THE BENCH AND BEYOND: JEWELRY BLOG
The Bench and Beyond is a jewelry blog giving you a glimpse into the world of Fine Art Jewelry. Learn about events, design inspiration, and jewelry news.
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Jewels Making History: The Smithsonian Museum
JEWELS MAKING HISTORY How do gems & minerals become a part of our history? In cultures around the world, articles of jewelry are prized not only for their intrinsic value but also as precious cultural artifacts. From the crown jewels of European kingdoms, to the [...]
Innovative SpectraGold™
INNOVATIVE SpectraGold™ A vision of painting in precious metals inspired Adam to create an innovative new alloy, SpectraGold™. This delicately hand-forged, gradient alloy flows from rich yellow gold into pure white gold. Through years of research, Adam has mastered a proprietary technique, which [...]
Revealing RevaGold™
REVEALING RevaGold™ Like the mythic phoenix, Adam’s newest exclusive gold alloy has arisen smoldering with strength and shining with passion: Introducing RevaGold™. This addition to an expanding palette of unique gold alloys takes its name from Latin, meaning renewed strength. The red tone highlighted in this [...]
Idar-Oberstein and the Gemstone Road
IDAR-OBERSTEIN AND THE GEMSTONE ROAD IDAR-OBERSTEIN, GERMANY Nestled within old-growth forests along the picturesque river Nahe and the rocky faces of the Hunsrueck Mountains lies Idar-Oberstein and the Gemstone Road. For more than 500 years, this quaint corner of southwestern Germany has [...]
Treasure Shared: Somewhere in the Rainbow
TREASURE SHARED | SOMEWHERE IN THE RAINBOW EXHIBITION X ALFIE NORVILLE GEM AND MINERAL MUSEUM A rainbow signaling something extraordinary, bountiful treasure, and mysterious benefactors sharing their riches with the world; This might sound like the stuff of myths and fairy tales, but the truth of [...]
The Magic of Black Diamonds
THE MAGIC OF BLACK DIAMONDS LE CHIC BRACELET The Magic of Black Diamonds captivate with a unique sparkle and mysterious charm. Through jewelry history, these enigmatic beauties were at times overlooked. This might be because of the high level of skill and precision required to [...]
Mystic Moonstone, a Phenomenal Gemstone
MYSTIC MOONSTONE HARMONY PENDANT Moonstone achieves a mystic and magical effect called adularescence when the stones' layers reflect and scatter light. The color is usually white but occasionally blue with an appearance like rolling fog or smoke. For this unusual and spectacular light effect, this [...]
Gorgeous Garnet; Origins, Properties, Lore and More
GORGEOUS GARNET ELLIPSE GARNET RING Although the name garnet likely brings to mind a deep, red wine-color, it's actually a family of gems that vary widely in appearance. Garnets share a common crystal formation and other properties, but within the group, slight differences in chemical [...]
The Colorful Charm of Ametrine; Origins, Formation, and Meaning
The Colorful Charm of Ametrine CONVERGE AMETRINE PENDANT Ametrine seems almost too fantastic to be a natural gem. Its exciting color composition was, however, devised by mother nature. Flaunting vibrant tones of purple and gold, this unique quartz variety is a joy to behold and [...]
Jewelry Design Inspired by Nature
Jewelry Design Inspired by Nature PAPILIO BROOCH Extending far into pre-history, art has always reflected nature. Flora and fauna inspire creatives of every discipline, from musicians and poets to architects and sculptors. As surely today as in the caves of Lascaux, the plants and animals [...]
Pearl Origins, Properties & Quality
Pearl Origins, Properties & Quality Pearl Origins, Properties & Quality. Coveted and collected around the world, the pearl stands out as a unique beauty with rich cultural significance. Pearls have sparked myth, decorated ceremonies, and inspired jewelry for millennia, and yet remain at the forefront of [...]
Included Quartz, Tourmalinated Quartz & Rutilated Quartz
Included Quartz: A Window Into the Past Quartz inclusions open an exciting window into the past. From within the safety of quartz crystals, minerals, liquids, and gases are well-protected from chemical or physical changes. Included quartz may refer to a [...]
Cabochons: from Traditional to Cutting Edge
Cabochons: from Traditional to Cutting Edge A life-long admirer and collector of gem specimens, Adam graduated to cutting and polishing cabochons at age 10. This early experience with lapidary proved formative and lead him to jewelry making in the years that followed. Cabochons, [...]
