BridalJewelry

Etienne Perret's Gem Ceramic, A New Way To Set Stones

Filed under: Jewelry

For thousands of years there has been one main way to set gemstones for jewelry, by using metals. One jeweler is testing that with a new method. Etienne Perret has begun using gem ceramic to create gemstones and jewelry. Etienne's Gem Ceramic, is made of Zirconia ceramic, which is said to be hard as sapphire and practically scratch and shatterproof. It's the same sort of material that is used in the ceramic knives I covet every time I see Ming Tsai using them on his cooking show. The ceramic is molded and cast as a powder. The process of setting diamonds and other gemstones is done by inserting 18K gold tubes into holes in the ceramic. In some designs the holes or groves pre-molded but in others they drill the holes, but you can only drill them using diamond bits. It's perhaps most striking in black but the Etienne's Gem Ceramic collection bands are available in black, white, pink, blue and brown with a choice of polished or matte finish (or a combination in some cases). No other colors are currently available but they can make whatever color the customer asks for.

The pieces weigh less than traditional precious metal designs of equal volume. The thick bands are basically indestructible, so much so that they can't really be engraved. One caveat, rings can not be resized. Etienne will replace Gem Ceramic rings for a new size up to twice a year (due to seasonal finger fluctuations) for little or no charge other than shipping. The ceramic stock rings are fairly inexpensive, the largest portion of the price for the diamond Gem Ceramic designs is the diamonds, followed by the the 18kt gold or platinum it is set in and the setting labor itself.

As for the diamonds, Etienne Perret also specializes in both natural color diamonds and "color-enhanced" stones as well as laboratory-created HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) diamonds in an affordable rainbow of colors. Read more about Etienne Perret designs on his blog.

Gallery: Etienne Perret Rings

Tags: bridal jewelry, BridalJewelry, diamond rings, DiamondRings, etienne perret, EtiennePerret, gem ceramic, GemCeramic

Diamond In The Rough Bridal Collection

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Diamond in the Rough, the jewelry collection that features natural rough diamonds is officially launching a bridal collection to hit retail stores this fall. The collection consists of nine solitaire ring designs and also includes natural rough diamond and micro pavé diamond bands available in platinum, 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold. Because each of the rough stones has its own idiosyncratic shape each ring is hand-crafted and designed around the stone. The collection ranges from $4,500-$10,000 retail, with special pieces over $10,000 and bands starting at $2,000 retail. The bridal collection is available at Neiman Marcus and other retailers.

Gallery: Diamond In The Rough Bridal Collection

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Tags: bridal jewelry, BridalJewelry, diamond in the rough, DiamondInTheRough, diamonds, jewelry

Jewelry Designer Takes His Store To eBay

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Many haute jewelry designers balk at selling their wares on eBay for fear it might devalue their brand. The popular auction site is usually the domain of resellers but designer Jean Dousset has launched his own store on eBay, JeanDoussetDiamonds.com. The store features high-end diamond engagement rings.

Dousset has designed for stars including Amy Adams and Eva Longoria Parker. National Jeweler says that Dousset decided to offer his rings on eBay while he was building his own e-commerce site. The site offers wedding bands and earrings as well as Dousset's engagement rings. The rings are set in Dousset's Beverly Hills workshop and each is stamped with the Jean Dousset hallmark. The ring shown above is listed at $14,900.

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Tags: bridal jewelry, BridalJewelry, ebay, engagement rings, EngagementRings, jean dousset, JeanDousset

New Bridal Jewelry Collection from Anne Bowen

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

While debuting her new bridal gown collection at The Plaza on April 5, during Bridal Fashion Week, designer Anne Bowen (of evening wear fame), revealed a non-traditional, glamorous bridal jewelry collection to complement the elegantly simple aesthetic of her structured gowns.

I was there for the gowns' and jewels' debut, and I agree with Bowen's feeling that it's a nice change to see some drama and color in bridal jewelry. Not all brides wish to wear diamonds or pearls, and with a simple dress, as many of Bowen's are, a pop of color in a dramatic piece of jewelry can be all a bride needs to complete her look and make it her own.

The handmade, 18-karat collection of gemstone and diamond necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and commitment rings are made from bold cuts of rich colored semiprecious and precious stones including peridot, amethyst, blue topaz, citrine, and lemon topaz.

"I think it's time to add a bit of drama to bridal jewelry. The dresses in my collection are structured and modern, and the jewelry is meant to add a special flash of sparkle and color," Bowen says. "My jewelry collection offers brides the opportunity to personalize their look on their wedding day and add a bit of personal style. Because the pieces are so non-traditional, there is no need to put them in storage after the day is done. My hope is for brides to wear the jewelry on their honeymoon, anniversaries and other occasions while reminiscing about that special day."

See the gallery for several pieces from the collection.

Gallery: Anne Bowen Bridal Jewelry