Our Team
We’re a small staff with big talent and lofty ideals. Our level of craftsmanship is unusual by today’s jewelry-making standards. We hand-fabricate every piece of Kate Maller Jewelry in our Denver studio. No outsourcing, no pre-made components, with the exception of delicate chains, and no casting or computer-generated designs. Every jump ring, clasp, and pair of ear wires is individually crafted in-house. Efficient? No, but hand craftsmanship imbues each piece with a unique character that makes the piece distinctly yours, and keeps us feeling good about our work.
In a world where automation reigns supreme, we celebrate and value the time-honored traditions inherent in the art and craft of hand-fabricated metalsmithing. Because no two pieces are exactly alike, you’ll see subtle nuances in replicated pieces from our collections. Most clients appreciate those nuances and, like us, value the craftsmanship.
Kate designs all KMJ collections, OOAK (one of a kind), and custom pieces. She’s also hands-on in most of the production work. Tess is a rockstar at the bench, she also manages our studio. At our Denver store you will find Pamela, Saara, and Christie. In Aspen Meg and Shatar are our sales associates. This June Sarah Whiting joins the team as our Sales Operation Manager. She will be managing all of our sales stream operations including managing our wholesale accounts, and retail operations. Thank you for believing in us, and thank you for all of your support!
Kate Maller
Owner, Designer, Goldsmith
Kate is trained as a designer, and a metalsmith. Holding masters degrees in architecture and landscape architecture, she attributes her design sensibilities and passion for the environment to her formal training.
Kate began metalsmithing while in graduate school, and instantly fell in love with the tactile process of making jewelry. After working for several years in the field of architecture, Kate enrolled at Creative Side Jewelry Academy in Austin, TX, where she received more than 500 hours of full-time, hands-on training in the art and craft of metalsmithing.
Originally from Connecticut, Kate has lived in Colorado since 2007. She currently lives in Denver with her husband, Scott Maller, and their beloved Australian Shepherds, Takoda Winklematten Maller + Gwindel Bear Maller.
Tess Westenhaver
Studio Manager, Goldsmith
Tess graduated magna cum laude from MSU Denver in 2019 with a degree in Anthropology, and a minor in Biology. She discovered metalsmithing while in college. Instantly intrigued, she signed up for her first metalsmithing class, and has been experimenting with the craft ever since. Tess loves working with metal, and makes beautiful jewelry of her own. She says, 'working with metal has taught me patience and humility. I live for the process!'
A Denver native, Tess currently resides in the The Highlands neighborhood with her partner Nick, and 2 dogs Rosie and Henry.
Tess is a goldsmith, and our studio manager. She is a complete rockstar, and a joy to have as a part of Team KMJ!
Pamela Friesen
Sales Associate - Denver
Pamela has lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Seattle, but she has made Denver her home for the past 20 years. She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from Seattle Pacific University.
Pamela has a sweet little buddy, Henry the pug, who loves to take long walks and go on adventures.
She has an innate design sensibility that we all appreciate. Her extensive background in interior design, and retail give her a unique eye. She loves jewelry, fashion and sustainability, and is thus a natural fit at KMJ! Pamela's upbeat personality, and calm demeanor are an asset to our team. She loves to help client's choose just the right piece, and enjoys seeing our regulars in the neighborhood who pop in to say hi, and see what's new - especially with their pups!
Christie Weiss
Sales Associate - Denver
Christie is originally from the east coast. She moved to Denver in 2015, and earned a Masters degree in Social Work from University of Denver. Colorado has so much to offer - from amazing parks in the city to stunning hikes in the foothills - Christie loves taking it all in. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, and traveling.
Christie has always found jewelry a beautiful medium of self-expression. Being particularly drawn to KMJ's passion for social and environmental justice; she loves that the business is woman owned, and that all of the pieces have an organic and authentic aesthetic. The fact that the other artists we carry share Kate's vision of sustainability and ethical business practices is something she values.
Christie is a true gem! She is extremely knowledgeable in all of our products, which means she's always apt to help our clients discover everything our shop has to offer - whether an engagement ring, or special gift - Christie has you covered.
Saara Campbell
Sales Associate - Denver
After graduating university in Glasgow Saara spent a few years traveling in and around Australia. There she met her American who brought her stateside in 2015.
Her perfect afternoon involves time outside in the sun, working out/teaching a Pilates class, and lots of Scottish chocolate.
Saara loves dainty jewelry; stacking rings, delicate chains and cute studs. She finds working at KMJ great fun, if a little dangerous ;) She currently lives in the Lohi neighborhood of Denver with her husband DJ, and their puppy Cam.
Saara's positive attitude, and outgoing personality make all our days sunny at KMJ. She's always delighted to share her favorite jewels with clients, and help them find just the right treasure.