The deSignet Family
Business First Article 6/23/06 G.I. Shop Accessorizes 'Queer Eye'
Grand Island Record Article 10/28/05 Outlining our Goals....
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Reg M. Schopp - Grandson of the Founder As a child growing up in the jewelry business, jewelry was never an option. Reg's parents wanted more. The "tests" implied accounting should be his path in life. After college, majoring in the social sciences, minoring in math, music, business and computer programing, Reg was unqualified for any real occupation, jewelry was his only option. Engraving and basic Service skills, watch bands, gift wrapping, things he learned as a boy, enough to get started. When Reg realized how much he disliked selling the same old merchandise everyone handled, he got serious, learning Hand Engraving, Casting, Jewelry deSign and Fabrication. If you have an idea, Reg loves to sketch. Click HereIronically loving his craft wasn't enough. Convention markets, golf, military, nautical jewelry as well as the traditional wedding and engagement rings all worked to a degree but the struggle continued. Then the internet came along and Reg's love for programming, from his college years, finally made the difference. Now writing HTML is just another way for him to show off the wonderful product deSignet creates. A jeweler/programer, a fit made in internet jewelry heaven. Now with a great staff Reg thrives on helping customers create truly special pieces of jewelry. From sterling belt buckles to complex platinum mountings with incredible gemstones, he has no preference. In his words, "it isn't about the money". Watch out . . . .his goal is to become your hometown jeweler. 37 Years Jewelry Experience deSignet's History |
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Roman J. Jurga - Shoppe Foreman / Goldsmith From the time Roman came to work here in 1989, he has played a key role in the development of our business. Bringing bench skills along with an incredible work ethic, he is the guy that gets the job done. His jewelry skills include casting, mold and model making, and fabrication. He is a team player first, always on time, ready to do any job. No one could ask for a better partner and friend. 23 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Robert W. Kopf - Graphic deSigner Bob came to deSignet nine years ago as a friend with a computer problem. Our paths had crossed in the past on the tennis court and we have families that have grown up in parallel here on Grand Island. Ironically he married a girl I went to Junior High with, small world. It was obvious that he had mastered Powerpoint and Corel and he was an award winning photographer. When we explored the concept of his employment, he was considering a life change. He had been the regional sales manager for Time Warner and let's say he was "Time Warnered Out". Needless to say his skills fit perfectly into our graphic etching process and he joined the team. He has been an intregal part of the Celtic explosion that has taken over www.raru.com. If you have seen any of our magazine advertising, he is the man. Don't you love the castle in our logo, his idea! He has single-handedly created most of the unique Celtic and floral patterned designs. Currently Bob has taken on the jeweler's bench and guess what, he is a natural. He enjoys a challenge and custom graphics are his forte', so don't hesitate to give us a chance to sketch your ideas. 10 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Harry Carter - Sales Representative / deSigner Harry came on board a couple of years ago to help with phone orders. His gentle and compassionate side brought a special place for customers who need a little extra. His artistic skills add that special touch. As a teacher and social worker his kind ear often lends to other coworkers. It is like an in house counselor. He was a customer of twenty years always taxing our deSign skills with creative ideas. It is a pleasure having Harry in the deSignet family, pun intended. 4 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Chris Johnson Chris, our diamond setter, joined the team six years ago and has risen to every challenge. He is focused and enjoys working in a family enviroment. His skills include general bench skills and stone setting, channels, prongs, bezels and bead work, often referred to as pave'. He studied hand engraving at Bowman's Jewelry Institute in Pennsylvania and brings all of that detail oriented deSign to his bench. We have great discussions about how to approach a particular job, and generally we find common ground, and that means the best possible product for our customers. He is a musician like many of us and sometimes we even listen to one of his CD's of original music in the shoppe. Chris brings a positive attitude to work everyday and it has become a part of the shoppe enviroment. 30 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Larry J. Karcher Larry, is a manufacturer's dream, experience of every angle, casting, polishing, service, model making, and of course production. Larry came on board as the web was just starting to take off. His skills came to task, and many of our production formats were by his deSign, layout of the new shop and casting and polishing areas were invaluable. He has a great attitude and never refuses a job, truly another team player. 29 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Nathan Cook Our own chemical engineer, Nathan was a friend looking for a change from a more stressful life. His impeccable organization skills along with a knowledge of how the elements become compounds, is expertise above and beyond. Nathan creates all of our molds and maintains the mold database, currently with over 7000 unique deSigns. He is the consumate naturalist with great photographic skills as well. His photos of nature have become a magical part of Grand Island's Online News Website IsledeGrande.Com . Check out his photos on Nature's Bounty Webpage 4 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Marie Basile Marie is the most recent addition to our deSignet family. She brings years of retail and wholesale experience to the team. From her first jobs in retail to her last as a buyer and sales representative for a diamond cutter she "knows her stuff"! She even has bench skills. Marie's curly red hair fit perfectly into the Celtic Marketplace, it seems only fitting, although she claims to be Italian. 13 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Derek Soos Derek came to us from a collection job that was, let's say stressful. Even his Finance degree hasn't kept him from the bench. During the interview, it was clear that Derek liked working with his hands. His woodworking skills came in handy and his learning curve fast. He took to the jeweler's bench with ease. Today almost five years later, he plays a significant role with our fabricated wedding bands. He has developed into a fine goldsmith always looking to learn new skills. Derek is always there to fix this, install that. He plays a secondary role as Mr. Fixit. deSignet maintains it's even keel because of craftsman like Derek, always focusing on making the job perfect. 6 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Margaret Giles Margaret is truly a special player here at deSignet. She has been a supporter from the beginning. I met Margaret and her husband, Gerry, when I joined Rotary Club in 1972 and they became great friends and customers, of course. Many of the items we offer today were created originally by a simple comment from Margaret to Gerry. When we lost Gerry over ten years ago, Margaret came on board and has helped in many kind and supportive ways, always there to do those things everyone else wants to ignore. She is truly the mother of the deSignet family and I think she is proud of it. Thank you Margaret! 11 Years Jewelry Experience. |
