Cudworth director Darren Roberts told Jeweller he had finalised the deal to supply the London-based Tateossian after attending an Italian trade show in June.
Roberts said he followed the range for several years before attending the trade show to request distribution in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
“As a jewellery designer myself, I have admired Robert Tateossian as a designer, along with the fact that the marketing of the brand is superb,” he explained.
The collection, consisting of men’s cufflinks, jewellery and lapel pins, will launch at the International Jewellery Fair (IJF) in August.
Commenting on the local men’s jewellery landscape and demand for new ranges, Roberts said the market had reached a turning point where an increasing number of males were embracing jewellery.
“The market here has changed and men are more accepting to wearing jewellery,” he explained. “Tateossian offers a new direction for the modern man.”
Roberts added that Tateossian primarily targeted affluent males aged 25 years or more, with the range comprising cufflinks and tie slides as well as a sterling silver jewellery collection featuring leather and beads and other pieces in titanium, gold and bass metal.
Local retailer benefits
The range has been available in Australia for more than 10 years through select stores such as Harrolds and David Jones; however, Roberts said the collection wasn’t so easily accessible for other retailers.
“The new contract means that selected Australian retailers will no longer need to deal direct with London; they will order through Cudworth to make re-ordering easier and more efficient,” Roberts said.
“They [existing accounts like Harrolds and David Jones] will remain house brands and I will develop Tateossian’s business with jewellery retailers,” he added.
Robert Tateossian, who is said to be known as the ‘King of Cufflinks’, founded Tateossian in 1990. The business has a presence in more than 70 countries, and its achievements include a collaboration with Elton John to develop a Tateossian Elton John AIDS foundation line of accessories.
Cudworth was established in 1918 and specialises in 9-carat gold, sterling silver and stainless steel men’s jewellery and accessories. In addition to its own line of products, the supplier distributes Hugo Boss and Cerruti writing instruments, Lanvin cufflinks and Thompson London, Ermenegildo Zegna and Hoxton jewellery.
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