Allen started studying lapidary arts over thirty years ago while living in Southern Africa. After returning to Kentucky, he started a small lapidary business, A JEWELL, in 1975, cutting cabachons and making simple settings. He studied silversmithing through Adult Education in Louisville, Kentucky, the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in Young Harris, Georgia, and Wildacres Workshops in Little Switzerland, North Carolina. Today, his business has grown to include faceting and gold and silver work in addition to the cabochon cutting from which his work began.

Allen’s work is generally classed as “fabricated,” in that he starts with sheet and wire in sterling silver or 14K gold. Often his gold and silver work showcases exquisite semi-precious gems that he has cut or faceted. His work also includes channel work, intarsia, specialty chain fabrication, and wire wrap.

AFFILIATIONS and JURIES: Allen is a member of:
Kyana Geological Society, Inc., Louisville, KY
Bluegrass Gem and Mineral Club, Lexington, KY
Rockhounds of Central Kentucky, Inc., Lexington, KY
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen
Kentucky Craft Marketing Program

TEACHING: Allen regularly teaches cabachon cutting, faceting, and silversmithing at:
Wildacres, Little Switzerland, NC
William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, Young Harris, GA
And at his workshop in Versailles,

KY GALLERIES: Allen has work displayed at the following galleries:
Damselfly Gallery, Midway, KY
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, Berea, KY
Completely Kentucky, Frankfort, KY
Whitehall State Historic Park
Constitution Square Gift Shop, Danville, KY
Kentucky Backroads, Louisville, KY