The Australian Pearl Centre (APC), headquartered in Sydney, Australia, recently opened its first international distribution office in the United States. APC (USA) is headed by Dennis Morton, vice president of American operations. Lester Erich was named merchandising/sales manager, and Carolyn Jacoby was appointed administrative/marketing manager.

APC, which is supported by master pearler Nicholas Paspaley, provides a wide distribution to the U.S. market and tries to promote industry education and consumer awareness of the Australian white South Seas cultured pearl.

Australian Pearl Centre, 580 Fifth Ave., Suite 2202, New York, NY 10036; (212) 398-9628, fax (212) 398-9342, e-mail: pearls@au-pearl.com.