About

I was 28 years old when I graduated from Arizona State University, with a degree in Design Studies.  I had put off finishing school until my husband and I settled down somewhere.  We moved around quite a bit for few years.  While I lived in Minneapolis, I took a dovetailing class from a hockey player with missing teeth.  While I lived in Boston, I took a wood working class from graduates of the North Bennet Street School.  Then these two New Jersey natives ended up in the desert and made it home.  At ASU, I had to get special permission to take an intro metalsmithing class, and I fell in love.  This is when I decided I was going to start my own jewelry business.  It started out one way and has evolved into something I’m proud of and cherish. Metalsmithing is my passion and my means of self- expression. Every piece is quite literally a product of my blood, sweat, and tears. My last name is Tornabene. I think two people have ever pronounced it correctly. So when I was deciding on a name for my brand, I wanted something short and easy. T. Bene Jewelry was born. Unfortunately, T. Bene isn’t all that easy to pronounce either. Life is funny that way.

I work with 14k-22k gold, sterling/fine silver, and precious/semi-precious natural stones. I hand fabricate all my pieces, instead of cast. My process allows me to connect to each piece, making them unique and special. 

Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate my customers and anyone who takes an interest in my work.

-Renee