Joel Hassler to assume ownership of Rasmussen Diamonds

April 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Racine, WI:  It was the dawn of the 20th century, new industries were developing over night, and all things modern were the rage when RP Rasmussen opened the doors of Rasmussen Jewelry in downtown Racine. A personable and industrious young man, he soon established a reputation for providing jewelry of the finest quality and attentive service that attracted the scions of Racine society.  In 1977, with no heirs in the wings, RP’s son entrusted Cal Sustachek, a master watchmaker responsible for the firm’s watch repair work, with his legacy. Now the time has come to pass the torch to the third generation of the Sustachek family. To mark this momentous occasion, Rasmussen’s will hold a brief “Retirement” Sale featuring a Multi-Million Dollar Collection of fine diamonds, jewelry, colored gemstones and watches beginning Thursday, April 21st at 10am at Rasmussen Diamonds, 6220 Washington Avenue in Racine.

The Rasmussen name soon became synonymous for fine diamonds in Racine, and for its support of dozens of local charitable and arts organizations. In time the Rasmussen legacy was passed on to his son Bill and his wife Kathy, who are now passing the torch to their son-in-law, Joel Hassler, a Graduate Gemologist, Certified Gemologist Appraiser and Certified Insurance Appraiser, who has been serving as the President of Rasmussen Diamonds. Hassler will assume ownership of Rasmussen’s upon the conclusion of the sale.

“In retrospect, there’s never been a sale of this magnitude in our 111-year history,” said Sustachek. “Nothing was overlooked when pulling together inventory for the sale. We scoured the entire store, right down to the nooks and crannies of our vaults where, we uncovered a number of treasures, all of which  are targeted for immediate sale and Everything Must Be Sold. The sale is a practical matter, for us to put together the financing to make the transition of ownership possible.”

Founded in 1900, Rasmussen Diamonds is the oldest jeweler in Racine. A family-owned, independent jeweler, Rasmussen Diamonds is now guided by the third-generation of the Sustachek family. The store at 6220 Washington Avenue features the elegant cases and woodwork constructed in 1900 for Rasmussen’s original location at 910 State Street in downtown Racine.

Rasmussen Diamonds is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday from Noon to 5 pm. For more information about the Retirement Sale, please call 262.884.9474.  Free parking is available just outside Rasmussen’s door.