Events & Awards

Fla. Jeweler Takes Top Prize in Stuller’s Bench Battle

Events & AwardsApr 06, 2016

Fla. Jeweler Takes Top Prize in Stuller’s Bench Battle

David Adamson of Lynn Haven, Fla. was selected as the overall winner at the Battle of the Benches held over the weekend at Stuller’s headquarters.

20160405_Stuller-article.jpg
The four bench jewelers competed out in the open on Stuller’s demo floor, where other jewelers attending the Bench Jeweler Workshop could watch. Their work was projected on large flat-screen monitors mounted above their stations.

Lafayette, La.--Four jewelers spent hours hunched over their benches in Lafayette, La. this past weekend, as Stuller held its first Battle of the Benches jewelry-making competition.

As the competition kicked off on Friday morning in Lafayette, Stuller Vice President of Merchandising Tammy Kidder noted that the company had more than 40 bench jewelers apply to compete in the Battle of the Benches, which took place during the company’s annual Bench Jeweler Workshop.

From the applicants, Stuller selected four competitors: David Adamson of David Adamson Designer Jewelry in Lynn Haven, Fla.; Patrick Dobbs of Dianna Rae Jewelry in Lafayette; Craig Farley of FCF Jewelry Design in Roanoke, Va.; and Jonathan Smiddy of Acori Diamonds & Design in Friendswood, Texas.

The first of three challenges the bench jewelers faced was the CAD and Render Challenge, taking their design cues from a hypothetical customer: a young woman in her mid-20s who needed a cocktail ring for an upcoming special event, and loves the beach and the color blue.


A shot of the wax molds made from the jewelers’ computer-crafted designs; Stuller later cast these for the competitors. They are the designs of, from left, Adamson, Dobbs, Farley and Smiddy.
They had most of Friday to use CAD to create a design that Stuller then cast for them.

The first half of day two, Saturday, brought the Parts and Pieces Challenge, which was the jewelry-making equivalent of the Food Network’s Chopped. The bench jewelers were presented with a square piece of metal, some wire and gemstones, and had the morning to create a design from it.

The Polishing and Finishing Challenge took place Saturday afternoon, with the jewelers putting the finishing touches on the cocktail rings that they started Friday.   

Adamson notched victories in both the CAD and Render and the Parts and Pieces challenges, and was named the event’s overall winner as well.

Smiddy took home top prize in Polishing and Finishing.

The Battle of the Benches took place during Stuller’s annual Bench Jeweler Workshop, held April 1 to 3 at the company’s headquarters in Lafayette.

Stuller said that more than 200 jewelers and 20 industry professionals attended this year’s workshop, which also included education sessions on topics such as diamond grading, improving profit margin with repairs and visual merchandising.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Gina Drosos, Joan Hilson, and Jamie Singleton
EditorsMar 18, 2024
Q&A: Signet CEO Gina Drosos on Natural Diamonds

Drosos shared her top takeaways from a recent Botswana trip and her insights into the natural diamond market.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsMar 18, 2024
Claire’s to Launch in 4,400 Walgreens Stores

The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 18, 2024
JA Partners with eBay on New Member Benefit

Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Brilliant Earth x Logan Hollowell Bloom earrings
FinancialsMar 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth Posts Record Sales, Orders in 2023

CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Arkansas crater of diamonds eclipse tickets
SourcingMar 15, 2024
Crater of Diamonds State Park Selling Eclipse Tickets

Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.

Lotus Tiara
CollectionsMar 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: The Lotus Tiara

The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.

GIA id100
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingMar 14, 2024
De Beers Says Retailers Are ‘Restocking Conservatively’

The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingMar 14, 2024
GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego

The spring application window closes on March 31.

15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond
AuctionsMar 14, 2024
Phillips Hong Kong to Auction 15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond

It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.

Slick Rick
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2024
A Celebration of Hip-Hop Jewelry Is Coming to AMNH

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.

Dave Meleski
MajorsMar 13, 2024
Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair

He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day kids jewelry contest
IndependentsMar 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Is Holding a Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest for Kids

Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.

Boucheron Power of Couture
CollectionsMar 13, 2024
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Pays Homage to Ceremony, History

“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.

Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsMar 12, 2024
Top Lots Don’t Sell at Sotheby’s Signed Jewels Auction

A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMar 12, 2024
The PR Adviser: Closing Sales and Following Up

Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.

Steve Webb
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company

He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.

Diamonds Do Good Awards logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2024
DDG to Honor 3 Industry Veterans in Vegas

At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.

Cynthia Erivo
EditorsMar 11, 2024
This Year’s Oscars Jewelry Was the Definition of Glamour

Vibrant gemstones, layered diamond pieces and brooches with a story stole the show.

2024 Gem Awards audience
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2024
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community

The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.

Jewelry from designers Jean Prounis, Marla Aaron, and Marie Lichtenberg
CollectionsMar 08, 2024
Pieces of the Week: Gem Award for Jewelry Design Nominees

They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.

Peter Montalbano
Events & AwardsMar 08, 2024
Peter Montalbano to Receive JSA Industry Service Award

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.

Pomellato International Women’s Day video campaign
Policies & IssuesMar 08, 2024
Pomellato’s 2024 IWD Video Calls for an End to Violence Against Women

The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.

970x250.jpg
Supplier BulletinMar 07, 2024
Empower Your Team with IGI’s Comprehensive Educational Services

Sponsored by IGI

Eddie Grove
IndependentsMar 07, 2024
‘Old-School’ Jewelry Salesman Eddie Grove Dies at 81

The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.

A selection of engagement rings
TrendsMar 07, 2024
5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2024

From three-stone rings to fancy shapes, experts weigh in on what consumers could be looking for this year.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy