Kristen Dawes

BA 2011, Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts

Bench Jeweler, Tiffany & Co.
Lexington, KY

Kristen Dawes is a graduate of Purdue University and the Gemological Institute of America. She received her B.A. in Fine Arts with concentrations in jewelry making and metal-smithing from Purdue in 2009. After graduating from Purdue, she earned her Graduate Jeweler degree from the GIA in Carlsbad, California. She later earned an Accredited Jewelry Professional degree, and Graduate Pearls certification through the GIA™’s distance learning programs. After completing her degree at the GIA in California, she gained her first position in the jewelry industry with RW Manufacturing Co. in Rochester, New York. There she made jewelry for the David Yurman Collection and gained her first experience in the luxury jewelry market.

In 2013, Kristen moved to Lexington, Kentucky to work for Tiffany & Co. She now works in the Fine Jewelry and Engagement department for Tiffany & Co. as a diamond setter. Kristen also allows her creative passions to thrive in her home goldsmith studio, where she creates and designs fine jewelry.

In addition to her professional endeavors, she serves as leader in her church high school youth group program and as the Club Service Committee Chair for the Rotaract Club of Lexington.