The partnership of Jacob Karlan and Blanche Bleicher, a harmonious man-woman couple, resulted in the establishing of Karlan & Bleicher corporation in December 1926. Jacob Karlan became president, and Blanche Bleicher was secretary and treasurer of Karlan & Bleicher, Inc., 185 West Third Street, New York City.

Born in Russia on November 18, 1892, Jacob Karlan came to the USA in 1910. Originally a tool and die maker, he developed ideas for ring manufacturing. His patented numerous ideas were beneficial not only to his own company but to the industry as a whole.

The sons of both executives joined the company. Thus, Walter Karlan (1922 – 2005) joined the firm after graduation from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked for the firm with a break for military service during World War II.

In 1946, Walter P. Karlan, Lieutenant in the Air Force in WW II, continued the K&B business. Noteworthy, he was past president of Karlan and Bleicher, Inc., and past president of the 24KT Club of NYC.

Paul Karlan, the youngest son, also worked at the firm, with a break during his service in the U.S. Navy. Meanwhile, Bill Bleicher, Blanche Bleicher’s son, headed Falcon Stone Ring Mfg. Co., the subsidiary of Karlan & Bleicher.

25th Anniversary of Karlan & Bleicher

Left to right: Frank Gentile, Samuel Breger, Walter Karlan, William Ashare and C. William Bleicher. A festive luncheon and cocktail party for the employees of Karlan & Bleicher, Inc., was held December 21st, 1951, in the firm’s plant at 188-92 West 4th St., New York.

Business Expansion

In January 1955 Jacob Karlan announced the purchase of the firm of David Shapiro, Inc., one of the mainstays in the ring manufacturing business for the past 35 years. In announcing the absorption of this company, Karlan stressed that it was a move that was in keeping with K & B’s continuing program of expansion.

He pointed out that his company was in the process of moving their three factories, offices and showrooms to a new, single-unit location at 136 West 52nd Street. Also, the Falcon Stone Ring Co., a division of Karlan & Bleicher, moved to the new location.

Blanche Bleicher died in 1976. Karlan & Bleicher, later Karlan Industries, Inc., ceased to exist in August 1984.

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