American Beauty: Kim Klass Design
By Maureen Herron
Artist Kim Klass lives the imagery she creates in her custom jewelry designs. Klass integrated the panache of L.A. and the appeal of Western cowgirl into her spirit as she moved in her early years from Southern California to Idaho, then to Nevada, and six years ago to Arizona. The glitz and glamour of over-the-top gems with historic Americana merge in Klass’s designs that range from custom diamond, ruby, or sapphire-gemstone bracelets; custom “brand” jewelry; charm necklaces; filigree cuff bracelets; ornate wedding rings; and saddle and bridle trim featuring pearl conchos.
| Ranch-brand custom jewelry is a niche market for Klass. She creates jewelry art with gold and silver, hand-engraving, filigree, and faceted gemstones and pearls fused with the ranch’s brand, logo, or initial to create a collectible heirloom. | |
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Klass’s “cowgirl tennis bracelets” are individually designed signature-engraved sterling-silver cuff bracelets overlaid with a 14-karat gold band set with diamonds. The bracelets are available in three wrist sizes and a selection of bracelet and gemstone widths. The cowgirl tennis bracelet is art that’s made to be worn on all occasions, and is a durable and enduring investment.
Klass’s Star and Cross line portrays an unusual application of the Southwest concho, mixing pearls and silver for bridle buckles, chap conchos, and spur straps. Matching earrings, pendants, chokers, and scarf slides are also available.
Other custom specialty items that Klass designs include ornate gun grips, diamond wedding rings, money clips, and reining- or cutting-horse designs. |
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“Designing and producing jewelry has brought much joy to my life,” Klass says. “I never tire of the constant scrollwork that embellishes every piece. I love the intricate detail. Improving and blending those nostalgic designs of the American West with classic shapes and colorful jewels is the essence of my work. This hardy, made-to-be-worn jewelry elegantly offers a passionate link with the past that can be treasured today and passed on as heirlooms to future generations.”
Klass’s work can be found at Blazing Saddles as well as in select national and international galleries and shops. She also designs a line of jewelry for Extasia, a California-based Victorian-style jewelry company.
“The traditional Western design came from Victorian scroll patterns, which are small and ornate,” Klass said. “The only difference is the size—Western designs are larger and a little more open.” The Kim Klass designs for Extasia feature brilliant colorful glass intaglios, cameos, and whimsical necklaces with a combination of key, horseshoe, star, and lock charms intermingled with pearls.
Klass produces custom work for clients, and will go to great lengths to discuss their specific needs, even traveling on occasion to the client’s home or workplace to finalize design requests and requirements.
Klass enjoys attending cutting horse events in the United States, and deals on a frequent basis with performance-horse enthusiasts. She is a member of the Arizona Cutting Horse Association and the Cave Creek Cutting Horse Association, and often meets with trade clients at the organizations’ shows.
American Beauty is an apt reference for Klass’s life and work—work that can be worn every day, evoking the spirit of Americana that is unique to each American who inspired the creation of a Kim Klass design.
Kim Klass Design is located at 51815 N. Forepaugh Peak Rd. in Wickenburg, Arizona (928) 685-4720. To view and purchase Kim Klass’s designs and contact the artist, visit kimklassdesign.com.