ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
MajorsSep 12, 2016
Quality Gold Buys Chicago Supplier NAJ
North American Jewelers Inc. is known for bridal and special occasion diamond jewelry and will help Ohio-based Quality expand its engagement ring business.
A karat gold and diamond fashion ring manufactured by Fairfield, Ohio-based Quality Gold. The company just bought North American Jewelers Inc. out of Chicago in an effort to expand its bridal business.
Fairfield, Ohio--Here comes a lot more bridal for Quality Gold Inc.
The Fairfield-based manufacturer announced last week that it has acquired North American Jewelers Inc. (NAJ), a Chicago-based supplier of bridal and special occasion diamond jewelry.
As part of the deal, Quality Gold also now owns Steckbeck Jewelry Pvt. Ltd., NAJ’s wholly owned subsidiary and manufacturing facility in Mumbai that opened in 2003.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
NAJ and Steckbeck CEO Kurt Steckbeck will move over to Quality Gold, becoming the company’s product development director for diamond jewelry and becoming part of the transition team that introduces new bridal lines in the coming year.
The Steckbeck Jewelry management team in Mumbai will remain intact.
NAJ’s Chicago-based operation eventually will migrate to Quality Gold’s corporate headquarters in Fairfield, which is located near Cincinnati.
It was not immediately clear at press time how many, if any, NAJ employees will make the transition.
The purchase of NAJ, a now 30-year-old company, marks a big expansion in the bridal market for Quality Gold, as NAJ has stocked bridal styles as well as CAD and custom design services.
Commenting on the acquisition in a company release, Quality Gold CEO Michael Langhammer said, “I have tremendous respect for the business Kurt has built and the product his factory makes. They have well-made product and a loyal retailer base … Quality Gold will continue where NAJ left off.”
He went on to state that, “Kurt has created ‘Diamond Programs’ for all size retailers. He knows the best-selling styles, he’s been part of sales meetings and negotiated with designers to meet price points. His experience creating customized displays and just-in-time inventory for finished diamond product are all assets to the role he’s assuming at Quality Gold. Quality Gold will benefit from him sharing knowledge as we grow our bridal business together.”
Quality Gold was founded in 1979 and, in addition to its headquarters in Ohio, has operations in Toronto, Arezzo, Italy and Mumbai. It serves more than 23,000 jewelers in the United States and Canada.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
