Etienne Perret Gem Ceramic & Colored Diamond Designs Sweep DC

Being based in the quaint seaside village of Camden in mid-coast Maine, Etienne has always understood the importance of focusing his marketing attention to specific hot spots around the country. One such hot spot, only challenged by NYC and LA for overall customer base (specific to fine bridal jewelry purchases), is the greater Washington DC area.

It has long seemed that DC has more than its fair share of both hip, upbeat young couples and middle-aged power couples, looking to tie the knot in style. Combine that with the convenience of having one of the country's finest retail jewelry stores at their doorstep and you've got all the makings for a wonderful bridal jewelry market!

For years Etienne has cultivated his close personal relationship with I. Gorman Jewelers in downtown Washington DC. I. Gorman's offers an ideal combination of excellent designer jewelry and exceptional customer service, that makes buying the perfect ring so easy for customers of all ages and budgets.

One such I. Gorman event that gives brides and grooms "to be" the perfect chance to find the ring that's just right for them is the Ultimate Ring Event (as covered recently in this blog). It was at this year's Ultimate Ring Event that Etienne first meet one of our favorite new bridal industry peers, Ebony Sparks.

Ebony owns and runs a great event planning company, called Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC, catering to the Washington DC area, which specializes in weddings, amongst other types of gatherings and celebrations. Ebony works hard to stay on top of all the newest trends secrets of bridal industry, so naturally she is in high favor of I. Gorman Jewelers and made sure to check out the Ultimate Ring Event as well as cover it in her Sparkle Spot blog.

Getting to the point, I. Gorman introduced Ebony to the fabulous colored diamond bridal jewelry of Etienne Perret and she immediately fell in love with his designs! Since then she has been well enough inspired to post an article about Etienne's wonderful new Gem Ceramic bridal collection here on her Sparkle Spot Blog.

Thank you Ebony! We appreciate your support and look forward to working together to satisfy young couples in the DC area for years to come!

Etienne Perret at I. Gorman Jewelers Ultimate Ring Event

 Etienne has been particularly fond of  I. Gorman Jewelers in Washington DC for quite some time. Widely known as one of the best retail jewelry stores in the country, I. Gorman's has become the golden standard for retail shopping quality by offering the absolute best in customer service. With sales people who remember their customers by face and never discriminate, whether you come in for a 3 carat diamond engagement ring or a pair of simple gold stud earrings. You can't go wrong when you choose I. Gorman's!

Every year about this time I. Gorman's holds its Ultimate Ring Event, a wonderful weekend with a select group of the world's finest bridal jewelry designers in-house to help loving couples choose their perfect engagement, wedding and commitment rings! This year the event is set for Friday and Saturday, March 5-6 (11am-6pm) at I. Gorman's Jewelers, 1133 20th Street NW, Washington DC.

Etienne will be there to work with you personally to choose the custom designed, colored diamond bridal jewelry of your dreams. If you are in the DC area, be sure to stop by and check out Etienne's wonderful new Gem Ceramic collection. We have the perfect design for you with diamonds in any color of the rainbow!

Other designers showing include Alishan, Ambar, Coge, Etienne perret, Furrer Jacot, Gebruder Schaffrath, Jolie, Maevona, Precision Set, Scholdt and Todd Reed!

Don't Miss It!

Gem Expert Diana Jarrett Praises Etienne Perret's Color Enhanced Natural Diamond Designs

Well known and respected gemologist and award-winning trade journalist, Diana Jarrett, author of the Story Behind the Stone column and the Color-n-Ice blog, amongst so many other publications, recently decided it was once again time to give her attention to the designs of Etienne Perret.

This time she was busy writing a story for the New York Mineralogical Club's Spring Bulletin and the focus of her story was on Etienne's use of color enhanced natural diamonds. Specifically, the brilliant green variety that look so stunning on the fair skin of a woman as beautiful as Diana.

Check out her article:


Sometimes Beauty Is Only Skin Deep

All naturally colored diamonds are rare. In an ideal scenario, diamonds are formed from a single element, that being pure carbon-rendering them exquisitely colorless. Their tint can come from a variety of trace elements that intrude into the molecular structure of the mineral. But color can also result from mechanisms not fully understood. How are color-change diamonds created exactly–or pink, for that matter? The jury is still out on that mysterious transpiration.

