Rasmussen Diamonds, Racine, Wis., opened a two-week celebration of the company’s centennial with a black-tie, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres gathering at the store. The invitation-only “Business After 5” event was attended by Chamber of Commerce members and other special guests, including award-winning jewelry designers. Attendees were treated to a “Designer Showcase” as well as a “Colored Diamond and Gemstone Show,” with $100 of every diamond purchase donated to the charity of the customer’s choice.

In 1977, Rasmussen Jewelry’s watchmaker, Cal Sustachek, and his wife, Marilyn, purchased the business from the Rasmussen family. Their son, Bill, came on board to manage the business, and in 1988 he and his wife Kathy purchased the business from Bill’s parents. In 1994, the company name was changed to Rasmussen Diamonds to better reflect the owners’ expertise in that area. The company’s rapid growth brought a need for larger quarters, and in 1998 Rasmussen Diamonds moved to its present location, which is three times the size of the old store.