10,000 Hours or What Drives Craft? at NYC Jewelry Week 2026

Mastery takes more than hours. Experts from the craft world discuss how passion and innovation shape art.

We’ve all heard of the 10,000-hour rule, the idea that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field. But what truly makes an expert? Beyond skill, it’s an understanding of tradition, respect for materials, a drive to innovate, and, above all, a passion for the practice. Join three distinct voices in the jewelry world, Jamie Bennett, Marion Delarue, and Beau McCall, for a conversation exploring how research, experimentation, and curiosity shape their practices. Moderated by Bella Neyman, this discussion celebrates both the hand and the mind of the artist.