Cordova, Inc. has merged with Rosen Block Design, naming Ron Rosen Cordova’s new president and creative director. Cordova’s former president, Robert Kagan, has assumed the role of chairman and chief executive officer.
 
Best known for its traditional fashion and bridal jewelry designs, Cordova celebrated 57 years in business and underwent an extensive corporate rebranding in mid 2007, announcing its plans to name a new designer. 
 
“We needed someone with the creative energy and strategic vision to elevate Cordova to the level of household designer brand,” Kagan said. “Ron Rosen is an exceptionally gifted artist with an unwavering passion for both the business and the craft of jewelry design.”
 
Rosen graduated from Rhode Island School of Design before co-founding Rosen Block—the company he has grown steadily. Rosen also has a personal connection with Cordova. He is the grandson of Cordova’s founder, and is also Kagan’s nephew, and the Rosens and Kagans have been partners in Rosen Block Design since its founding in 1992.
 
“As I grew up and entered the jewelry business,” Rosen says, “I’ve watched Cordova build its reputation for classic design, steadfast quality and first-rate support. We felt that by combining Cordova’s strengths with the innovation and momentum of Rosen Block, we’d be giving our retailers the best of all worlds—and attracting a broader audience to our products.”
 
Adding overseas manufacturing to its capabilities, Cordova will offer a more extensive line at a broader range of price points. The designs will be marketed as “Cordova by Ron Rosen” and the company will invest more in marketing to drive greater demand for its jewelry.
 
The merged companies will operate out of Cordova’s headquarters in Flushing, N.Y.

JCK