Introducing VeraGold™
INTRODUCING VeraGold™ COSMOS ANDROMEDA PENDANT We’re very excited to announce Adam’s newest gold-smithing innovation: VeraGold™ . Inspired by the aloe vera plant, Adam sought to make an alloy with a subtle green color. Variations of green-gold have a long and fascinating history, butVeraGold™ is all new. [...]
The Future of Jewelry – American Jewelry Design Council
Evolution Pendant by Adam Neeley, from the AJDC Annual Design Project "Transformation" The Future of Jewelry - American Jewelry Design Council Within creative industries, there is rarely a context for contemporaries set to aside their individual competitive and financial interests to [...]
The Evolution of Earrings
The Evolution of Earrings Earrings are undoubtedly ancient. Archeological evidence shows men and women of Mesopotamia wearing earrings thousands of years before the Common Era. When King Tutankhamun was buried in his finest in 1232 BCE, his ensemble included earrings, which were popular [...]
Tourmaline Origin, Properties, & Lore | Indicolite, Paraiba, Rubellite
THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF TOURMALINE MIDNIGHT SKY RING Tourmaline has an undeniable allure, from rosy rubellite and enchanting emerald-colored, to the exotic, electric-blue Paraíba. This versatile gemstone has been cherished as a talisman and treasure throughout history. Its dazzling range of more [...]
Convergence at the Headley-Whitney Museum
Source: https://www.headley-whitney.org Convergence at the Headley-Whitney Museum In celebration of the Headley-Whitney Museum’s 50th anniversary, a special exhibition called “Convergence” is on display this summer. The show features work by the esteemed American Jewelry Design Council, of which Adam has been a [...]
The Dawn of AlbaGold™ | Alloy Innovation
THE DAWN OF AlbaGold™ SUNBURST BROOCH/PENDANT The early hours of the day are rich with inspiration for designer Adam Neeley, sparking the Dawn of AlbaGold™ . Filled with form and color, dreams have been an important source of creative inspiration throughout his life. Upon waking, [...]
Stephen Avery: Director of Light
STEPHEN AVERY: DIRECTOR OF LIGHT When it comes to gemstone cutting, the touch of a master cannot be taught. Stephen Avery's work is an outstanding example of how that touch transforms a technical task into an art form. A marriage of rigorous training and intuition allows [...]
Life in Stone – An Exploration of Fossilized Gemstones
Life in Stone - An Exploration of Fossilized Gemstones The geological wealth of our world, including jewels and minerals, is typically considered to be quite separate from organic life. Some exceptional fossilized gemstones, however, peel away time to defy this categorization by showing us life in stone. [...]
The Cosmos Collection
The Cosmos Collection What we can see of the universe has fascinated, inspired, and humbled man throughout history. As humans, our days may be filled with technology and culture, which seem to elevate us in the natural world. When we gaze into the night sky however, this [...]
The Art of Adornment
The Art of Adornment Humans have been adorning themselves with treasure since long before recorded history. The spirit which moved our ancestors to fashion beads from Nassarius shells 100,000 years ago still captures the human imagination. Beginning with the iron age and extending to present day, culture [...]
TEFAF New York 2017
The Jewels of TEFAF New York 2017 The TEFAF New York 2017 art and collectibles show presented a thrilling selection of some of the world's finest creative and historical works of art. TEFAF welcomed connoisseurs to view this year's carefully vetted exhibition from October 27th - November [...]
The Story of South Sea Glow Pendant
THE STORY OF SOUTH SEA GLOW PENDANT Adam Neeley’s pendant entitled South Sea Glow, a part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection, is the product of timeless design, innovative technique, and inspiration derived from nature's beauty. While living in Florence, Italy, designer Adam Neeley [...]
Classical Craftsmanship, Modern Innovation
Classical Craftsmanship, Modern Innovation In his own words, designer Adam Neeley describes his approach to balancing classical craftsmanship and modern innovation: During my studies in Italy, I apprenticed under master Italian goldsmith Gio Carbone. He taught me hand forging and finishing techniques passed down through generations of [...]
Inspirational Erté
Inspirational Erté ''I'm in a different world, a dream world that invites oblivion. People take drugs to achieve such freedom from their daily cares. I've never taken drugs. I've never needed them.'' -Erté While developing his newest Couture collection, including the works featured here, Adam drew inspiration from [...]
Enigmatic Black Jade
ENIGMATIC BLACK JACE NIGHT STAR BROOCH Enigmatic, strong, and beautiful, Jade has been sought and coveted since prehistory. Stone Age craftsman favored this tough and lustrous gem when fashioning weapons, talismans and tools. Jade has been celebrated through the ages not only for it's tangible properties, but [...]
