Official jeweler -- other than HJ?

OPhiAGinger · #1 06-12-2007, 02:28 AM

It seems that all of the nationally prominent fraternity / sorority jewelers have merged into one company: Herff-Jones. I'm investigating a new jewelry item for my GLO and according to our financial procedures I must secure 3 competitive bids before we can move forward. Do any of your GLOs use an official jeweler other than Herff-Jones?

#2 06-12-2007, 02:34 AM

I know that there are several GLOs who use Masters of Design as their official jeweler.

OPhiAGinger · #3 06-13-2007, 12:07 AM

Thanks for the quick response, OTW. Now I just need one more....

CutiePie2000 · #4 06-13-2007, 12:19 AM

Not that this helps you, but there used to be Pollack who I think was eaten up by Burr Patterson and Auld. Burr Patterson and Auld was then eaten up by Herff-Jones. So, I think Herff-Jones and and Masters of Design are the two biggies.

The 3rd one would probably be Josten's, who do the grad rings and stuff like that. Maybe Google companies that make school rings, championship rings, etc. I only know of Josten's, but I am sure that there are others.

axidgl · #5 06-13-2007, 12:35 AM

Depending on the jewelry, you could just about ask any national company/jewelry designer to submit a bid. They don't necessarily have to be already associated with Greeks. If it's their first foray into the Greek jewelry field, they could possibly do it for a smaller price in order to try and attract other organizations.

Tom Earp · #6 06-13-2007, 02:19 PM

Masters of Design is now part of H-J!

As far as I know, H-J is the only Greek jeweler avaialable.

It is not the quality that we all were once used to having available.

OPhiAGinger · #7 06-16-2007, 07:08 PM

Tom is right. I got a very polite reply from Masters of Design saying that they had sold their fraternity division to Herff Jones a couple of years ago. So now HFGreek includes all of their previous competitors: Burr-Patterson, Balfour (legacy), Pollack, & Masters of Design. And Herff Jones won't respond to my email requests for information. (Granted, we're a small organization but I expected at least a professional response!)

In a way, I guess I'm lucky. Since they have eliminated the competition, apparently their quality standards have become lax.

Fortunately, I did discover a company that was originally focused on developing corporate awards programs that has recently gotten into this business: Award Concepts. The owner of this growing Chicago company called me personally to discuss what we had in mind and he seemed extremely flexible and eager for our business. I think this will work out well, but.... I still need to get two other bids to fulfill the requirements of our financial process.

I like the idea of seeking bids from national jewelers, but I'm not sure how to approach a company who doesn't already deal with this market segment. It seems awkward to be discussing member pins and chapter guards and alumnae recognition programs with a major jewelry company whose bread and butter business is diamond engagement rings. Any ideas?

axidgl · #8 06-16-2007, 08:19 PM

I googled and did some snooping...Found a few places that have done a few pins- http://www.youdesignwecreate.com/ is a poker tournament pin-maker. http://www.diamondpeakgold.com/gallery/pins will do custom orders.
Try those, and if you need more, let me know.

Xidelt · #9 06-17-2007, 01:49 AM

What about Jostens or other companies that do class rings, personalized jewelry (mother's rings, etc.)? Are there other companies that do executive recognition pieces for businesses? Award Concepts has to have competition...

Tom Earp · #10 06-18-2007, 01:34 PM

I think Jostens is strictly ring makers.

It is sad when one controls the market and who cares what kind of quality they make.

Senusret I · #11 06-18-2007, 02:18 PM

http://www.14kplus.com/ They may not be exactly what you're looking for, but they do fraternal and sororal jewelry and appear to make custom jewelry. Pins.... didn't see any, but maybe.

axidalum · #12 07-24-2007, 04:06 PM

Tara Williams is the New Accounts Manager at HJGreek. Phone is 800-451-3304 x 1912

I've started an alum, women's networking group, Pi Omega, and I spoke with Tara today about badge design. No word on timing or cost or quality, though.

Good luck!

Tom Earp · #13 07-24-2007, 05:38 PM

They are still the same people!

They are only ones!

That is the answer and it sucks!

Titanim-Buzz · #14 07-25-2007, 08:35 AM

I would agree that there are not many companies out there that do this type of work and from the looks of it many of the groups out there like to stick w/ one supplier to keep things simple and standardized across the country.
When I looked into gettting a ring I didn't really like what was out there so through the company I started I have designed the ring that I was looking for and had it made and went through the licensing process already. I am started now on my next ring for a different fraternity. I hope I will bring something different to the table and people will recognize this.