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                                                                   Exhibit 10.36



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of the 3rd day of
March, 1999, by and between MICHAEL ANTHONY JEWELERS, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("Purchaser") and TOWN & COUNTRY FINE JEWELRY GROUP, INC., a
Massachusetts corporation ("Seller").


                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, Seller has commenced a reorganization case (the "Bankruptcy
Case") by filing a voluntary petition for reorganization (the "Filing"), in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts, Eastern
Division (the "Bankruptcy Court"), pursuant to chapter 11 of title 11, United
States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") and continues in the operation of its
business and the custody of its property as a debtor in possession;

     WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Purchaser
desires to purchase and acquire from Seller and Seller desires to sell and
deliver to Purchaser the Purchased Assets, as defined herein. and

     WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereunder that the Bankruptcy Court shall have
approved the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the sale of the
Purchased Assets to Purchaser, free and clear of any claims, liens or
encumbrances of any kind:

     NOW, THEREFORE, Purchaser and Seller agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE 1

                               PURCHASE AND SALE

     1.1. PURCHASED ASSETS.

     (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, on the
Closing Date (as defined herein), Seller shall sell, transfer, assign, convey
and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall purchase from Seller, free and
clear of any claims, liens or encumbrances, all right, title and interest of
Seller in and to the following assets (collectively, the "Purchased Assets"):

         (i) all tools (including etch and forming tools), models, molds, and
     bills of material, including, but not limited to those set forth on
     SCHEDULE 1.1(i) attached hereto and made a part hereof;

         (ii) (1) all patents, trademarks, service marks, know-how, registered
     designs, design rights, rights in confidential information, business or
     trade names or copyrights, (2) any licenses entered into (either as
     licensor or licensee) with respect to any of the foregoing, and (3) all
     information relating to the marketing of any products or services, all
     know-how,
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     technical information, including, but not limited to, that relating to
     design, manufacture, storage, distribution and supply of goods and
     services; including, but not limited to (with respect to the items
     referenced in (1) through (3)) the assets set forth on SCHEDULE 1.1(ii)
     attached hereto and made a part hereof;

         (iii) all sample lines, library lines and new product development,
     including, but not limited to those set forth on SCHEDULE 1.1(iii)
     attached hereto and made a part hereof;

         (iv) all of the assets of Seller located at Seller's location in
     New York, New York and Dallas, Texas, including, but not limited to those
     set forth on SCHEDULE 1.1.(iv) attached hereto and made a part hereof; and

          (v) three (3) wax machines for white mold charms as more particularly
     described on SCHEDULE 1.1(v) attached hereto and made a part hereof.

     (b) The sale, transfer, assignment and delivery (to the extent under
Seller's control) of the Purchased Assets will be evidenced by the delivery by
Seller to Purchaser of bills of sale, assignments and other instruments of
transfer or conveyance as Purchaser may reasonably request, or as may be
otherwise necessary to evidence and effect the sale, assignment, transfer,
conveyance and delivery of the Purchased Assets to Purchaser; provided, however,
that the failure to obtain any such bill of sale, assignment or other instrument
of transfer shall not in any way affect the terms and conditions of this
Agreement or the transfer of the Purchased Assets as set forth herein.

     1.2. EXCLUDED ASSETS. Notwithstanding anything set forth above to the
contrary, Seller shall not sell to Purchaser and Purchaser shall not purchase
from Seller any assets of Seller other than the Purchased Assets.

     1.3. NO ASSUMED LIABILITIES. Purchaser shall not assume or be obligated to
pay, perform or otherwise discharge any liability or obligation of Seller,
direct or indirect, known or unknown, absolute or contingent.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                 PURCHASE PRICE

     2.1. PURCHASE PRICE. The Purchase Price for the Purchased Assets (the
"Purchase Price") shall be an amount, in cash or cash equivalents, equal to
Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000).

     2.2. ESCROW ACCOUNT. On or prior to March 3, 1999, Purchaser shall have
deposited an amount, in cash or a cash equivalent, equal to Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($500,000) with Hill & Barlow, as escrow agent ("Escrow Agent")
pursuant to the terms of an escrow agreement, in form



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and substance satisfactory to Seller, Purchaser and Escrow Agent, among Seller,
Purchaser and Escrow Agent (the "Escrow Agreement"). Such funds shall be held
by Escrow Agent and applied on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 2.3. hereof
or, If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to the Closing Date, such
funds shall be applied in accordance with Article VIII hereof.

     2.3. PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE ON THE CLOSING DATE. Subject to fulfillment
or waiver of the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Purchaser shall pay to
Seller on the Closing Date the Purchase Price minus any funds disbursed to
Seller pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement. Such amounts shall be paid
by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account specified by
Seller in a written notice received by Purchaser from Seller at least two
(2) days prior to the Closing Date.


                                  ARTICLE III

                        CLOSING AND POST-CLOSING MATTERS

     3.1. CLOSING DATE. Subject to termination pursuant to Article VIII hereof,
the closing (the "Closing") shall he consummated at 10:00 A.M., local time, not
later than the third (3rd) day following the date the Sale Order, as defined
herein, is issued, or such later date as may be agreed upon by Purchaser and
Seller after the conditions set forth in this Agreement have been satisfied, at
the offices of Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, Boston, Massachusetts, or at such
other place or at such other time as shall be agreed upon by Purchaser and
Seller (the "Closing Date"). As used herein, "Sale Order" means the order
entered by the Bankruptcy Court approving this Agreement and authorizing the
consummation of the transactions contemplated therein.

