Jewelry designer Zoltan David has received a U.S. patent for his signature design featuring the inlay of one precious metal into a contrasting metal to produce a three-dimensional raised design or pattern. It is only the eighth time in more than a century that a patent has been granted for a metal ornamentation technique.

Austin, Texas-based David, an IJDC member and 30-year jewelry design veteran, utilizes the technique with high-karat gold and platinum combined with high-quality gemstones.