J
ust like the magnificent peaks that drew the silversmith to Breckenridge, Katie Pickens’ head-turning jewelry stands boldly alone.
rings. Pickens’ rings are big, bold statement makers and often call on healing stones sourced from rock and gem shows in Arizona and Colorado.
The 37-year-old designer is notching a name for herself in the Colorado makers scene with handmade necklaces, bracelets and, most famously, her striking sterling silver and stone rings.
She revels in tapping organic miners—her favorite turquoise supplier is Clint Cross of North Star Turquoise in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Quality is paramount and Pickens prefers natural high gem grade turquoise for its strength and durability.
The Grand Junction, Colorado native studied Environmental Design at the University of Colorado Boulder. She landed in Breckenridge after college in 2005, lured by the high-energy snowboarding culture. “I decided to be a ski bum for a season and never left,” she says. “It’s the classic story of most long-term residents here.” After a decade of Summit ski bumming, Pickens knew she wanted more. A trip to Santa Fe in 2014 awoke a passion for the American Southwest, its landscape, mystery and textiles. Inspiration hit hard and she discovered her love of jewelry as an outlet of self expression. Pickens enrolled in the Denver School of Metal and Arts and underwent a private study, hungrily picking up classes around Denver and Santa Fe to hone her newfound craft.
Makers Profile: KP Mountain Metals
KP Mountain MEtals
KP Mountain Metals upholds its unrefined boho vibe while incorporating everyday endurance. “I want people to have the ability to wear their pieces while hiking and snowboarding,” Pickens says. “A lot of my friends work in the service industry and want a solid piece of jewelry that is going to withstand a 12hour day and not bend or be compromised.” Watch for new collections to roll out this year following Pickens’ Tucson travels, along with rising buzz around her custom dog tags inspired by her husky heeler Bisbee. KP Mountain Metals can be found at Vintage Sweet & Chic on Main Street in Breckenridge. Visit @kpmountainmetals on Instagram for Pickens’ latest creations and to order custom pieces.
Today, the talented metalsmith works from her Breckenridge home studio under the name KP Mountain Metals and has amassed an earnest, borderline cult, local following. Fans adore her Southwestern and Native American-influenced turquoise
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