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. Fossil gemstones are a captivating window into the past, formed when minerals replace the organic [...]
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 truth is undeniable: Our presence in the universe is vanishingly small, yet we are a [...]
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 has developed parallel to a growing knowledge of metal, unlocking advances in jewelry-making along with [...]
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 1st. Adam flew to NYC for the renowned show. He was delighted and inspired by [...]
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 sketched a curvaceous form which would later become South Sea Glow Pendant. As an artist [...]
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 jewelers, spanning back to the Renaissance period. My South Sea Glow pendant, now a part [...]
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 the life and work of designer Erté. The life [...]
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 also as a source of metaphysical power; forging a connection to heaven and healing the [...]
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 metal and form to function. In both my symmetrical and asymmetrical work I strive for [...]
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 alongside food pairings while learning more about the exceptional fruits of this famous wine-making region. [...]
