NEW DIAMOND FIRM OFFERS RUSSIAN POLISHED STONES
Russia Diamond House opened at 580 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y., specializing in imported diamonds polished in Russia.
The company is a joint venture of Mark Satir, a Russian-born diamond trader who recently worked in Toronto, and Eli Izhakoff, president of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York.
Izhakoff, who has cultivated close ties to the Russian diamond hierarchy, says the company offers all sizes and qualities of diamonds with a strong emphasis on rounds. The telephone number is (212) 921-1750.
SEIKO CORP. REASSIGNS ALL ADVERTISING TO ONE AGENCY
Seiko Corp. of America has dismissed one of its advertising agencies – DDB Needham, New York, N.Y. – and consolidated all advertising under The Martin Agency, Richmond, Va.
DDB Needham had handled advertising for the company’s Seiko and Lassale brands for about a year; Martin has overseen advertising for the Pulsar brand since mid-1993.
Seiko Corp. decided on a single advertising agency after recent corporate changes combined the Seiko, Pulsar and Lassale brands into a centralized division, says Cheri McKenzie, director of advertising (see JCK, November 1994, p. 26). Adds President Takashi Wakuyama, “Moving from an individual-brand-management structure to a portfolio-management strategy changes the way we merchandise, sell and advertise our products.”
The estimated cost of the Lassale and Seiko accounts is $10 million annually, according to press reports.
MEXICAN MANUFACTURERS SET SIGHTS ON U.S. MARKET
Some of Mexico’s leading jewelry manufacturers have formed a cooperative to introduce their products to the U.S. The cooperative will take advantage of the duty-free status established under the new North American Free Trade Agreement.
The cooperative, called Grupo Mexico, comprises manufacturers of 14k chain and other fine jewelry, religious medals, bola, sterling silver jewelry and giftware.
For information, call Larry Weissman in Mexico at (52-5) 533-3959.
CATALOG IN MOTION TO SHOWCASE TOOLS
Catalog in Motion – a showcase of tools, equipment, supplies and other products – will be held Feb. 4-7 during the gem and mineral shows in Tucson, Ariz.
The show is sponsored by the customer education division of the Bell Group and features products available through the company’s Rio Grande Albuquerque Tools & Equipment division, River Gems & Findings division and Bluewater Display & Packaging division.
Company associates and vendor representatives will be on hand to give attendees a first-hand look at what’s available and how it works.
The show will be held in the Tucson East Hilton, 7600 E. Broadway. Register for free by calling (505) 344-1483 or by faxing your name, company name, address and telephone number to Catalog in Motion at (505) 345-0097.
SUPPLIERS ON THE GROW
Suberi Brothers Inc., Suma International Inc. and Glenn Roberts Inc. moved to new facilities at 902 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010; (800) 223-0100 or (212) 979-9100.
Stuller added a line of silver oxide and lithium watch batteries to its product mix. The company carries 41 sizes of batteries, sold as singles or in packs of six. Stuller, P.O. Box 52583, Lafayette, La.70505-2583; (800) 877-7777.
Nat Eisen & Sons Inc., a diamond importer and manufacturer, moved to 15 W. 47 St., Suite 503, New York, N.Y., 10036; (800) 637-3476 or (212) 719-4230.
Stan Lee Corp. celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1994 by moving to 2929 Carlisle, Suite 150, Dallas, Tex. 75204-1058; (800) 527-9360.
Hy Spreckman & Sons, a diamond ring maker, marked its 50th anniversary in 1994 by refurbishing and expanding its headquarters at Five N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60602; (800) 322-0234 and (312) 236-2173.
AL-OR International/Philippe Charriol USA relocated to larger quarters at 1227 Prospect St., La Jolla, Cal. 92037; (800) USA-ALOR or (619) 454-0011. The new location also will be the site of the first Philippe Charriol Boutique in the U.S.
Van Dell, Providence, R.I., awarded a seven-day trip for four to Orlando, Fla., to Laura Reeb of Cave Jewelry, Ocean City, N.J. She was the grand prize winner in the company’s Magical Years Sweepstakes.
S.U.C. Trading, a gem cutting business in Bangkok, Thailand, opened a U.S. branch at 17 E. 45 St., Suite 400, New York, N.Y. 10017; (212) 682-4869.
The Norman M. Morris Corp., White Plains, N.Y., parent company of watchstrap firm Roma Industries, Largo, Fla., purchased the assets of Stylecraft Watchstrap Industries Inc., Montreal, Canada. The Canadian firm will operate in its present location under the new name Stylecraft Manufacturing International Inc. John Salesas, founder of the firm, will remain as president.