Adam Introduces His Newest Couture Collection
Adam Introduces His Newest Couture Collection In his own words, designer Adam Neeley describes the inspiration for his newest collection of Couture Jewelry: As an artist, it's my quest to find and create harmonious balance. I perpetually challenge myself to create a precise combination of gemstone to [...]
The Grapes of Burgundy Wine Event
The Grapes of Burgundy Wine Event On Saturday, October 22nd from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at his Laguna Beach gallery, Adam hosted a private wine event for his collector's circle, the Grapes of Burgundy. Guided by sommelier Michaela Hightower, guests in attendance sampled select Burgundian wines [...]
About Opal, Origins, Properties, What Causes Fire or Play of Light
Opal, A Fiery Muse One of the original “precious gemstones,” opals have been celebrated and coveted through the ages. For their lively light-play and rainbow colors, opal is unlike any other gemstone. One of four so-called phenomenal gemstones, they exhibit a unique light [...]
2015 Couture Release and Muse Party
2015 Couture Release and Muse Party On Friday, November 20th, 2015 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at his San Francisco gallery, Adam hosted a party to unveil a dazzling new collection of Couture Jewelry. This event was also a celebration of five fabulous women who have inspired [...]
FOA Re(F)Use Fashion Show
FOA RE(F)USE FASHION SHOW At the 2016 Re(F)Use Fashion Show, the Festival of Arts's 8th annual runway show, Adam Neeley took top honors for his dress "Maven of the Movies", worn by model Julie Holmes. The elegant, award-winning gown was hand-crafted from over 500 feet of VHS tape. [...]
Men’s Collection Debut and Cocktail Party
MEN'S COLLECTION DEBUT AND COCKTAIL PARTY On Wednesday, May 25th, 2016, Adam hosted a debut party for his new Men’s Collection. Thanks to all who joined us for this fabulous evening.
Jewelry Appreciation: Designer JAR
JEWELRY APPRECIATION: DESIGNER JAR I was pleased to hear some recent auction news. Two pair of gorgeous, intricately pavéd earrings by the unparalleled JAR were just auctioned by Sotheby's. Each fetched a price more than five times higher than sale projections. As an admirer of JAR, I [...]
The Munsteiner Lapidary Legacy
THE MUNSTEINER LAPIDARY LEGACY CONVERGE AMETRINE PENDANT Atelier Munsteiner is a multi-generational German lapidary house world renowned for their innovative colored gemstone cutting techniques. Among many distinctions, Bernd Munsteiner is credited with inventing the Fantasy Cut. Today, Bernd's son Tom continues this dazzling legacy, heading [...]
The Story of Paraiba Tourmaline
THE STORY OF PARAIBA TOURMALINE Rare paraiba tourmaline has captivated gemstone lovers from around the world and commanded a higher price by weight than diamonds. The tale of this gemstone’s discovery only enhances its mystique. In the early 1980s the Mina da Batalha, a dilapidated [...]
Want to see more Adam Neeley Jewelry?
Explore our most popular and versatile Fine Jewelry, our unique Limited Edition Jewelry and Adam Neeley’s most technically ambitious and visually dramatic High Jewels.
From his Laguna Beach studio, designer and goldsmith Adam Neeley pushes the boundaries of modern jewelry design. Born a gem-lover and educated at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America and Le Art Orafe, Adam has spent his life mastering the craft and art form of jewelry making and design. As a member of the American Jewelry Design Council, Adam is honored to share his expertise and passion with the world. His award-winning jewelry is celebrated by jewelry collectors, industry authorities, including MJSA and AGTA, and the Smithsonian Institution. We invite you to learn more by visiting our About Adam and Welcome pages.
From his Laguna Beach studio, designer and goldsmith Adam Neeley continues to push the boundaries of modern jewelry design. A lifelong gem-lover educated at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America and Le Art Orafe, Adam has dedicated his career to mastering the complex art form of fine jewelry making. His innovative, award-winning pieces are celebrated by collectors and leading industry authorities alike, including MJSA and AGTA. As a proud member of the American Jewelry Design Council, he is honored to share his expertise and passion with a global audience.
Adam’s visionary designs have earned a place in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution and were recently celebrated in a 2024 solo exhibition at the Laguna Art Museum. You can explore these cultural milestones on our Museums, Exhibitionss & Collections page. His work has also captivated mainstream media, with high-profile features in The New York Times, Financial Times, and other leading publications highlighted on our Press page. We invite you to learn more about his design philosophy and extensively documented career by visiting our About and Welcome pages.