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, and wholesale accounts. At our Denver store you will find Pamela, Saara, and Christie. In Aspen Meg is in store as well as Kate. Thank you for believing in us, and thank you for all of your support!
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 manages our studio, and our wholesale accounts. She is a complete rockstar, and a joy to have as a part of Team KMJ!
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.