A Modern Story
For over 70 years, Modern Settings has been at the forefront of the jewelry manufacturing industry. My father, Jerry Binder, and George Kaye, started the business in 1951—first in the die striking arena and quickly expanding into the field of casting. They were successful because they believed in making high-quality products, delivered in a reasonable time and at a fair price.
They opened up a small factory on East 12th street in Manhattan. Their initial product line consisted of 13 different die struck diamond plates, all in precious metals. These items are still available, more than a half-century later. By 1967 my father was boasting of being the largest manufacturer of gold initials in this country, selling more than a million with screwbacks, that year alone. Now, we are not only the largest manufacturer of gold initials in America, but also the world!
As children in a family business, my brother Charles and I spent many of our teenage years in the factory working at the foot presses, single and double action air drops and tumblers—I even watched George Kaye operate one of the first EDMs imported into the United States. I’ll always remember my dad preaching that if you listened to the needs of your customers and gave them a high-quality product to fit their needs, then you’d always be successful. If Modern Settings ever had a credo, it’s “We Listen”.
As we continue to use the traditional hydraulics, hammer presses and mills of the past, we now manufacture by incorporating technology of the 21st century: lasers, 3D printers, and CAD/CAM, as well as the latest cutting edge software. Combining the tried and true production methods of the past with the latest technologies and materials of the present allows for us to continue to manufacture both the traditional and the most modern of design and styles, with the utmost in quality, delivered quickly and at a reasonable price.
We pride ourselves in being American manufacturers. We adhere to laws that guarantee a safe environment for our employees, and competitive living wages. We continue to be a family run manufacturer. Everything we make is proudly produced in our factory here in the USA.
