http://altitudejewelry.com/ Altitude Jewelry - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:37:01 GMT Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:37:01 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16096/The-48-Hour-Rule blog The 48-Hour Rule: Why Men Always Wait... and Why We Love It There's something I've noticed after years of helping customers pick out the perfect piece of jewelry in Winter Park and Grand Lake: Men have a very special relationship with deadlines. Not normal deadlines. Not reasonable deadlines. No... I'm talking about the 48-hour deadline. The 48-Hour Gift-Giving Rule Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, or even Mother's Day, there's a moment—usually about two days before the event—when it finally hits: "Oh no. I need a gift. A real gift." That's when he walks through the door. And I can spot him instantly. There's a look. A very specific look. Part panic. Part determination. Part "please help me, I cannot mess this up." And honestly? It's one of my favorite parts of running a jewelry store. Helping a guy who's 48 hours from a big occasion is: adorable hilarious surprisingly sweet and incredibly satisfying Because here's the truth: Most men aren't bad at gifting. They just... procrastinate until the emotional pressure reaches critical mass. The Panic Eye Look: A Retail Classic The second he steps inside, he gives that unmistakable expression—the one that says: "I love her, I swear I do." "She deserves something beautiful." "I should've started this a week ago." "Please tell me you have exactly what I need." And that's when the fun begins. Why We Love Last-Minute Shoppers Some people dread last-minute shoppers, but at Altitude Jewelry, we truly enjoy it. Because here's what happens: 1. You Get to Be the Hero We help him go from panicked to confident in about 15 minutes. 2. Jewelry = Instant Thoughtfulness No matter how late he starts, jewelry says: "I put effort into this. I wanted something meaningful." 3. Men Are Surprisingly Great to Shop With They're open to suggestions, they want the gift to be perfect, and they trust the process. It's fun watching them light up when they realize: "Oh wow... she's going to love this." That moment never gets old. Our Go-To Recommendations for the 48-Hour Shopper When the clock is ticking, these winners never fail: ~ Permanent jewelry — thoughtful, meaningful, and customizable ~ Timeless everyday pieces — hoops, necklaces, bracelets that go with anything ~ Birthstone or initial jewelry — instantly personal ~ Local, handcrafted designs — unique and unforgettable We specialize in making last-minute shoppers look like they planned weeks in advance. Men: Keep Doing What You Do. We've Got You. If you're a 48-hours-left shopper, don't worry—we're fully prepared for you. Come in with no plan. Come in with a vague description. Come in with the "panic eye." We'll help you find something perfect every time. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll shop early... (But honestly? We're not counting on it.)   Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16096/The-48-Hour-Rule http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16095/Holiday-Shopping-has-it-s-own-vibe blog Holiday Shopping Has Its Own Vibe The rest of the year, people tend to shop a bit more practically. Birthdays, anniversaries, everyday gifts—they're meaningful, but they're usually safe. Understated. Predictable. But once the holidays roll in? Everything changes. Suddenly customers walk in ready to go a little bigger, a little brighter, a little more show-stopping. The sparkle tolerance goes up. The "just because" logic goes out the window. And it becomes a season of, "You know what? She deserves something fabulous." And honestly? We live for it. Designing for the Holidays Is a Whole Different Creative World From our side of the counter, December is where creativity really gets to take off. When we design and curate for the holiday season, we're not just thinking about individual pieces—we're thinking about the entire range of people who walk through the door. Because holiday gifting comes with a spectrum: A husband looking for something breathtaking for his wife A mom shopping for a daughter who loves small, delicate pieces A guy who's buying for his son's new girlfriend and doesn't want to go overboard A best friend looking for matching permanent jewelry A grandmother wanting something meaningful for all the grandkids That person who just wants something sparkly for themselves (always encouraged!) And as much as we love the big, bold pieces... the holidays remind us that we need something for every single price point. Not Every Gift Has the Same Budget — And That's the Fun of It Let's be honest: The gift you buy your wife is not the same gift you buy your son's brand-new girlfriend. And it shouldn't be! That's why designing for December is like building a full jewelry universe: ~ Stunning high-end pieces ~ Beautiful mid-range classics ~ Affordable-but-still-special gifts ~ Local, handmade treasures ~ Stocking-stuffers that feel thoughtful and intentional ~ Permanent jewelry options at every level We get to think creatively about everyone, not just one type of shopper. The Joy of