(Press Release)
Fairfield, OH — Quality Gold has purchased North American Jewelers Inc., a Chicago-based supplier specializing in bridal and special occasion diamond jewelry.
Along with North American Jewelers, Quality Gold also now owns Steckbeck Jewelry PVT LTD, which is North American Jewelers’ wholly owned subsidiary and manufacturing facility opened in 2003 in Mumbai, India.
Chicago operations of North American Jewelers will eventually relocate to Quality Gold’s corporate headquarters in Fairfield, OH. Custom bridal and design services currently provided by the company will continue as business is transferred to Quality Gold. The management team of Steckbeck Jewelry in Mumbai will continue lead operations and coordinate closely with Quality Gold.
Kurt Steckbeck, CEO of North American Jewelers and Steckbeck Jewelry, will join Quality Gold in the role of product development director for diamond jewelry and become part of the transition team that leads the company in the expansion and introduction of bridal designs in the coming year.
Michael Langhammer, CEO of Quality Gold, 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 that utilizes his stocked styles as well as for CAD and custom design services in their bridal business. Quality Gold will continue where NAJ left off. All strengths possessed will be integrated and then built upon.”
He said the acquisition of the factory in Mumbai “fits into our long-term strategic plans for Quality Gold.”
“Our customers will benefit from us moving further into the worldwide marketplace with sourcing and production,” he said. “It complements us well.”
Jason Langhammer, chief operating officer of Quality Gold, said the acquisition of North American Jewelers “is an important one for Quality Gold.”
“It accelerates our growth potential within the bridal and engagement sector,” he said. “I’m pleased that Kurt will be part of the team sharing his knowledge as we work together to achieve growth goals.”
When Steckbeck was asked about selling his companies to Quality Gold, he said: “The timing was right. I’ve gotten to know Michael and Jason and feel very comfortable and confident they will continue to provide NAJ customers with the added value and exceptional quality and service they’ve come to expect in the last 30 years. I’m impressed with their operation in Fairfield, Ohio, and believe my company and my skill set will mesh with theirs as we develop product to be made at their manufacturing facilities in the USA and in India.”
Founded in 1979, Quality Gold serves more than 23,000 retailers across the U.S., its territories and within Canada. Quality Gold offers more than 200,000 jewelry & gift products available to ship same day and more than 100,000 items available special order for sale to retailers. Quality Gold has built its business on the company’s commitment to provide the largest selection of products, the best service, and the best value to its customers. For more information, please visit www.Qgold.com.
North American Jewelers was established in 1986 and specializes in diamond sourcing and use of lean manufacturing and just-in- time processes.