           When it comes to natural green diamonds, scientists tell us, it is the result of that diamonds' close encounter with naturally occurring subterranean radiation. Therefore with the very few green diamonds that make up the global harvest annually, many will have their green tint most present on the skin of the crystal–the very outer surface.
           Green diamonds are scrutinized thoroughly in order for the cutter to best determine how to approach polishing this rarity and to conserve as much green as possible on the finished stone.
           Few people have the privilege of seeing a fancy color green diamond, outside of a handful in museums around the world. The most famous green diamond that the public can view is the 41 carat Dresden Green Diamond displayed in a German museum.

          Fortunately, diamond lovers can treat themselves to enhanced green diamonds which pack a punch on any jewelry item featuring them. Couture designer Etienne Perret knows just how to show off these verdant beauties with his luxurious enhanced green diamond pave clasp paired artfully to some yummy golden pearls. Perret’s enhanced green diamond stud earrings are another way to focus on the intense vivid color produced in these diamonds.

Just How Tough is Etienne Perret's Colored Diamond Gem Ceramic Collection

It's easy enough to hear us tell you just how durable Etienne Perret's Gem Ceramic Jewelry is, but sometimes it's nice to see for yourself.

Made from the same hi-tech zirconia ceramic as the increasingly popular ceramic kitchen knives, Etienne's Gem Ceramic rings and bracelets truly stand the test of time! You can try dropping them 6 feet onto a marble floor (not recommended if set with diamonds!) or scratching them with a steel blade blade and your ring is sure to not look any worse for the wear!

Check out some of the press about the wonders of zirconia ceramic, including this YouTube video for  Tocdo Ceramic Knives.

 

And can you believe how durable these Kyocera Zirconia Ceramic Knives are? They just won't break!

 

Etienne Perret 10mm white Gem Ceramic ring bezel set with teal blue color enhanced natural diamond in 18kt white gold.

 You can truly count on the durability of Etienne's Gem Ceramic Jewelry!

Etienne Perret's Newest Colored Diamond Engagement Ring Designs

While Etienne has found his niche creating an unrivaled collection of color enhanced natural diamond jewelry, the appeal of natural color has certainly not slipped his mind.

This 18kt white gold Ashley engagement ring, set with a stunning natural cognac diamond is a testament to the beauty and versatility of natural color diamonds.

Another elegant new design, Etienne's Tina engagement ring is the perfect blend of traditional style with a modern twist. Shown here in 18kt white gold, with a dazzling blue princess cut color enhanced natural diamond.

Contact Etienne today to custom design the bridal jewelry of your dreams in 18kt gold or platinum, with diamonds in any color of the rainbow!

Etienne Perret Colored Diamond Jewelry at the AGTA GemFair Tucson 2010. Feb 2-7

 AGTA GemFair Tucson 2010
  (Only open to registered members of the gem & jewelry trade)


After several wonderful years of exhibiting at the GJX show in Tucson, this year Etienne has decided to relocate to the AGTA GemFair, Colored Diamond Pavilion. Booth #1623.

Tucson is internationally acclaimed for its February Gem Shows and the AGTA GemFair, held in the Tucson Convention Center February 2-7, is the perfect location for an upscale colored diamond jewelry designer such as Etienne to exhibit.

 We are pleased    
 to be displaying a 
 wide selection of
 Etienne's always
 popular Colored
 Diamond Bridal
 jewelry collection
 in 18kt gold and
 platinum (designs
 both old and new).

Etienne's rapidly expanding new Gem Ceramic Bridal Collection will on hand as well--Both more affordable and refreshingly stylish, this is the perfect line for edgy jewelry stores to pick up during these tricky economic times.


And don't forget to check out our choice selection of the finest South Seas and freshwater pearl fashion jewelry.

In addition to finished jewelry, Etienne is very excited to be showing a number of beautiful loose natural color diamonds and color enhanced natural diamonds in Tucson.

One stand out diamond on hand will be the superb 3.07ct orangy-pink HPHT color enhanced natural diamond shown above. There are currently less than two dozen HPHT pink colored diamonds over 3.00ct in the world and this is one of the nicer ones. Its retail value has been estimated at over $90,000--if it were natural color the cost would certainly be over half a million.

