The Studio

James-Ben: Design/Artisan — an award-winning,
internationally collected jewelry studio since 1972

Our Work | Logo Jewelry | In the News

Greeneville's regional art center, James-Ben Studio & Gallery houses not only the work of numerous artists and fine-craft artisans, but also a working jewelry studio. Combining the talents of partners James-Ben Stockton and Daniel Luther, the studio of James-Ben: Designer/Artisan has for many years produced both commissioned one-of-a-kind jewelry in gold, silver, and platinum, as well as artisan production lines featuring logo images from businesses, organizations, and historic communities.

The two have collaborated in jewelry design and production for more than twenty years. "We use the word 'bottega' to describe our process," says Daniel. "The word refers to the Renaissance masters who divided the elements of their commissions among their apprentices according to their talent and skill level." Adds James-Ben, "From design to final polish, there are many steps to creating jewelry. We each do the steps at which we are best, which means every finished piece has both sets of hands involved."

"Our awareness of history has a personal application for many of our clients," says James-Ben. "Within the studio creativity, my favorite experience is a process called 'Contemporary Heirlooms.' For lack of a better term, we 're-incarnate' a client's legacy gold and stones. This is particularly applicable in the creation of wedding jewelry. Brides and grooms are frequently offered family rings to use for their wedding, which at times can become somewhat awkward. How does the couple choose a personal reflection of themselves while honoring these family gifts? Our contemporary heirloom process recombines all that family history into a set of rings that expresses the new couple's preferences while celebrating the merging of the families."

James-Ben Stockton is an award-winning, internationally collected designer/artisan who has operated his jewelry studio since 1972. Luther directs his theatrical and writing skills toward promoting the arts in all forms. Together, they opened James-Ben Studio and Gallery in 1992. Their work is presently in private collections in 30 states and 8 countries, primarily in North America and Europe.