A Student of the Garden

Some of Adam’s earliest memories include time spent in the garden with his mother. Caring for plants also meant admiring their beauty. Each exquisitely proportioned flower and the concert of colors in a garden evidenced nature’s magnificence. Replete with elegant forms and harmonious color combinations, the living world radiates intrinsic beauty.

Adam on Design Inspiration

“Growing up in the mountains of Colorado, I enjoyed a childhood exploring the outdoor world around me. One of my favorite regions in the state, the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, is home to some of the most awe-inspiring vistas in the world. From majestic peaks of crimson and gold, to fields of wildflowers blooming for just a few weeks in an explosion of color, inspiration abounded. The area is rich not only in wildlife but also in minerals. The excitement of finding gems, buried treasure, ignited my imagination and began my career in the gem and jewelry world.

As my collection of gems and minerals grew, I took the next step into stone cutting, which I began at age 10. Studying with local rock hounds and lapidary artists, I learned to transform rough gemstone discoveries into polished cabochons. Cutting open stones, discovering interesting patterns and colors within, and shaping them into free-form gemstones thrilled me. As my training progressed, I learned to turn these cabochons into jewelry. I started in silver with a local, southwestern style. Over the next two years, I shifted toward a modern aesthetic, and the early Adam Neeley designs were born. So it was that my childhood hobby grew naturally into a passionate and life-long career.

I still find great inspiration from nature, particularly plants and flowers. The countless color combinations and graceful forms keep me captivated. Walking along the ocean side in Laguna Beach, there are many varieties of succulents to see. The Aloe Vera, a particular favorite of mine, inspired an important creative innovation. I sought to capture its cool green hue in gold, resulting in VeraGold™. This unique green gold alloy is an exciting addition to my design repertoire, as it complements many gemstones with subtlety and balance.”

– Adam Neeley

Award-Winning Design Inspiration

Many of Adam’s most memorable and lauded designs draw directly from natural influences. The undulating forms which seem to splash against the stunning aquamarine center-stone in Oceana pendant (left) were inspired by the waves while the gemstone’s color evokes the refreshing feeling of cool water. Fiore del Mare ring (center), winner of a Tahitian Pearl Trophy, owes it’s shape to the gracefully opening petals of a flower in bloom, while showcasing the 360-degree beauty of a Tahitian pearl, one of nature’s treasures. South Sea Glow pendant (right), winner of a CPAA President’s Trophy, is truly a celebration of pearls. The gradient color scheme gives a sense of illumination while showcasing the stunning array of tones on nature’s palette.