team spotlight | CAT

I have been wanting to show more behind the scenes of Christina Kober Designs and I thought the best way would be to first introduce you to our team. The CKD team is amazing. We are a close-knit group that sometimes feels more like a family than a business - a great mix of dynamic, dedicated and talented women, that bring different backgrounds and experiences to build a very strong team.

In our Team Spotlight series, I will be introducing you to our team one at a time. I am so excited to share who we are, the team that brings Christina Kober Designs to life. We are the people who hand-stamp, solder and polish your jewelry, the ones that answer your questions, and the ones that package up your orders with love. My hope is that you will see more of what makes us who we are, what drives us and connect to our stories of what inspires us.

I am so excited to introduce you to Cat! I have known Cat for a very long time - first, as a customer at my dad’s jeweler supply store, then as a loyal employee to my dad, and now as a hardworking employee for me! Through it all, Cat has always had such a positive energy, so friendly and super creative. She is a very talented jeweler and a total badass. I am so happy to have her on our team.

I'd like you to meet Cat! 

WHAT DO YOU DO AT CHRISTINA KOBER DESIGNS?

A lot of soldering and fabrication. I’m mainly prepping pieces for stamping and texturing. 

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY AT CKD LOOK LIKE?

Sorting out the steps of- How many of these am I making today?!

But seriously...Cutting wire for ring blanks, soldering bands to faces, assembling chains with jump rings, sharing my chair with Kosmo

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT HANDMADE JEWELRY? 

I think people don’t realize how much heart and soul go into it. They might see a design that appeals to their style. But they have no idea how many hours of agonizing over every detail, working out all the design elements, figuring out what works or doesn’t - has gone into one piece. Jeweler is usually synonymous with “Perfectionist.” 

WHAT DOES A “TREAT YOURSELF” DAY LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

Bubbles in my bathtub and in my glass, or maybe a little wardrobe update!

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Traveling. There are so many different landscapes, and micro-cultures all over this country

What is your favorite CKD piece and why?
The Fortune Cookie Necklaces- there’s just an extra sweetness about them with a personal message

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES?

Getting outside! Living in the city you can easily start to feel walled in. I love getting out for walks, going to parks to hike, camp, and off-roading.

How did you become interested in metalsmithing and what are some of your inspirations for your personal designs?

I was always into drawing and painting, and knew I would go to art school. But I never experienced the magic of working with metal until college. The very first class I took, I knew it was my medium, and fell in love with the alchemy of taking a seemingly hard and rigid material, and transforming it to my will. I have always admired Art Nouveau patterns and love to incorporate elements of antique styles into modern designs.

What has been your favorite place to go camping and why?

It’s tough to pick just one. I think it would be the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The campsites are primitive on points near the canyon, and are sparse. It’s more wooded than you would expect, we drove about 50 miles on dirt roads and only saw one other vehicle. Not only is the view spectacular, but it feels like you have the canyon all to yourself.

What is one of your favorite traditions that you enjoy doing during the holidays?

It seems like a silly little thing, but…

I love mistletoe!  My mom had a decorative bell that was sparkly and had (fake) mistletoe hanging from inside. It was always hung near the front door. As a kid it always tickled me that it was like a trap for someone to get kissed upon entering the house! Of course, as an adult I find it ironic that it’s poisonous! Not so long ago I found a realistic looking piece to hang near my own door.

Life has changed a lot during the COVID-19 stay at home order - what surprised you that you have enjoyed most during it?

I started working from home the previous year, so some things haven’t changed much for me. It does, however, make me pause and take stock of all the positives. It has made me more grateful for how fortunate I am.

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE ever received? 

Rick proposing on Christmas Eve of 2006

Ok, now time for a little quick fire….

Gold or silver?
Silver

Diamond dusted or Inspired?
Inspired

Savory or sweet?
Savory

Receiving gifts or giving gifts?
Giving

Simple or Layered?
Layered

Wide ring or Narrow ring?
Wide

Coffee or tea?
Both!

Dog or cat?
Cat(s)

INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK?
Instagram

SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer

NEUTRALS OR COLORS?
Colors