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Kim Schopp - Great Grandaughter of the Founder Kim has become that magical piece any parent would love to have. She does all the site updating, posting and enjoys creating new web pages. She also maintains our Ebay Store and her own website Power-Beads.Com. 10 Years Jewelry Experience. |
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Betsy Cali - Customer Service - Great Grandaughter of the Founder Betsy has worked in the wings for over ten years . . .from the ball marker rush in the early 90's Betsy has been ready to chip in. She is a nurse working part time in a local hospital emergency room and she has two young sons, busy to say the least. You might receive an email from her checking on the quality of your deSignet experience. It is great having my children a part of the deSignet Family. 10 Years Jewelry Experience |
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Mandy Malaney - Sales Associate - deSigner - "I've known Mandy for over 25 years and she worked for us back in 2001 & 2002. Mandy has only just recently returned to her 'deSignet' family after a 3 year absence while living in her homeland of Ontario, Canada. You may even notice she still spells some words in 'Canadian'. We spell Color she spells Colour! Mandy loves interacting with our customers via her computer and over the phone and is happy to be back in the good 'ol US of A, or is that eh? Don't let the blond thing fool you, she is as sharp as a tack! |
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Roland Hayes- Military Specialist I came in to contact with Reg and deSignet in 1995 when I was given his name so that I could have a wedding ring set made. From this start, a friendship has developed and grown. I have spent a few years in uniform of the armed forces of the United States; I have been in both airborne divisions (101st) (82nd) and have time in other units as well. Some of the others are 1/509th 8th ID. Germany, 90th ID, 98th div. (TNG) 19th SF Group, and have time with the US Air Force as a human relations instructor. I also belong to the DAV. VFW, 101st abn div association, 82nd div association, 187 RCT association, Infantrymen association, all airborne association, and the Army Aviation association. I am also a combat wounded and disabled vet. Reg and I saw a need for custom hand made jewelry for the different military units and individuals who would cherish their time in service and wanted jewelry to show that pride. We have been going strong ever since. |
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Joseph Curatolo Joe joined the deSignet family in March of 2006. He was classically trained as a silversmith at S.U.N.Y New Pultz, where he earned a master of fine arts degree. His background includes teaching for four years at CW Post College on Long Island, working in the R & D group of Fairchild Republic Aviation as an engineer and in product development at Avon, Monet, Franklin Mint and Lindsay Claire Designs. He was also a key player in building a costume jewelry factory in Ireland. Joe's skills include fabrication, hollow-ware, casting, model making and sculpting faces and figures. He is looking forward to building something for you; be it a ring or a unique fundraiser or corporate gift. 30 Years Jewelry Experience |
GIECOM.Net Inc. and IsledeGrande.Com Staff
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Teddy Linenfelser - IsledeGrande.Com Editor Teddy came on board in October of 2000. She creates and maintains our "Online News". She is the Town Historian and an islander to the core. Grand Island is truly a passion for Teddy and it shows. Check out the wonderful job she does with our Online News. www.IsledeGrande.Com |
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Jodi Robinson - Website Developer Jodi started about three years ago as a novice and today she creates and maintains many of our hosted sites. She enjoys a challenge and leaning new techiques. . . . and she likes jewelry! Her best talent is that she is always ready to help . . . and wears many hats. |
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Josh Lange - Our "Tech Guy" Josh maintains our four servers and always seems upbeat when we approach him about our catastrophic computer problems, most of which he knows, we created. Technically very sharp and always ready to try new ideas, Josh plays a critical role in deSignet's and IsledeGrande's web pressence. He makes all of this possible! |
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Dan McMahon - Advertising Dan has been in charge of advertising for almost three years. It started as a struggle but with the hit count growing, the advertisers are finally seeing the potential. |
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Chip Schopp - Grandson of the Founder - Software
Developer Chip has been helping us with our database management systems for several years. He has created many of the programs that make our systems run smoothly. It is one of those things that are critical to making things happen. Chip also runs his own software development company Pondview Software and plays a little bass trombone. Chip lives in Bolton, Massachusetts. |
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We gladly accept wire transfers, bank drafts, money
orders, VISA, MasterCard and Discover (sorry NO personal checks, business checks
or AMEX). Orders
outside of the USA require either a bank draft or wire transfer. If you prefer
you may call toll free number : 1-(888)-727-8266 or E-mail
us with your credit card information to insure privacy and security. Please note: Although we make every attempt to keep our site current, prices are subject to change without notice. Custom items, rush fees as well as shipping are non-returnable. All returned stock items are subject to a restocking fee. Please see our FAQ's page for more details. Shipping daily using UPS which is insured and requires an adult signature. |
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Last Updated: 5/12/05
1869 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 USA
1-888-RARU-COM or 1-888-727-8266