Don't forget to come by booth #1623 and have a look.


Please note that while many of the Gem Shows in Tucson are open to the public, the AGTA GemFair is a wholesale event & only registered members the gem and jewelry industry will be permitted. Make sure that you fit all the requirements before you consider visiting Etienne at this venue. 

Etienne's Featured Colored Diamond Ceramic Designs

Etienne enjoys the freedom to create wonderful color combinations in ceramic! This12mm Pink Ceramic ring is strikingly complimented by purple diamonds starlight set in 18kt yellow gold. Imagine the fashion implications! Don't show this to your daughters!





This 8mm White Ceramic commitment band, displaying a rainbow of colored diamonds starlight set in 18kt yellow gold, is yet another manifestation of Etienne's create spirit, let loose thanks to the many colors available in ceramic!




Etienne has been so impressed with the durability of zirconia ceramic that it has given him inspiration to develop his newest collection. Etienne's ceramic bangle bracelets are a testament to the versatility of this exciting new medium!
This glamorous 10mm Black Ceramic Bangle, with a brilliant row of white diamonds bead set in inlaid 18kt white gold, exudes fashion appeal!



Etienne is now offering all Ceramic Collection ring designs in various widths, using black, white, pink, brown or blue ceramic, although we believe that many of the designs are much more appealing in the traditional black. Rings can have a polished or matte-finish and may be inlaid with yellow, white or rose 18kt gold.

A testament to Etienne's desire to custom design every piece to his consumer's exact specifications, you may choose the exact number, size and color of diamonds you desire.


While we believe that color enhanced natural diamonds are equally precious and far more versatile than natural colored diamonds, it pays to be an educated consumer! It is the moral obligation of jewelers to disclose all information about the origin of a diamond, including if it has undergone color enhancement treatments.

New Colored Diamond Ceramic Newsletter Just Out!

Etienne just sent out the newest Colored Diamond Jewelry newsletter. It showcases several of Etienne's newest ceramic designs and teaches the reader about the different innovative techniques the designer has developed in order to set diamonds in ceramic! 

Etienne is offering a 10% discount on any RETAIL purchase from his Ceramic Collection to anyone who already receives or signs up now for the Colored Diamond Jewelry newsletter. We also ask that you help spread the word by forwarding Etienne's newsletter anyone you believe would be interested in Etienne's Jewelry!

Offer Expires: Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010

Sign Up for Etienne's Colored Diamond Jewelry newsletter HERE 

Forward Etienne's Colored Diamond Jewelry newsletter to a friend HERE

  

 

Colored Diamonds & Ceramic: A Beautiful Marriage

Etienne has been busy this  Christmas season exploring the versatility of Zirconia Ceramic, which is as hard as sapphire and virtually scratch and shatterproof. It is a perfect alternative to traditional gold and platinum for both Bridal and fashion ring designs.

Most importantly, Etienne has developed several innovative techniques to set ceramic rings with Colored Diamonds, the Designer's signature gemstone.  These techniques can produce notably different styles, geared towards different applications such as engagement rings, wedding bands or fashion rings. One factor that each style has in common is the presence of 18kt gold or platinum, because it is not possible to set gemstones directly into the ceramic itself.

The ring shown above is an engagement design, proudly displaying a single 1ct canary yellow diamond in an 18kt white gold bezel setting. The impressive, 12mm black  ceramic band is drilled and a sturdy gold bezel setting fitted snugly into the tapered hole. The bezel setting rises above the ceramic, providing a stunning engagement ring mount!

  The second technique is an 
 ingenious variation on  
 Etienne's most classic and
 successful setting method--
 Starlight Flush-Setting--
 what the designer refers to
 as "his bread and butter." To
 flush set diamonds in
 ceramic, holes are drilled
 and fitted with hollow gold or
 platinum tubes. Diamonds
 are then masterfully
 burnished into place just below the crown of the metal for a sleek and functional look that avoids any snagging on clothes or other objects.
The final product is a stunning wedding band, such as this 8mm black ceramic band with a rainbow of colored diamonds starlight set in 18kt yellow gold.