Helping People Give Something Meaningful One of the best parts of the holiday season is watching customers find a gift that hits that perfect sweet spot—something beautiful, something personal, and something that fits exactly where they are in the relationship. And when you help someone pick out a gift they're genuinely excited to give? There's nothing better. It's a Sparkly, Creative, Joy-Filled Season — and We Love Being Part of It The holidays aren't just busy—they're inspiring. Designing for this season opens up so many creative avenues, from bold statement pieces to delicate keepsakes. It pushes us to think bigger, stretch our imagination, and make sure our collection has something magical for everyone. It's one of the reasons we love being part of the jewelry world, especially here in Winter Park and Grand Lake, where the season feels extra festive and the gift-giving spirit is everywhere. So whether you're shopping for your wife, your son's new girlfriend, your best friend, your mom, or yourself—we've designed something just for you. Because the holidays sparkle a little brighter... And so should your jewelry. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16095/Holiday-Shopping-has-it-s-own-vibe http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16094/Panic-Saturday-is-Coming------ blog  "Panic Saturday" Is Coming... And We're Ready for It! Why Men Wait Until the Last Minute to Shop — And How We're Here to Save the Day If you've ever worked in retail, you know there's a very real phenomenon that happens every December: Men suddenly remember that Christmas is, in fact, still on December 25th. And just when the holiday sparkle starts to fade for most shoppers, in come the guys—usually in a steady stream, usually looking a little overwhelmed, and usually armed with nothing but vague instructions like: "She likes... shiny things?" "I think her favorite color is... green? Or purple. Or blue. Maybe." "I need something that looks like I tried." Well, good news: There's an official name for this magical retail moment, and I just learned it—Panic Saturday. What Is Panic Saturday? "Panic Saturday" is the Saturday before Christmas, and according to retail trends, it's one of the biggest shopping days of the entire holiday season. Why? Because this is the day many men finally head out to finish (or... start) their holiday shopping. And honestly? We love it. Why We Love Panic Saturday at Altitude Jewelry Running a jewelry store in Winter Park and Grand Lake has given us a front-row seat to the holiday shopping rush, and Panic Saturday is one of the most entertaining and rewarding days of the year. Here's what makes it great: 1. The Panic is Real — But Fixable Guys walk in stressed, and walk out relieved. That transformation is pure Christmas magic. 2. Jewelry Is the Ultimate Last-Minute Gift It's meaningful, personal, and guaranteed to make someone gasp in the best way. You can't go wrong with sparkle. 3. We're Really Good at Helping You Look Like You Planned Ahead Need a suggestion? A matching set? Something your wife/girlfriend/mom/sister will love but won't already have? We've got you. We specialize in helping last-minute shoppers feel like gift-giving legends. What We Recommend for Panic Saturday Shoppers If you're coming in hot on December 21st, here are our go-to gift heroes:  **Permanent Jewelry — thoughtful, customizable, and a favorite in our shop  **Classic everyday pieces — simple necklaces, hoops, and bracelets she'll wear all year  **Birthstone jewelry — always a win, and looks very intentional  **Locally crafted pieces — perfect if you want to give something meaningful and unique And don't worry — even if you walk in with no plan at all, we've got you. Men: We See You. We Support You. We've Prepared for You. Whether you're shopping for your wife, girlfriend, daughter, mom, or someone new in your life, we're here to help you absolutely nail this year's gift. So as Panic Saturday approaches, consider this your friendly reminder:  You don't need to panic.  You just need to stop by Altitude Jewelry. We'll help you find something perfect — and we promise we won't tell anyone you waited until the last minute. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16094/Panic-Saturday-is-Coming------ http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16054/Holiday-Jewelry-Trends-to-Watch-This-Season blog Holiday Jewelry Trends to Watch This Season The holidays are here, and it's time to sparkle! Whether you're treating yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, these trends are shining bright this season: Sterling Silver Steals the Show Sterling silver is everywhere—think layered necklaces, stackable rings, and delicate bracelets. Sleek, bold, or textured, silver is versatile and perfect for mixing, matching, and creating your own signature look. Cubic Zirconia = Instant Sparkle CZ is the go-to for adding brilliance without the price tag. From dazzling pendants to statement rings and earrings, CZ pieces are all about catching the light and turning heads at holiday parties. Gold-Over-Silver Glow Want the warmth of gold with the durability of silver? Gold-over-silver jewelry is trending for a reason. Hoops, bracelets, and layered necklaces with subtle golden accents bring sophistication and festive sparkle to any outfit. Personalized & Meaningful Gifts Nothing says thoughtful like a piece made just for them. Initials, birthstones, or named jewelry in sterling silver or gold-over-silver with CZ accents make gifts extra special—and totally unique. This holiday season, let your jewelry shine as bright as the lights on the tree! At Altitude Jewelry, we have a sparkling selection of sterling silver, CZ, and gold-over-silver pieces that check all the trend boxes—making it easy to find gifts (or treat yourself!) that will be remembered long after the season ends. