BIO

Anton Tsamas is a European Designer Inventor, something like a modern day Leonardo Davinci. He has mastered disciplines such as: Inventing, Engineering, Designing, and fabricating prototypes of various products. The recipient of 6 U.S. patents, one of which has been filed internationally. He paints and sculpts in various media. To that end he has managed to build an excellent reputation in the New York tristate area, (through the wholesale side of the jewelry industry), for designing and handcrafting jewelry models.

Born in Drama, Greece to working class parents, Tsamas began his education in the Greek school system. Just a few years hence, his family emigrated to Germany, a bit closer to their goal of moving to the United States. While in Stuttgart he progressed through elementary and middle schools, all the while demonstrating a blossoming talent in the field of creative art and design.

Though a young man, Anton began to win awards and recognition as an artist and designer including most notably from Opel division of General Motors for his design of a futuristic automobile in 1969.

Disappointed by the lack of opportunity in Germany at the time, the Tsamas family finally achieved their goal of moving to the United States, settling in Hackensack, New Jersey in 1970.

Even during his high school years Anton gained growing recognition for his talents. At age 17 he won a contest among a thousand students for designing the new official seal for Hackensack public schools. After graduation he enrolled in Rutgers University, pursuing a liberal arts degree

Following the college experience, he established a small jewelry shop in Hackensack, where he specialized in creating original designs for manufacturers and the public. During the spring of 1976, Anton designed and made a personalized ring for then, President Ford, who appreciatively acknowledged the gesture, but was unable to meet with him due to heavy demands on his schedule.

After his naturalization in 1978, Tsamas dedicated his "Designs by Anton" operations to creating and finishing jewelry for retail customers. During the decade following, Anton accomplished an impressive list of achievements including:

– a commission by Avon to sculpt their Wild Country aftershave bull's head logo and an American eagle into pendants that became a big seller for years in costume jewelry .

– hand-crafted, custom-designed jewelry piece (Rolls Royce miniature pin) for the renowned pianist Liberace.

– the sculpting of key components of a 150 unit Limited Edition model of 1903 Harley Davidson motorcycle, and other commemorative classics, constructed by noted model builder Louis Cuviello.

In 1982 Anton opened a jewelry store in Elmwood Park, NJ.

In 1983 he was commissioned by Mercedes Benz, to sculpt and produce, a limited edition miniature, of a than new, model “C190". They were to be given out during its introduction as a key-chain.

After purchasing a Rolex President watch, he became increasingly annoyed with the clasp opening constantly, so he decided that he had to innovate clasp technology.

Back then as well as today, there is still a need for an easy to operate secure clasp for jewelry. When he developed a prototype for his watch, one of his then friends and customer, got very impressed with it and suggested a joined venture to patent and market the concept.

They formed a company called “Truelock” in 1984 and proceeded with product development and marketing. The concept was very well received by: Citizen Watch, Saiko, Omega, and Speidel (watch bracelet manufacturers).

Anton filed his first US Patent, which was granted two years later. During this marketing efforts he decided to temporarily get out of the retail jewelry business to better pursue the inventions.

He filed a second patent, on a chain clasp, for which the company General Findings, out of Rhode Island, was willing to place a million dollar order. Unfortunately at that point his than partner became very unreasonable and Anton walked away from the business and the deal.

After this sobering experience he went into contract with Bihler of America out of NJ. In this venture he agreed to a 50% split on profits from the license of his inventions. Bihler, a multinational stamping machine manufacturer, would produce and market Anton’s creations.

A relationship started in 1986 and ended at the end of 1999. During this time Anton developed a key management system called “LeClasp”, and an adjustable tension clip- on earring. This variable tension clip is unbeatable in comfort and function, unfortunately it costs $.04 more to produce than the cheap imports costing $.06. The big manufacturers did not want to spent an extra $.04 per unit to eliminate the pinching of women’s ears. LeClasp on the other hand became an international product.

In January 1990 Anton was commissioned to sculpt and produce a limited number of miniature Lamborghinis (the Italian exotic car), for the introduction of their, than new model “Diablo”, which was taking place in Monte Carlo.

At that time Lamborghini was owned by Chrysler Corp. and they made the introduction into a celebration that lasted a week, all Lamborghini owners and many dignitaries were invited. Anton’s miniatures were given to Chairman Lee Iaccoca, Malcolm Forbes, Mario Andretti and others.

1991 - Anton entered a contest by Motor Trend magazine to design the 1994 Ford Mustang. The drawings below were designed and painted by him.

After much travel to Europe and the Far East, Anton decided to reassert himself in the jewelry field, feeling passionate about exposing his creations to the world.

Anton has been able to combine, the discipline of engineering, with art, the result is: functional and inventive art or artfully created products. When ever possible he produces his own prototypes and models.

In 1999, Bihler of America decided that selling Key holders did not fit with their main business of selling multimillion dollar stamping machine systems, so Anton withdrew the licence since Bihler was no longer interested.

Since the middle of 2000, the patent rights for the Key Management System, have been turned over to a more aggressive organization called “LAXON” out of CA.

Anton, in partnership with this organization is preparing to bring many new improved variations of this international patent, now called “KeyClasp”.

The company that represents all of Anton’s interests is called “TSAMAS CORP.” Through the TSAMAS CORP. subsidiaries, there are more than a dozen new patent filings in the making that will be coming soon.

STAY TUNED!

'73 -'74 High School - Early College	'75 -'80 Jewelry Shop 144 Main St. Hackensack, NJ
Home Shop '97 - 2000	'82 -'85 Jewelry Shop/Store, Elmwood Park, NJ

Rutgers University ID
New Jersey

Hackensack, NJ Public School Seal

U.S. Presidential Ring & Letter

Description and Symbolism of the Ring. The base of the ring is made of rhodium plated silver and has the outline of the map of the United States. Within this outline there are thirteen bars leading from the borders of the outline to the center. This symbolizes the strong unity of the nation as well as the thirteen original states. Unity, because it is the most effective method of solving national and international problems. On the sides of the ring there is an elephant and a donkey, representing the two major political parties. Perched above the outline of the United States is the American Bald Eagle made of 14 Karat yellow gold. This represents the strength and the spirit of the nation. In the left claw of the eagle are arrows; in the right claw a scroll of parchment on which is engraved the words "State Department", and in its beak, the olive branch. The combination of these items, placed as they are, symbolize the following: (1) The military strength of the Nation. (2) The continued interest in a positive foreign policy. (3) The special efforts expended by the Nation in behalf of world peace. It is placed in the beak to emphasize its importance.

1994 Design Concept - Ford Mustang as envisioned by Anton

1990 Introduction celebration in Monte Carlo for the new Lamborghini Diablo

	Anton with the late Malcolm Forbes at the square.
Anton with Mario Andretti and Malcolm Forbes	Mario Andretti admiring Le Clasp
Mario Andretti in Diablo talking with Lee Iacocca
Lee Iacocca, his wife talking to Emil Novaro (President of Lamborghini)

Commemorative Classics

1903 Ford Model A	1903 Harley Davidson
1931 Dual Cowl Crysler Le Baron

American eagle sculpture for Avon	Avon's Wild Country aftershave bull's head logo.

Diploma from French Art School

Auto Design Contest Entry 1969 Germany

Diploma from 1969 General Motors Auto Design Contest.	Auto Design by Anton at age14