Etienne's third clever technique for uniting diamonds and ceramic is seen in this 8mm black ceramic wedding band, encircled by a dazzling row of fine white diamonds. The diamonds are bead set in a band of platinum, which wraps around the ceramic ring, snugly filling a pre-caste center groove. The results speak for themselves!


But don't fret--if marriage isn't part of your plans in the near future, or you've already made the plunge, you still have every chance to own one of these beautiful colored diamond and ceramic rings. Work with Etienne  to custom design your perfect ring, all in the name of Fashion!

So Many Alternatives

While it's true that Etienne greatly enjoys working with colored diamonds, a designer must understand that diamonds are neither part of everybody's taste, nor within everybody's budget.
Fortunately, Etienne is offering a growing number of diamond-less alternatives  in his Ceramic Collection. Some of these new designs are refreshingly playful, others are strikingly elegant, and all are creative and unique!

If you really want to make a statement, choose a Ceramic Polka-Dot ring, like the 6mm black version above, playfully inlaid with 18kt yellow, white and rose gold circles!


Another stylishly masculine wedding ring design is Etienne's Gold Stripe Ceramic band. A thick layer of inlaid 18kt gold encircles this 8mm black ceramic matte-finished band.


If you prefer to avoid precious metals completely, there are a wide range of other designs to choose from in Etienne's Ceramic Collection. One style is the Beveled Edge Ceramic ring, shown in the logo above. Other styles include Faceted Ceramic rings that resemble a shimmering gemstone!


A full range of Ceramic ring designs can be viewed at the Etienne Perret Colored Diamond Jewelry page on Facebook, where you can become a fan!

Another Respected Jewelry Critic Praises Etienne Perret's Colored Diamond Jewelry Designs

Recently I came across a post on a great jewelry blog called Color-n-Ice, by Diana Jarrett, which featured one of Etienne's most stunning Colored diamond jewelry designs earlier this year. Color-n-Ice is a fun jewelry resource and we were happy to see the author taking interest in one of Etienne Perret's more stunning Colored Diamond pieces.

Etienne's Golden Philippine saltwater Pearl necklace complemented with a gorgeous Green Colored Diamond pave interchangeable clasp is a truly breathtaking sight. No surprise it has turned many heads in the Fine Jewelry World!

Here's a copy of her post. Please follow the links to check out the Color-n-Ice blog directly!

Some Times Beauty is Only Skin Deep

All naturally colored diamonds are rare. In an ideal scenario, diamonds are formed from a single element, that being pure carbon-rendering them exquisitely colorless. Their tint can come from a variety of trace elements that intrude into the molecular structure of the mineral. But color can also result from mechanisms not fully understood. How are color-change diamonds created exactly--or pink, for that matter? The jury is still out on that mysterious transpiration.

When it comes to natural green diamonds, scientists tell us, it is the result of that diamonds' close encounter with naturally occurring subterranean radiation. Therefore with the very few green diamonds that make up the global harvest annually, many will have their green tint most present on the skin of the crystal--the very outer surface.

Green diamonds are scrutinized thoroughly in order for the cutter to best determine how to approach polishing this rarity and to conserve as much green as possible on the finished stone.

Few people have the privilege of seeing a fancy color green diamond, outside of a handful in museums around the world. The most famous green diamond that the public can view is the 41 carat Dresden Green Diamond displayed in a German museum.

Fortunately, diamond lovers can treat themselves to enhanced green diamonds which pack a punch on any jewelry item featuring them. Couture designer Etienne Perret knows just how to show off these verdant beauties with his luxurious enhanced green diamond pave clasp paired artfully to some yummy golden pearls.

Posted by seayoo@myway.com

Colored Diamonds in the Media

Colored diamonds, while slow to reach the mainstream, are becoming increasingly popular in the media and are a must have within more fashionable circles. Numerous celebrities are opting for colored diamond engagement rings and even wedding bands instead of more traditional colorless stones. The result--breathtaking designs with stunningly colorful, yet durable center-stones!

It's a who's who list of celebrities that have chosen colored diamond engagement rings to showcase their love, not to mention their wealth!

