The son of a master jeweler and watchmaker, David Adamson brings a wealth of expertise to the bench. At a young 16, he started working at his father’s store, Jimmy Adamson’s Jewelry. It was during this time, when a friend of his father and great jeweler, offered him an apprenticeship. Starting from the bottom taught David all the important skills that every bench jeweler needs to succeed. Today, he is the proud owner of David Adamson Designer Jewelry.
David enjoys hand fabricating. In his own words, “The real pleasure is in having a rolling mill, some precious metal and gemstones, and just letting the imagination run wild.” Bench work is his ultimate passion. Whether it’s simple design or something highly complicated, seeing that finished piece of jewelry that he’s made brings a great sense of satisfaction.
David knows that the Battle of the Benches competition will be exceptional, and that it will be a true challenge. However, he’s been under pressure all his life. When it comes to being in a stressful setting, he says “I do my best work when my back is against the wall.”
When not at the bench, David loves to help people study the Bible. He also likes to sail, snow ski, travel, and hang out with his beautiful wife, kids, and gorgeous granddaughter.
Being in the jewelry industry for 39 years has taught David how to adapt to change. He knows it’s a new, ever-growing retail landscape and he’s constantly attending CAD training seminars and technology fairs to stay abreast of current changes.
To see what the other three contestants are up against, here is some of David’s work:
David created this six inch long solid gold object d’art of a nude. It is suspended from flowing waves of silver and supporting a cherry Mexican fire opal star in her outstretched hands. The star is removable and can be worn as a pendant.
A custom design for a local customer that wanted something unique done with her mother’s emerald. This was a CAD design and carved in 3 pieces with a Roland JWX30, cast in 18k gold, set and finished by David Adamson.
This was a large 16 x 13 mm genuine Morganite that the customer wanted a custom halo setting for with the gallery to be domed with pave’ swirls. CAD designed in RhinoGold, 3D printed in 3 pieces, cast, set, assembled and finished by David Adamson.
David fabricated this piece for a good friend, using a large Madeira citrine, diamonds, and a long freeform blue drusy chrysocoll he got in Tucson. This enhancer was entirely made of 14K white & yellow gold.
Which is your favorite David Adamson piece? Tell us in the comment section below.
