Steven Kretchmer has perfected and created the most magnificent and elegant pressure mounted rings. These rings of platinum, 18K gold and 24K gold crystals are not only unique, but durable and magnificent. There are over 12,000 pounds per square inch holding each stone. The added beauty derived from these tension set rings is that there is nothing to obscure the refraction of light penetrating the diamond. This enables each stone to be seen in its optimum setting.

Steven Kretchmer is the Faberge, Tiffany, Cartier of our generation.  One speaks of Tiffany and immediately visualizes the Tiffany solitaire.  Steven Kretchmer's Tension Set Diamond, Omega ring is the first real major innovation in a 100 years.  The setting is called "Tension Setting".   Technically, it is spring compression.  The stone is held by 12,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.  Steven Kretchmer uses a patented heat treatment process and special alloys to create this magical force.  Jewelers continue in their attempt to copy his designs.  They fail.   Steven defends his patent aggressively.

One is transfixed by the simplicity and power of a Steven Kretchmer design.   His pure gold crystal inlay work is artistry in metal.   It is precise, fluid and rich.  Whether it be a ring, earrings, or a pendant, the focus is on the center diamond.
 
Biography

Steven Kretchmer began making jewelry in 1969.   He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design.  He continued his studies in Milan, Italy.  He worked as a goldsmith, learning traditional goldsmithing techniques.

In 1982, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan.   He did extensive research on 18K Makume-gane and surface colorations from special high-karat gold alloys.  In 1983, Metalsmith Magazine published ''Update 11; Makume-Gane''.

Harry Winston. Inc. employed Steven Kretchmer to research, develop, and produce pieces of jewelry in blue gold.

For the past 12 years, Steven Kretchmer has worked independently as a custom designer and goldsmith.  

Steven Kretchmer awards include: The New Designer of the Year, by the Jewelers of America, the Designer MVP Award, from the Contemporary Design Group, and the Innovator of the Year Award, from the JCK.

Steven works to promote platinum for the Platinum Guild International through teaching seminars.
Hoover and Strong refiners market Steven Kretchmer's new general purpose alloy for platinum.

"I challenge myself to go beyond the aesthetic and functional design solutions when working with precious metals. My passion is to create jewelry pieces that contain wizardry, enchantment and power that reunite us with our timeless imaginations. Craftsmanship and technique are necessary elements, but my love for the mystery of jewelry must also be apparent in my art."   Steven Kretchmer