Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

then moved through the years, “shifting and becoming less Southwestern, more contemporary, and moving into golden and fi ne work,” Neeley says. What has remained consistent throughout all of Neeley’s work, however, is his deep connection to nature and its in fl uence on his jewelry. From the Colorado mountains to his base of 18 years in Laguna Beach, the natural surroundings have been an ever-present source of inspiration. His most recent high jewelry line, the Cyclades collection, paid tribute to the ancient charm of Aegean Islands landscapes, with the standout Tonna Galea earrings inspired by a shell Neeley discovered during a vacation in Greece. Yet, that connection to his roots doesn’t prevent Neeley from looking to the future and to technolo g y to advance his craft. Neeley’s current focus is expanding beyond working with gold, into other materials like titanium for its lightweight nature and potential for a spectrum of color possibilities. “The parts are being 3D printed in Belgium by an aerospace company,” he adds. “And when I contacted them, I said, ‘I know this isn’t usual, and I’m a jeweler, but let’s give this a try.’” Of course, Neeley beams with excitement at the science of it all; its dream vision origin is certainly pioneering.

adamneeley.com