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16054/Holiday-Jewelry-Trends-to-Watch-This-Season http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16036/Why-we-no-longer-offer-repairs blog Why We No Longer Offer Repairs Over the years, we've been proud to offer jewelry repairs—not because it was profitable, but because we wanted to be helpful. We know that in Grand County, it's not easy to find someone local to repair a broken clasp or resize a ring. So we did our best to provide that service, partnering with an incredible jeweler in Denver to help take care of your treasured pieces. But as much as we wanted to keep doing it, the truth is: we simply can't anymore. There are a few reasons behind this decision, and we want to be transparent with you. First, we no longer have the staff to manage repairs the way we used to. As housing prices in our community have skyrocketed, it's become incredibly difficult to find and retain employees. What it costs to live here has changed dramatically—and with a small business like ours, we just can't support the staffing levels we once had. Second, the repair side of the business was never self-sustaining. We weren't making money on repairs—in fact, year after year, we were losing money on them. Despite working with a trusted jeweler, the volume was never high enough to justify the time, transportation, and costs involved. And while we hoped it might grow into something sustainable, it just never reached that point. So after a lot of thought, we made the hard decision to cut our repair services. We know it's frustrating, especially when there aren't many options nearby. We understand—and we truly wish things were different. But as a small, independently owned business, we have to make choices that keep our core business strong and sustainable. And that means focusing our time, energy, and resources on what we do best: creating jewelry that tells a story. We're still here to help however we can—whether it's pointing you toward trusted repair options outside the valley or helping you find a new piece to love. And as always, we're incredibly grateful for your support and understanding. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/16036/Why-we-no-longer-offer-repairs http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15947/Flying-by-the-Seat-of-My-Pants blog Flying by the Seat of My Pants (and Maybe Finally Upgrading) For most of my 21 years in business, I've run this company on intuition, memory, and a whole lot of hustle. I always knew what I had in stock. I could tell you off the top of my head how many chains I had, how many moose necklaces were made, and how many jump rings were left in a drawer somewhere. I knew where every piece of jewelry was and how much everything cost me—no spreadsheets, no software, no fancy systems. But lately... things are getting a little out of control. We now have two full stores, a growing wholesale business, and more designs, materials, and moving parts than ever before. And I've hit a wall. I have no idea how many chains we have. Or don't have. I walk into the studio expecting to make a dozen necklaces and discover we're completely out of something essential—again. I get caught off guard, scrambling to place orders I should have seen coming. I've officially crossed the line from "organized chaos" to just... chaos. It might be time. Time to admit that I can't do it all in my head anymore. Time to consider—gulp—a real inventory system. Maybe even... barcodes. (I know. I'm not thrilled about it either.) I've always prided myself on being scrappy and resourceful. I built this company from the ground up with grit, creativity, and a little bit of winging it. But as we continue to grow, it's clear: flying by the seat of my pants is starting to feel more like flying blind. And I think it might be time to become... a grown-up company. I'll never stop being hands-on, and I'll always trust my instincts—but maybe it's okay to get a little help from a computer. Maybe having a system doesn't mean losing the soul of what we do—it just means making sure we don't run out of chains on a Saturday morning when both stores are busy and I'm already halfway into a production sprint. So here we go. Deep breaths. Inventory software, here we come. (Probably. Maybe. We'll see.) Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15947/Flying-by-the-Seat-of-My-Pants http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15744/October-Birthstone blog October Birthstone Spotlight: Opal Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, admired for its mesmerizing play-of-color and unique beauty. Opals are often seen as symbols of hope, creativity, and emotional balance, making them a meaningful choice for anyone born in October. Wearing opal is thought to inspire imagination, bring joy, and reflect the wearer's inner beauty. Alternative October Birthstones While opal is the classic choice for October, tourmaline is also commonly associated with this month. Tourmaline comes in a stunning variety of colors, making it a versatile alternative for those seeking a bold or personalized birthstone option. Colors of Opal Opals are famous for their rainbow-like flashes of color, but they can also come in a variety of base shades, including: White opal – a soft, milky base with vibrant color flashes Black opal – dark background enhances bright color patterns, rare and highly prized Boulder opal – naturally attached to ironstone, often with vivid color veins Crystal opal – transparent or semi-transparent, showcasing brilliant flashes Fire opal – warm orange, yellow, or red tones, sometimes with minimal play-of-color Types of Opal Opals are as diverse as they are beautiful. Some common types include: Ethiopian opal – known for its bright, transparent colors Australian opal – often considered the finest, especially black and boulder opals Mexican fire opal – striking warm hues, often set in vibrant, playful designs Opal's unique colors and patterns make every piece one-of-a-kind, much like the person wearing it. Whether you're celebrating an October birthday or simply drawn to its magic, opal jewelry is a timeless and meaningful choice. At Altitude Jewelry, we offer a variety of opals in different styles, colors, and settings, allowing you to find the perfect piece that captures the beauty and mystery of this remarkable October birthstone. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15744/October-Birthstone http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15705/The-Winter-Park-Store blog Discover Altitude Jewelry in Winter Park, Colorado Since opening our doors in 2013, Altitude Jewelry has proudly called Winter Park home. Nestled in the charming Cooper Creek Square at an elevation of 9,052 feet above sea level, our store is more than just a jewelry shop—it's a creative hub where inspiration meets craftsmanship. Half of the jewelry we sell is designed and made right here in our Winter Park location. Despite our cozy space, we offer a surprisingly large variety of jewelry, from timeless classics to modern, nature-inspired pieces. Every piece reflects our dedication to quality, artistry, and the beauty of the Rocky Mountains that surround us. As Winter Park's premier jewelry store—and, in fact, the only jewelry store in town—we've become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a meaningful piece for yourself, or just want to explore our collection, our Winter Park store offers an experience that's personal, welcoming, and entirely one-of-a-kind. Come visit us in Cooper Creek Square and see why Altitude Jewelry is a cornerstone of Winter Park's local charm. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15705/The-Winter-Park-Store http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15706/The-Grand-Lake-Store blog Discover Altitude Jewelry in Grand Lake, Colorado In 2021, Altitude Jewelry expanded to the enchanting town of Grand Lake, Colorado. Located on the boardwalk in downtown Grand Lake at an elevation of 8,439 feet, this charming town captures everything you imagine a classic Rocky Mountain town should be—a quaint street, breathtaking scenery, and a warm, welcoming community. Our Grand Lake store is larger than our Winter Park location, giving us the opportunity to offer not only our signature jewelry but also a beautiful selection of rocks, crystals, and unique gift items. It's a place where visitors can explore, discover, and find treasures that reflect the magic of the Rockies. The store itself is as fun and inviting as the town. Even though Grand Lake is small, it's worth the visit, whether you're browsing for a meaningful piece of jewelry, a special gift, or a striking crystal to bring a little mountain energy home. Come walk the boardwalk and step inside Altitude Jewelry in Grand Lake—you'll leave inspired, delighted, and maybe a little enchanted by both our collection and the town itself. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15706/The-Grand-Lake-Store http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15551/-What-s-your-favorite-design-- blog One of the questions we hear all the time in our stores is: "What's your favorite design?" And honestly? The answer is simple. It's always the newest one. There's something so exciting about dreaming up a brand-new piece. Whether it's inspired by the mountains, a story we want to tell, or just a spark of creativity, designing something we've never made before is pure joy. We get to sketch it, shape it, hammer it, wrap it—and see it come to life for the first time. That moment? It's magic. But here's the funny part: the designs we don't love making anymore are usually the ones that turned out to be most successful. Why? Because after you've made that "magical" new necklace 100 times in a single day... let's just say the sparkle wears off a bit. We still love the meaning behind each piece, and we're always grateful when something resonates with so many people—but mass-producing a bestseller can turn a creative high into an assembly-line grind real fast. So if you ever hear us gush about a new design in the shop, now you know why. It's fresh, it's exciting, and we haven't had to make a thousand of them—yet. And when you fall in love with that new piece and come back asking for more? Well, that's how favorites become classics... and how we end up making another hundred. And honestly—we wouldn't have it any other way. