MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
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.
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.
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.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
