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!

An Article About the Darker Side of the Diamond Mining Trade in Cinta Larga, Brazil

I stumbled across this article in the Village Voice. It is the rather complex story about the darker side of the diamond mining trade in the Cinta Larga Indian Reserve of Brazil and one New Yorker's attempt an utter failure to make a fortune from it.

A thoroughly interesting read and a reminder of why we like to stay on the right side of the law.


(First page copied from the Village Voice online. Read the rest HERE)

A New York Operator's Trail of Blood, Bankruptcy, and Brazilian Diamonds

By Graham Rayman Tuesday, Mar 9 2010

        The entrance to the 110-year-old brownstone at 2 East 12th Street, two blocks south of Union Square, isn't particularly dramatic or imposing. You have to step down to reach the front door. There's no doorman to wait on you.

                                                                                                      photos crdt: Newscom

Garimpeiros at work, photographed from a federal police helicopter in 2004.

        Looking at it, you wouldn't imagine that the basement apartment there was at the center of a bitter court fight that ranged from the West 47th Street Diamond District deep into the Amazon jungle, and involved smuggling, bribery, corruption, a $20 billion corporation, Stone Age Indians, and a massacre.
        Longtime New York diamond merchant Marco Kalisch and his wife, Mayra, owned the apartment, having lovingly restored it after combining it with the two adjacent units. They had a nice life—at least until Kalisch and his Brazilian partners tried to corner the market on rough diamonds being illegally mined on an Indian reservation in the Amazon.
        "The story told by Marco [Kalisch] could be the basis of a screenplay," a U.S. bankruptcy judge noted in his surprisingly novelistic description of the case that was almost completely ignored by the media. "The background [swirls] with references to shady dealings and long journeys into remote areas of the Amazon jungle, describes an apparently illegal conspiracy to obtain rough diamonds from . . . Indians in Brazil and import those diamonds into the United States for ultimate sale in the diamond market of Antwerp."
        That wild scheme, actually successful for a short time, ultimately blew up. And in the end, what the Americans involved in it were left to fight over was the basement apartment on East 12th Street—so far away from where the story starts, thousands of miles south, deep in inaccessible jungle.
        The 1,300-member Cinta Larga tribe, whose name means "Wide Belt," lives on a 6.7-million-acre Brazilian reservation of dense jungle, limited roads, and almost impassable rivers. The land, about 2,100 miles northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is reachable only via 100 miles of poorly maintained dirt roads. Inside the reserve, travel is limited largely to narrow foot trails and the river.
        The first extensively recorded encounter with white Westerners came during Theodore Roosevelt's historic expedition down the so-called River of Doubt, named for its extreme and dangerous conditions.
        When Roosevelt and the Brazilian explorer Cândido Rondon, for whom the state is named, encountered them in 1914, the Cinta Larga had never seen a white man before. They were still living in the Stone Age, isolated by the river, and hadn't even thought to build boats.
        War for the Cinta Larga was a cultural obsession. The tribe decapitated and eviscerated their enemy's dead and grilled the meat over an open fire before bringing it home for their wives to slice, cook with water, and consume.....

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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 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 Etienne Perret Colored Diamond 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!