Kat Cadegan

My road to metalsmithing began in India in 2006. Surrounded by the gems and rich tradition of silversmithing, I took my first of what was to become many jewellery courses. In the chaos and beauty, I found my medium. Following India, I headed to the mountains of northern Mexico. I studied for two years under the maniacal eye of Master Silversmith, Billy King in San Miguel de Allende. After completing my studies in Mexico, I returned to Canada to continue my education at the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, BC. In 2012, I had the opportunity to combine both of my passions, travel and metalsmithing, by teaching in silversmithing in Shanghai. 

Eventually setting my roots down in Revelstoke, I am fortunate to work alongside a small and dedicated team. A passion for the environment and humanitarian causes are at the forefront of my business. These ethics inform my business practices and have me constantly striving to do better and give more. In our last fiscal year, we raised and donated over $37,000 to local and international charities and aid organizations. Most recently, we raised funds to support the aid for Turkey and Syria. My heart was broken, and as a mom, knowing children were caught in the disaster, I needed to do whatever small thing I could to help. We sold raffle tickets for one of our Arabella rings for $20, with all monies raised ($6,600) going to Doctors Without Borders, who are on the ground administering critical life-saving care. 

My vision is to challenge the status quo: To lead with ethics over bottom lines and inspire people to make more conscious choices. Jewellery is my way to form connections and share my passions with the world. I create pieces to celebrate life’s moments, to hold memories and to bring beauty into the world.

With two young children, I take pride in working hard to bring my dreams- my business- into reality. I have worked and run my business through both of my pregnancies and both of my children are frequently in and around my studio. Weaving the demands of being a mother and an entrepreneur together is a delicate balance. While many days are challenging, I know that I am setting a positive example for my children.

Kat’s work is available here in Fernie at Coal Town Goods, online at katcadegan. com and in her Revelstoke boutique. 

Follow her at @katcadegan on Instagram.