BLACK BEAR BOUTIQUE
Mary Palumbo / Leadville, CO / Handmade Copper Jewelry
Mary’s designs are all shaped by hand from pure copper wire, hammered, filed smooth, and wire-wrapped with gemstones. Copper is Mary’s favorite metal because of its earthy, warm tones and ability to develop a unique patina. No two pieces will age the same, making copper jewelry completely one of a kind. Copper can be cleaned with a polish cloth, but it will retain its patina. Mary’s shop name, Black Bear Jewelry Design, was born out the connection she feels with the black bear as a symbol of introspection, solitude and strength.
In addition to creating art, Mary works full time for Get Outdoors Leadville, a local non-profit that creates more equitable access to the outdoors within the Lake County Community. She is an avid outdoor adventurer and has been working in the outdoor industry for over a decade as an environmental educator, raft guide, snowboard instructor, ropes course facilitator and zipline guide. Mary wears jewelry as a way to feel empowered as a strong, independent female in the outdoor community and loves sharing her work so others can feel beautiful while they are out adventuring!