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15551/-What-s-your-favorite-design-- http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15546/How-a-Leaf-Became-Our-Signature--The-Story-Behind-Our-Aspen-Leaf-Cards blog How a Leaf Became Our Signature: The Story Behind Our Aspen Leaf Cards When we first opened our store, money was tight. Like, "how are we going to display our earrings?" tight. We had spent everything getting the doors open, but there was still one major problem: how were we going to display all the jewelry in the cases in a way that looked thoughtful and special—without spending a fortune? That's when my mom came to the rescue with an unexpected idea. She told me she had just learned how to preserve leaves using glycerin. So, off we went to the pharmacy to buy some, grabbed a pair of scissors, and started clipping aspen leaves from trees nearby. We glued the preserved leaves to simple pieces of paper and set the jewelry on top. And to our surprise... everyone loved them. What started as a scrappy, last-minute solution quickly became something that customers raved about. People weren't just buying the jewelry—they were excited about the cards. They asked about the leaves. They commented on how special and one-of-a-kind each display felt. Fast forward 13 years later, and those aspen leaf cards are now a signature part of what we do. Each one is still made by hand, just like our jewelry. We still collect and preserve leaves—last year, I tried to gather 4,000 of them! And we still glue each one onto a card with care and intention. In the early days, we didn't give the leaf cards away with purchases—they were too valuable, and we were just trying to keep our displays looking full. But now, when someone buys a piece of jewelry, we include the leaf card with it. It's our little way of sharing a piece of Colorado with every customer. The leaves are more than just a display. They represent the heart of this business—resourcefulness, nature, beauty, and handmade detail. No two are ever the same, and neither is any piece of jewelry we sell. So if you've ever wondered why there's a real aspen leaf under your necklace or earrings... now you know. It started with a budget problem, a creative mom, and a love for making something beautiful out of the simplest things. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15546/How-a-Leaf-Became-Our-Signature--The-Story-Behind-Our-Aspen-Leaf-Cards http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15445/Why-We-Sell-Tiaras blog Why We Sell Tiaras (And Why We'll Never Stop) People often walk into our store, spot the tiaras, and ask with a smile: "Wait... why do you sell tiaras?" Well, here's the story. In the fall of 2024, I was at the Denver Gem and Jewelry Show with my younger son. As we walked through the rows of booths, we passed one that was absolutely packed. Women were crowding around, laughing, trying on tiaras like it was the most exciting thing they'd seen all day. I looked at the frenzy, shook my head, and said, "Nope. That's not us. That's outside our scope." So we kept walking. Then came February of 2025, at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. And there he was again—the tiara guy. Same booth, same energy, same crowd of women lighting up as they tried them on. His booth was so packed, I couldn't even get his attention. And once again, everyone with me was saying, "These are so fun!" So I caved. We ordered 30 or 40 tiaras, just to see how it would go. And we sold out. In two weeks. We didn't even have them in stock for spring break. They were gone. Since then, we've sold hundreds. The tiaras have become one of the most unexpected and joyful parts of our store. We get asked all the time who buys them—and people are usually surprised by the answer. Sure, we sell them to little girls and brides. But honestly? Most of our tiara customers are just women who want to have fun. Some buy them for birthdays. Some for bachelorette weekends. And some? Just because it's a random Thursday and they want to feel fabulous. We've even had people start "family tiara" traditions that get passed around for celebrations. Because when someone puts on a tiara, something special happens. They light up. Their friends light up. Suddenly, everyone's smiling, laughing, and feeling just a little more like royalty. There's something absolutely delightful about watching that moment unfold in the store—and that kind of joy? That's what we're here for. So yes—we sell tiaras. And we love them. