Turkish jeweler signs on Fifth.

Gilan, a society jewelry brand based in Turkey, announced that is has signed a 1,900 s/f lease at 743 Fifth Ave. PBS Realty Advisors represented both the tenant and the landlord in the transaction.

This location represents Gilan's United States flagship, as well as the company's first freestanding store in the U.S. The lease is scheduled to begin in Spring 2005. The store, formerly occupied by men's designer retailer Ermenegildo Zegna, is located between Bergdorf Goodman Men's and Louis Vuitton.

"This deal demonstrates the success of the luxury market, as it involves one of the most important retail locations on Fifth Avenue," said John Brod, principal of PBS Realty Advisors. "While we've recently seen retailers moving to different areas of Manhattan, Fifth Avenue between 54th and 57th streets continues to epitomize luxury."

In April 2004, Gilan debuted a private salon at 730 Fifth Ave., introducing its world-class jewels to New Yorkers.

Two brothers, Muharrem and Ferhan Geylan, founded Gilan Jewelry in 1980 in the family's native town of Bursa, Turkey. The brothers wanted to create a fine jewelry brand that could distinguish itself from the competition in Turkey and eventually grow into a globally recognized name.