trapped orbs. (NOW SOLD).
Tiger’s eye trapped orb pendant, by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Double oyster or clam ring with a trapped moonstone or pale watery blue chalcedony orb and plain exteriors to the shells. Designed by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. These rings come with single, double and triple shells, with plain exteriors or ridged ones; some are worn with the openings running across the finger and others running up it. (NOW SOLD).
A small chrysoprase bead trapped in one of Elis Kauppi’s famous ‘oyster’ series rings for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Carnelian triple clam or oyster shell ring, by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Another shot of the carnelian triple oyster or clam ring, designed by Elis Kauppi.
Green chalcedony trapped orb ring, by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Amethyst clam or oyster ring by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Aventurine clam or oyster ring by Finnish designer Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Trapped rhodochrosite orbs, in a ring designed by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop, Inglenookery: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Pendant with a moss agate trapped bead, held by the four prongs. Designed by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Amethyst trapped orb pendant, by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Caged amethyst bead in a heart-shaped sterling silver cage, a pendant by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Tiger’s eye trapped bead pendant by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).
Another tiger’s eye trapped bead pendant by Elis Kauppi for Kupittaan Kulta. For sale in my Etsy shop: click on photo for details. (NOW SOLD).