After recently acquiring the fine gold and platinum jewelry company HERCO, Quality Gold was excited to preview at JCK Las Vegas hundreds of new brand products, in stock and its latest catalog shipping this fall.
Quality Gold’s co-founder and CEO Michael Langhammer describes HERCO as the ideal acquisition given its strong product offerings and distribution capabilities, and demonstrated track record of success as a family-owned business that spans 44 years – sharing a similar history with Quality Gold. COO Jason Langhammer calls it “a smart and strong addition,” accelerating the company’s growth in 18K gold and platinum.
“Our merchandising team is excited to share with buyers more than 350 new items,” Paula Garcia stated. Former director of sourcing and merchandising for HERCO for 15 years, Garcia joined Quality Gold as the HERCO brand sales manager, where she will continue to be active in building and shaping the brand.
“We have added geometric earrings, on trend bangles, and elevated bracelet and necklace sets,” she describes. “There are bold yellow gold pieces and new two-tone and tri-color products. The gold and platinum chain assortments are growing. We have added a new collection of solid link and men’s bracelets.”
Those familiar with the brand should know that HERCO product quality and vendors are not changing, Garcia underscores. “The ability to special order products to desired specifications has been HERCO’s specialty and remains a service the brand continues to provide. Customers can get their preferred links, metals, and millimeter widths as they have in years past.” Email info@qgold.com or call 800-354-9833 Option 3 for special order needs.
Quality Gold customers unfamiliar with HERCO will find exquisite craftsmanship and impressive details as brand signatures. “The brand uses unique findings, natural diamond accents, and stylish links with hidden clasps, and HERCO products have substantial weights,” Garcia describes. “A wide assortment of 18K, 22K, 24K gold and platinum styles broadens the Quality Gold product portfolio.”
Gold and platinum products with multiple diamond stations are active Garcia says. Blank mountings are in stock and made to order. Station styles contain natural-mined diamonds in G-H, VS2-VS1 range. Pieces are set and shipped rapidly upon order.
Supplier Synergies
The acquisition of HERCO, with the retirement of President Reuven Itelman, is the latest in a series of savvy acquisitions for Quality Gold, acquiring last year the 85-year-old, family-operated men’s jewelry brand IB Goodman.
Jewelers attending JCK this year also will see 250 new styles of lab-grown diamond rings by IB Goodman, which Quality Gold describes as “perfect for the distinguished man who wants fashionable options.”
Michael Langhammer said at a conference earlier this year that Quality Gold is “highly selective but strategic” in its acquisitions. “Many of the targets have been family owned without a transition plan; many times we’re the only suitor.” He said that fiscal year 2022 was Quality Gold’s best ever in terms of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization).
Itelman said in a statement that he has “complete confidence that the long-lasting HERCO reputation is in good hands with Quality Gold,” which “has a strong relationship with independent jewelers and a plan for HERCO to live on,” an important caveat for him in its sale. HERCO’s fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2022 generated more than $25 million in revenues (unaudited). The brand’s product range includes 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K and platinum, and is defined by unique findings, natural diamond accents, stylish links with hidden clasps, and substantial solid styles, with special order capabilities.
Founded in 1979, Quality Gold operates within the United States, Canada and India. More than 165,000 jewelry and gift products are available to ship same day. Quality Gold actively serves more than 15,000 retailers across the United States, its territories, and Canada. For more information, visit www.qgold.com.