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15445/Why-We-Sell-Tiaras http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15442/The-Art-Show-Dilemma blog The Art Show Dilemma: Reflecting on Where I Started and Where I Am Now This past weekend, both Winter Park and Grand Lake were buzzing with creativity. Winter Park hosted its beloved Alpine Art Affair—an event I used to look forward to every year—and Grand Lake had a charming craft show set up in Town Center. It was the kind of weekend that brings people out to stroll, shop, and enjoy the unique talent of artists from all over. It also stirred up something that's been on my heart for a while now: the complicated feelings I have about art shows—especially now that I have permanent storefronts in both of these mountain towns. You see, I started at craft shows. That's where it all began for me. Folding tables, pop-up tents, hauling displays from my car, hoping for good weather, and connecting directly with customers—it was hard work, but it was also an important and beautiful chapter in my journey. I wouldn't be where I am today without that experience. But now, as someone with brick-and-mortar stores—stores that are open year-round and part of these communities day in and day out—I see a different side. What I never understood as a traveling artist is how much those art shows can impact the businesses that call these towns home 365 days a year. The reality is, on some of our busiest weekends of the summer—when we rely on strong sales to carry us through slower seasons—our numbers drop dramatically because so many of those dollars go to the temporary shows. Visitors often spend their time and money at the booths, sometimes without ever stepping into the storefronts that are part of the heartbeat of these towns. It's a strange place to be—torn between supporting the community of artists I once belonged to and advocating for the sustainability of the small businesses that anchor these towns. I know how important it is for emerging artists to have access to those shows. They're a launchpad, just like they were for me. And yet, I also know how hard it is to pay rent, payroll, inventory, and everything else that comes with running a full-time retail space. So where's the balance? I don't have a clear answer yet. Maybe it's about better collaboration between towns, art show organizers, and local businesses. Maybe it's about limiting show sizes or setting thoughtful boundaries. Maybe it's just about continuing to have this conversation openly and respectfully. I still support art. I still support artists. And I'll always be grateful for the path that brought me here. But I also believe in nurturing the businesses that are part of the everyday fabric of these communities. To all the fellow makers, artists, shop owners, and customers out there—I see you. And I'm so glad we're in this together. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15442/The-Art-Show-Dilemma http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15436/21-Years-of-Jewelry-Making blog This year marks 21 years since I first picked up my tools and started creating jewelry. It all began in 2004 with a passion for design, metal, and meaning—and like many journeys, it started small. I began by doing art shows, packing up each weekend and heading to events all over Colorado (and beyond). It was fun, exhausting, and fulfilling—but also incredibly demanding. Every weekend meant time away from home and my growing family. After several years on the art show circuit, I made the decision to pivot into wholesale. It was a big step, but it felt right—and at my very first wholesale show, I was met with unexpected and exciting success. That moment changed everything. Suddenly, I was able to reach more people, and more stores, with my designs, and it gave me the flexibility to focus more on the creative side of my business while also being more present at home. As the wholesale business grew, our home could no longer contain it. Jewelry supplies were overtaking every corner! It was time for a new chapter—so we opened our first store in Winter Park, Colorado, the mountain town we called home. This gave us room to grow and a place to connect directly with customers again, something I'd missed from my art show days. In 2021, we opened our second location in Grand Lake, right at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. This location has allowed us to showcase the spirit and inspiration behind so many of our pieces—nature, wildlife, and the rugged beauty of the mountains. Today, we continue to operate both stores, maintain our wholesale partnerships, and create new designs that carry the same passion and meaning that started it all. While we don't make every single piece by hand anymore—there are just too many!—every piece we do make is created with the same heart and intention that launched this journey back in 2004. Thank you for being part of this 21-year adventure. Whether you've been with us since the art show days or just discovered us on your last mountain getaway, we're so glad you're here. And the journey's not over—we're still creating, still growing, and still finding joy in every piece we share with you. Here's to what comes next. Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://altitudejewelry.com/blog/15436/21-Years-of-Jewelry-Making