Bio

William Ricci is an American jewelry designer and the founder and Creative Director of W.M. Ricci, a New York City–based fine jewelry design house. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Jewelry + Metalsmithing and a concentration in the Theory and History of Art and Design, William studied both traditional gold- and silversmithing techniques and contemporary methods of jewelry making.

Following his graduation from RISD, William expanded his education beyond the studio, interning in the Gemstone Acquisition Department at Tiffany & Co.'s New York headquarters. Working under Head Gemologist Victoria Reynolds, he developed an appreciation for the house's exacting standards in sourcing exceptional diamonds, pearls, and colored gemstones. A desire to further his learning brought him to Tank Fine Gems of Jaipur, India, where he apprenticed with the Tank family. There he grew an intimate understanding of the other side of the industry, growing knowledge of every facet of the colored gemstone industry, from rough to finished jewelry.

W.M. Ricci's inaugural collection combines exceptional colored gemstones with precious metals and carved jade to create pieces that balance heritage craftsmanship with a contemporary design sensibility, drawing inspiration from the artistic traditions of Asia to create modern heirloom jewelry. William has spent the past year working with jade carving masters, artisan jewelers and workshops utilizing emerging technologies in the greater Pearl Delta region of China.

William is building a custom jewelry and design house dedicated to creating timeless fine jewelry that bridges cultures, celebrates craftsmanship and offers a fresh perspective on history's most enduring artistic materials.