Hess is known as a veteran in the business, performing the role of goldsmith, designer and gemmologist during his 40-year career. He is the first American president of CIBJO, and the former president of the 24 Karat Club of New York City and the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America.

Birks & Mayors Inc, leading North American luxury jewellery retailer has acquired the exclusive brand name rights of renowned jewellery designer, Jose Hess. In addition to the existing and proposed merchandise designs and worldwide distribution rights, the company has also entered into a consulting agreement with Jose Hess personally.
Hess will design jewellery under the Jose Hess brand as well as the Birks brand, Hess will also advise the company on the product development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of his collections.

“Jose Hess is well-known in this industry as an innovator, artist and craftsman, and his sophisticated designs are a natural fit for Birks & Mayors,” said Thomas Andruskevich president and CEO. “We are absolutely ecstatic about adding a designer of this caliber to our award-winning team, which will further strengthen our design leadership position within the jewellery industry,” he added.