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!
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!
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!
