Meet Brett Buckles | Metalsmith/Beadsmith/Custom Jeweler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brett Buckles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brett, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I grew up learning the trade while working for my mom who is a master jeweler. I went a total different direction with my education and career but continued to dabble in beadwork all along. Just before the Covid pandemic I asked to go remote with my corporate job and was told, “no.” It was at that moment I decided I would give jewelry a try and see what I could build for myself. I invested the small amount of savings I had in building a micro jewelry studio and started my business soon after. I began creating a retail line of jewelry to sell as well as spread the word that I was available for jewelry repairs, restrings and custom work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My jewelry is inspired by the mountains and nature I live and play within every day. I create two and three-tone color combinations with sterling silver, brass, copper and gold filled to accent my jewelry in a bright and eye-catching way. I work most commonly with turquoise, combining it with silver, copper and gold to create unique stone and metal color combinations. My jewelry represents Steamboat Springs and Colorado which are so dear to my heart as a born-and-raised native. Much of my custom work features elk ivory — the bugle teeth of an elk, which is the only natural ivory in North America. Memorializing the teeth into jewelry is like taxidermy you get to wear and enjoy every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take a road trip all over Colorado. I would show them the best of each of the mountain towns, from Steamboat to Vail, Aspen to Crested Butte and Telluride and everywhere in between. We would visit the iconic waterfalls, Native American historical places and maybe even try some Rocky Mountain oysters. Depending on the season we would ski, mountain bike, raft and recreate our way through the state stopping for local food and libations. My favorite part of Colorado is jumping into the vibe and personality of each town and its people. You will never meet a Coloradan who isn’t proud of our state.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom has been my mentor in all things life and jewelry. My dad showed me the same grit and determination as a self-employed ranching cowboy. My brother has followed in our parents’ footsteps as well by owning and operating a thriving e-bike tour company. I am blessed to be surrounded by an intrinsically motivated family with a strong work ethic and infinite love and support for each other.

Website: https://www.brettbuckles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brettbuckles

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/brett.buckles

Other: https://Etsy.com/shop/BrettBucklesDesigns