Our humble beginning began on April 8, 1882 with our first bill of sale for $4.40 to E. A. Gotsch. Bauman-Massa, a family oriented company, was established by a partnership between Samuel H. Bauman and Edwin Massa. Both men were well versed in the jewelry industry and in independent business. Samuel Bauman served as president from 1882 to 1927. He was then succeeded by his son Leo H. Bauman. 

 

In 1951 the family tradition changed hands when Leo Bauman retired. Rudulf Huesgen, a German immigrant, came to work for Bauman-Massa at the age of thirteen as an errand boy. Rudy grew to love the jewelry industry and became very successful as a sales representative, opening up the Illinois territory. Leo Bauman and Rudy Huesgen worked together and became not only colleagues but good friends. It was only fitting that Rudy would become the next president of Bauman-Massa thus starting a new family tradition.   

 

Since then Bauman-Massa has span four generations. Currently, Kate McCullar, Rudy’s great-granddaughter is the president and senior designer of Bauman-Massa. Kate’s namesake line, Designs by Kate McCullar™, has become a well known couture line of jewelry. Some of her designs have been seen on celebrities like Jenny Garth, Rachael Leigh Cook, and Zoe Bell.

 

Bauman-Massa is a well rooted company that has always been known as a company that provides the independent jeweler with high-fashion items at affordable prices, as always, with outstanding service.

 

 

 

 

Bauman-Massa produces two nationally recognized designer lines aimed at meeting different price points

The Bauman-Massa Collection is a well designed traditional line meeting the basic needs of any jeweler. Its classical styles are made in 14k and10k gold. The pieces are designed with clean lines aimed to accommodate the mid range consumer.  The line consists of earrings, pendants, dinner rings, anniversary bands, teen rings and bracelets. 

 

Kate McCullar™ is our signature couture line featuring copyrighted designs in 18k and 14k gold. These fashion forward designs were inspired by Katie McCullar’s love for elegance. Her vision encompasses a wide range of diamond and color stone pendants, earrings and rings that can be purchased as an ensemble or as separate pieces.                     

Kate McCullar™ contemporary bridal set designs boast unprecedented radiance and breathtaking beauty in a seemingly endless variety of styles.

 

In addition to finished jewelry, Bauman-Massa is a leading importer of loose diamonds with satellite offices in Tel-Aviv and Bombay. Our diamond stock consists of a variety of shapes and sizes from melee to 3 carat stones. The extensive inventory ranges from good to ideal cut grades in qualities from I1 to Internally Flawless. Many stones include a GIA, EGL, or AGS certificate. In addition, we have an in house diamond lab with capabilities to laser inscribe the girdle of any diamond that is 1/3ct or larger as well as create an in house Cardinal™ diamond certification.

 

We are also a direct importer of freshwater, Chinese Akoya, Japanese Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearl strands that can be strung in house to any requested length. Our agent offices in China make it possible to supply the independent jeweler with direct pricing.