Charles Septer, the former president of Service Merchandise, is now the full-time president of Escada Diamond Jewelry USA, a joint venture between the German fashion house and Antwerp sightholder Pluczenik. The company aims to sell its jewelry, currently sold exclusively in Escada stores, at 25 to 50 high-end independents. Test marketing also is being done at Neiman Marcus.

All of the jewelry features the 97-facet Escada Cut, which was developed by Pluczenik. Price points begin at $1,200.