Adam Neeley.
Photo: COURTESY OF ADAM NEELEY DESIGNS
Creative Mind: Adam Neeley
Known for pushing boundaries and experimenting with innovation, the Californian jewelry designer is showing pieces in his first museum retrospective at Laguna Beach Art Museum through July 29
Driven by a sense of profound curiosity and experimentation, Adam Neeley believes in taking risks and investing time in the discovery process, including searching for rare stones and inventing new techniques. “As a designer, I seek to interpret and abstract the essence and beauty of nature to create unique, wearable art,” says the Laguna Beach, California, talent, whose pieces are on view in his first museum retrospective, at the Laguna Art Museum, through July 29. “To me, there’s nothing more thrilling than pushing my own boundaries and finding innovative new ways to express myself through jewelry.”
Pearl and pavé-set diamond Nautilus earrings. Photo: COURTESY OF ADAM NEELEY DESIGNS
Modern alchemist: Learning from Native American silversmiths early in his career and then later studying metallurgy with European masters in Florence, Neeley has a deep passion for metalsmithing. Through hundreds of experiments, he has developed a special alloy called SpectraGold, which comes in seven gradients of gold and is featured in his recent high-jewelry collection.
Camila Ring. Photo: COURTESY OF ADAM NEELEY DESIGNS
Creative process: “My process isn’t always singular in focus or precisely linear; sometimes this means devoting years to a piece before it’s complete,” says Neeley. “A remarkable gem pushes me to showcase it in a way that best celebrates the stone’s special character.”
“As a designer, I seek to interpret and abstract the essence and beauty of nature to create wearable art”
adam neeley
Source of inspiration: “I’m constantly inspired by the natural world: the curve and proportions of a shell, the gradient colors of the twilight sky, or an extraordinary gemstone—any of these might be the spark that lights a design vision.”
Oriana ring made with an orange sapphire and diamonds. Photo: COURTESY OF ADAM NEELEY DESIGNS
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2024 Spring Issue under the headline “Creative Minds.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: Adam Neeley.
Photo: COURTESY OF ADAM NEELEY DESIGNS
