Judith Neugebauer has worked as a jeweler since 1974. Prior to that, she was trained in classical ballet, having studied extensively with the American Ballet Theater in New York City. She performed professionally in the Ballet Corp at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and with the New Jersey Ballet company, as well as in musical theater productions throughout the country for ten years.


Daffodil Necklace
Necklace with lines drawn in 23k gold leaf on forged and hollow formed leaves of sterling silver. Accented with a pearl. 16"L fine silver cable. (Click on the pic.)
$400

Judith's jewelry is made of die-formed, brushed sterling silver with an overlay of 23k gold leaf applied in sweeping, calligraphic strokes. Many pieces are enhanced with beautiful freshwater pearls and Australian boulder opals set in 22k gold. Recently, she has made extensive use of oxidized and sandblasted sterling silver to create a rich charcoal-black patina that contrasts even more dramatically with 23k gold lines.


Winterberry Pendant
Pendant with calligraphic lines drawn in 23k gold leaf on two pillows of domed and hollow-formed oxidized sterling silver. Accented with a Tahitian freshwater pearl.
$430

Judith's work is widely exhibited and collected, having been featured in Fine Craft Galleries, Museum Stores, and Juried Exhibitions throughout the US since 1985. Of special note was her selection to participate in the 1999 Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC. She was selected as a Juror for the prestigious American Crafts Council shows in 1996, and has served as Juror for a number of other regional fine craft shows.


Orbit Earrings
Earrings hand-fabricated from sterling silver with 23k gold leaf and pearl accents. 14k gold post backs.
$205

Judith was educated at Farleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, and studied jewelry making with Austin Goodwin at Kean College in Union, New Jersey. She also studied both jewelry and ceramics at the New Jersey Center for Visual Arts in Summit, New Jersey. She lives and works with her husband, Tom Neugebauer, a nationally known ceramic artist and sculptor.

The many years Judith spent as a dancer have given her an appreciation of form, line, and movement. These influences have inspired her as an artist, and have been translated into her work as a jeweler. Her explorations with clay in the early eighties introduced her to an Oriental aesthetic, that can be seen in the calligraphic use of gold-leaf and colored metal inlay in her jewelry designs.

Artist Statement

A previous career in classical ballet and theater instilled within me a deep awareness and appreciation for movement, line, and balance. These are the classical qualities I have always tried to incorporate into my jewelry designs...and in my life.

My work is individually fabricated using sterling silver with an overlay of 23k gold leaf. Many pieces also incorporate freshwater pearls and Australian boulder opals set in 22k gold. Die-formed hollow elements create visual depth, yet the overall concern with lightness and movement remain central to my approach. A recent development has been the use of oxidized, sandblasted sterling silver with 23k gold leaf to create an even more dramatic surface.