Heidi Klum went with yellow... Jennifer Lopez chose pink:






















While large natural colored diamonds are far to expensive for the average consumer, beautiful colored diamond jewelry is NOT out of your reach by any means. A small group of open-minded, talented designers have begun using color enhanced, natural diamonds in their bridal and fashion jewelry designs.

Etienne Perret has been custom designing and fabricating diamond jewelry for over thirty years and was one of the first artists to bring color enhanced, natural diamonds to the forefront of the jewelry world.

Using the color enhancement processes of irradiation or HTHP (high temperature, high pressure) on natural diamonds is a great way to ensure vibrant color in natural diamonds while maintaining a price-tag accessible the average American.

Check out EtiennePerret.com and sign up for Etienne's Newsletter to learn more about color treated natural diamonds and work directly with Etienne to custom design your own, perfect colored diamond engagement or wedding ring!

Innovative Use of Colored Diamonds

Etienne Blue Ice Baguette Diamond Platinum Wedding Band

Another breathtaking Etienne design, the "Blue Ice" diamond channel wedding band captures something no other band could attempt. While pictures only partially express the deeply spiritual essence of the "Blue Ice," we can personally tell you that this platinum band, set with ice blue colored baguette cut diamonds is the definition of high fashion.

View above photo on Etienne's Facebook Photo Album!

Recognizing Good Taste

In a country with hundreds of bridal jewelry designers to chose from it's reassuring when respected critics recognize good taste and quality design! Recently, The Pink Ladies of the well known engagement planning website, The Pink Book.com decided that it was time to represent Etienne's designs in their Engagement Ring Blog! We are excited to see other websites showing an interest in Fine Colored Diamond Bridal Jewelry and thank The Pink Ladies for their support! Here's a copy of the post at The Pink Book Engagement Blog!


(The following text and photos is copied directly from and the property of http://ebrideconnect.com/blog/category/engagement-rings/ . Thanks)

Extraordinary Rings

Thursday, February 28th, 2008

Why do engagement rings get to have all the fun? Who says your wedding ring has to be the boring one? Wedding rings are becoming more of a fashion statement all on their own! From celebrities like Brad Pitt designing their own custom rings, to high-powered working women who want a clean look to wear everyday, wedding bands are becoming the center of attention!

One designer whose work just blows me away is Etienne Perret. His pieces are so creative, so gorgeous, soooo stunning. You’re not just buying a piece of jewelry, it’s an investment in a piece of art. Some of these rings can even be worn as the engagement ring AND wedding ring like the triple curved channel band above.
This look is so multi-faceted; from contemporary to classic to traditional to unique, these awe-inspiring creations are the perfect symbol of your union as husband and wife. They’re sure to be pieces that you will love to wear every day, and someday pass down.

Posted in engagement rings, wedding rings | 2 Comments »

Etienne's Latest Gem Ceramic Designs

Featured Ceramic Designs

An elegant engagement / wedding ring combination or a stunning fashion ring. Either way this brand-new design is a winner. A brilliant 3/4ct white diamond is set in this "Low Halo" platinum ring, encircled by channel set diamonds and flanked by two 6mm black ceramic bands!

A staple of Etienne's Ceramic Bridal Jewelry collection, the matte-finish black ceramic wedding band with starlight set white diamonds gives an exciting twist to a classic Etienne design. Available in any width with white or colored diamonds set in 18kt gold or platinum.

See more Ceramic Jewelry designs on Etienne's Ceramic Jewelry Facebook album.

Nobody Treats Diamonds Better...
- Etienne Perret -

What Colors are Hip?

Did you know that there are certain trends regarding which hues of colored diamonds are most popular? Apparently, although not entirely surprisingly, the popularity of different colors of diamonds is correlated to a number of different factors such as function of the piece of colored diamond jewelry, season of the year and even the region it was purchased!






An interesting site, Diamond Maestro's Blog, has suggested that colored diamonds purchased for bridal jewelry are most commonly pink or yellow which is not surprising at all. More interestingly, fall diamond purchases are commonly in cooler champagne to cognac shades as opposed to brighter summer hues. Sales analysis even supports that metropolitan consumers favor the less common and more spectacular blues, greens and black diamonds as opposed to consumers from less urban environments!





