Steven Kretchmer Design
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Steven Kretchmer is the most visible innovator on the American jewelry scene today. The son of Dr. Norman Kretchmer, a pioneering Pediatric biochemist and Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and Midge Kretchmer, a Modern Dance choreographer, Steven began making jewelry in 1969. Although the Kretchmer bloodline can be traced back several generations to jewelers of Romanian royalty, Steven’s interest in precious metals and fine jewelry design was self-initiated... Read More
Steven Kretchmer is the most visible innovator on the American jewelry scene today. The son of Dr. Norman Kretchmer, a pioneering Pediatric biochemist and Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and Midge Kretchmer, a Modern Dance choreographer, Steven began making jewelry in 1969. Although the Kretchmer bloodline can be traced back several generations to jewelers of Romanian royalty, Steven’s interest in precious metals and fine jewelry design was self-initiated. He was driven by his own unique vision.
Throughout his journey, the world of fine jewelry and precious metal always occupied Steven’s focus. In 1976, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design. Steven then traveled to Milan, Italy where he worked as a goldsmith, learning traditional goldsmithing techniques from master craftsmen. It was in his second year in Milan that Steven met his wife Alma, the future Vice President and co-creator of his company, and his stepdaughter, Claudia. “The sudden presence of a family in my life forced me to steer my precious metal art in a new, productive direction. They have become my inspiration.”
After living in Italy for two years, Steven returned to the United States. He pursued his studies at the University of Michigan where, in 1982, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree in the Department of Metalwork and Jewelry Design. He then moved to New Mexico where he worked designing and creating in his own goldsmithing studio applying techniques and exotic alloys such as eighteen karat mokume gane gold, blue gold, and purple gold. In 1985, Steven’s unique techniques and cutting-edge designs earned him first place in Contemporary Jewelry at the Santa Fe Festival of the Arts. Steven’s radical metallurgical innovations took him to Harry Winston Inc. in New York City where he researched, developed and produced jewelry components made from unique golds, most importantly18K blue gold.
In 1992, just one year after his company was formed, Jewelers of America and the Blenheim Group in New York City voted Steven Designer of the Year. The following year, Steven reviewed techniques, innovations, and offered production methods for manufacturers aiding in the promotion of platinum with Platinum Guild International. During this time, Steven gave seminars across the United States concerning innovations and technological advancements in the field of jewelry design.
Despite the success of his unique gold alloys and tension-set jewelry, Steven’s innovative mind could not keep still. In 2003 Steven developed Polarium, a new permanently magnetic platinum alloy developed for a revolutionary line of fine jewelry, including earrings that exhibit amazing behaviors, such as levitation.
Steven’s efforts to extend the boundaries of what was considered possible in precious metalsmithing and fine jewelry design kept him at the forefront of his field. Those who followed his work looked on in amazement, daring to ask, “What would he do next?”
The man who has brought more new products to the market than any other individual working in jewelry today has been heard stating “You ain’t seen nothing yet." This is precisely what his daughter, Claudia, and his long-time staff have pledged to do. The company has already received industry accolades, taking first place in the platinum category in the Town and Country Awards held during the 2007 Couture show in Las Vegas. Expect the unexpected as Steven Kretchmer Design continues to push the boundaries of fine jewelry design.