The streets of Fort Collins are dotted with unique stores offering handmade jewelry with a large variety of styles and prices. With graduation approaching, knowing what these stores offer may come in handy for loved ones wanting to congratulate new grads with something special.
242 Walnut St.
Curiosities is a local boutique that works with local and international indie jewelry artists. The owners approach the curating process by sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of artists and finding which ones they think are the best at suitable prices.
The jewelry is almost all handmade, with a few lines made locally from artists in Fort Collins, Boulder and Denver. The shop also sells pieces from artist-driven, independent companies in France and Guatemala.
118 Trimble Ct.
Trimble Court Artisans is an artist co-op that has been operating since 1971.
With about 57 members, all of whom are Colorado residents, the co-op emphasizes local as one of its top priorities.
“Our number one criteria for accepting a member is that they’re really unique compared to what we already have at the store,” Trimble Court Manager Jill Anne Popplewell said.
“We have one artist who crochets wire jewelry, and another who turns clock parts into jewelry or bullet parts into pendants,” she added. “One artists works with PMC, or precious medal clay, and will take flowers from her garden, imprint them into the clay and fire them into fine jewelry.”
222 Walnut St.
Walnut Creek is an eclectic shop working with over 65 different vendors, some of which specify in jewelry making. From vintage jewelry to handmade, the variety of styles appeals to a variety of price ranges.
“Everyone’s local within Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland, and all ages of jewelry makers source us with unique collections,” co-owner Janelle Williams said.
Some of these collections include antique silverware pieces like spoon rings and pendants, or utilize materials such as cork, copper, wood, lace and buttons.
201 Linden St. # 101
Nature’s Own is a rock shop that appeals to kids, tourists, museumgoers and jewelry-lovers, employee Brandi Higdon said.
Specializing in rocks, the shop offers stones that are rare to Fort Collins, such as Boulder opals, strands of rubies, fossils and kyanite. With simple settings often cast in sterling silver, the shop also features pieces found on the Weather Channel television show, “Prospectors.”
118 N College Ave.
Santa Fe Craftsman is a southwest art store, sourcing about 80 percent of their jewelry from the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, according to owner Dianna Criswell.
All of the Navajo jewelry is handmade using sterling silver and natural stones. From rings to belt buckles, the shop has lots of turquoise and a variety of other colors.
These are just a few of the many stores in Fort Collins offering individual jewelry styles. For more, you can research some online, or take a stroll down the enchanting streets of the city.
Collegian A&E Writer Caitlyn Berman can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @CaitlynBerman.