Here at Etienne Perret Colored Diamond Jewelry we enjoy working with any and all shades of natural color and color treated natural diamonds! Our Engagement Ring Designs are available in not only yellow and pink, but with diamonds of any shade, from brilliant color treated blues and greens, to the warm earthy shades of champagne and cognac. Black diamonds are an especially popular choice in Etienne's Mens' Wedding Band designs. Another very popular Etienne design is the Rainbow Channel Band, encompassing all colors of the rainbow into one breathtaking wedding band/fashion ring!

Etienne Perret in the Media

band, bridal, ceramic, color treated, colored diamonds, designer, diamond, engagement, etienne perret, fashion, gold, I. Gorman, jewelry, Jordan, mellee, pave, platinum, ring, wedding, zirconiaWe love it when respected members of the media and fine jewelry industry show their good taste by recognizing Etienne's work in their online publications! This week, industry leader, Fruchtman Jewelry Marketing Specialists ran an e-newsletter showing off the holiday Jewelry Wish List for each member of their prestigious team! While most of the men took the conservative route, sticking to various designer watches, it was a pleasant surprise when we found out that Fruchtman's VP of Client Services, Megan Meinerding's, holiday wish was an Etienne Perret design.

 

One of Etienne's newest designs, the 12mm "Canary Bezel" black Gem Ceramic engagement/fashion ring is truly something to drool over, so we understand Megan's desires! And it's on our personal wishlist here at Etienne's that Megan will get her Christmas wish! So, here's a shout out to whoever that special someone is in Megan's life...make the right decision and don't end up in the doghouse this holiday season!

You can view Etienne's complete Colored Diamond Ceramic Collection and much more on the Etienne Perret Colored Diamond Jewelry Facebook page!

Exciting New Designs

Etienne's Featured Designs

A classic Etienne design, the flat starlight wedding band is an exceptionally stylish yet masculine mens' ring & is equally elegant for women. Originally created over 25 years ago using gold and white diamonds, this style has evolved to incorporate colored diamonds and the option for a bi-metal design. The matching pair of 8mm rings above were custom made in platinum & 18kt gold each with 1.70tcw of natural color cognac, yellow and white diamonds for loyal customers of I. Gorman Jewelers in Washington DC.

Etienne is fascinated by the marriage of gold, diamonds and South Seas pearls. Shown here is one of Etienne's most alluring designs, the Madonna. Flowing 18kt gold, masterfully set with pave white diamonds, delicately embraces a stunning green Tahitian pearl. Custom design your own in platinum or gold with the perfect South Seas pearl and diamonds in any color of the rainbow!

View more of Etienne's award winning colored diamond jewelry here.

Nobody Treats Diamonds Better...                                -Etienne Perret-

On The Cutting Edge of Fashion!

Etienne has been concentrating on his dynamic and exciting new collection of high-end Ceramic Bridal Jewelry. A perfect alternative to traditional gold or platinum wedding bands, ceramic wedding/commitment bands can be custom made in a variety of colors, designs, widths, and finishes and can be set with diamonds of any color or inlaid with platinum or 18kt gold! Etienne is also currently developing several brand-new ceramic "Fashion Ring" designs! 

Etienne's Ceramic Jewelry

Etienne is introducing the fine jewelry industry to Ceramic Bridal Jewelry! Unlike conventional ceramics,  micro-crystaline zirconium ceramic is extremely durable and with hardness rating similar to sapphire it's virtually shatterproof! Developed as a temperature resistant material for high-tech industrial uses such as jet engines and popularized by its use as kitchen knives, Etienne is one of the first jewelers to recognize the potential for Zirconia Ceramic in fine jewelry design. A perfect alternative to traditional gold
or platinum bridal jewelry, choose one of Etienne's
stylish new ceramic wedding or commitment band designs and you will be the envy of your friends! Handsome black ceramic bands with or without diamonds or inlaid precious metals are well-suited for men searching for a more masculine look. Additionally, these rings are UNSCRATCHABLE by anything other than diamond tools (even steel can't blemish them) making them priceless for people who work in an environment that's rough on jewelry!
      Work directly with Etienne to custom design your own, one of a kind Ceramic wedding/commitment band starting for less than $200!