     3.2. PURCHASER'S DELIVERIES. Subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the Closing Date Purchaser shall
deliver to Seller all of the following:

          (a) The balance of the Cash Purchase Price in accordance with
     Section 2.2 hereof;

          (b) A copy of Purchaser's Certificate of Incorporation certified as of
     a recent date by the Secretary of State of the Purchaser's state of
     incorporation;

          (c) A certificate of good standing of Purchaser issued as of a recent
     date by the Secretary of State of Purchaser's state of incorporation;

          (d) A certificate of the secretary or an assistant secretary of
     Purchaser, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
     satisfactory to Seller, as to (i) no amendments to the Certificate of
     Incorporation of Purchaser since the date of the certified copy delivered
     pursuant to Section 3.2(b) hereof; (ii) the By-Laws of Purchaser; (iii) the
     resolutions of the Board of Directors of Purchaser authorizing the
     execution and performance of this Agreement



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     and the contemplated transactions; and (iv) incumbency and signatures of
     the officers executing this Agreement and any documents, instruments and
     agreements referenced herein;

          (e) A certificate executed by Purchaser as of the Closing Date as to
     the matters set forth in Sections 3.4(a) and (b) hereof; and,

          (f) The written instructions of Purchaser instructing the Escrow Agent
     to release the balance of the funds held pursuant to the Escrow Agreement
     to Seller.

     3.3. SELLER'S DELIVERIES. Subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the Closing Date Seller shall deliver
or cause to be delivered all of the following:

          (a) Copies of the Articles of Organization of Seller, certified as of
     a recent date by the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

          (b) A certificate of good standing of Seller issued as of a recent
     date by the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

          (c) A certificate of the secretary or an assistant secretary of
     Seller, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
     satisfactory to Purchaser, as to (i) no amendments to the Certificate of
     Incorporation of Seller since the date of the certified copy delivered
     pursuant to Section 3.3(a) hereof; (ii) the By-Laws of Seller; (iii) the
     resolutions of the Board of Directors of Seller authorizing the execution
     and performance of this Agreement and the contemplated transactions; and
     (iv) incumbency and signatures of the officers of Seller executing this
     Agreement and any documents, instruments and agreements referenced herein;

          (d) All consents, waivers or approvals obtained by Seller with respect
     to the Purchased Assets or the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement;

          (e) A certificate executed by Seller as of the Closing Date as to the
     matters set forth in Sections 3.4(a) and (b) hereof;

          (f) Any permits, licenses, files and records to be delivered pursuant
     to Section 1.1 of this Agreement;

          (g) The written instructions of Seller instructing the Escrow Agent to
     release the balance of the funds held pursuant to the Escrow Agreement to
     Seller; and,

          (h) Such other bills of sale, assignments and other instruments of
     transfer or conveyance as Purchaser may reasonably request or as may be
     otherwise necessary to evidence and effect the sale, assignment, transfer,
     conveyance and delivery (to the extent under Seller's control) of the
     Purchased Assets to Purchaser.



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     3.4. CONDITIONS OF CLOSING. The Closing of the transaction contemplated in
this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions
precedent on or prior to the Closing Date, as the case may be:

          (a) As to each party, the representations and warranties of the other
     party shall be true and correct in all material respects at the time of the
     Closing to the same effect and extent as if such warranties and
     representations were made at the Closing;

          (b) As to each party, the performance by the other party of all terms
     and conditions of this Agreement required to be performed in all material
     respects at or prior to the Closing shall have been fulfilled, including
     the delivery of all documents required hereunder to be delivered at or
     prior to the Closing;

          (c) With respect to the Bankruptcy Case:

              (i) on or prior to March 3, 1999, Seller shall have filed the
          appropriate motion pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy
          Court seeking the authorization of the sale of the Purchased Assets to
          Purchaser as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement (the "Sale
          Motion");

              (ii) on or prior to March 10, 1999, the Bankruptcy Court shall
          have entered an order approving the Competitive Bid Procedure, as
          described in Section 6.1 hereof, and the Break-Up-Fee, as defined in
          Section 8.4. hereof; and

              (iii) on or prior to March 19, 1999, the Bankruptcy Court shall
          have issued the Sale Order; and

          (d) There shall have been no material adverse changes in the condition
     of the Purchased Assets from the date hereof through the Closing Date; and,

          (e) Except with respect to an appeal of the Sale Order (so long as
     such appeal has not stayed the Sale Order), no suit, action, or other
     proceeding shall be threatened by or pending before any court or
     governmental agency in which it will be or it is sought to restrain or
     prohibit or to obtain material damages or relief in connection with this
     Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement.

     3.6 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each of the parties hereto agrees that it will,
from time to time hereafter, execute and deliver such other documents and
instruments and take such other action (other than the expenditure of a material
amount of funds) as may be reasonably requested by the other party to carry out
the actions and transactions contemplated by this Agreement.



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                                   ARTICLE IV

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

     As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller represents and warrants
to Purchaser and agrees as follows:

     4.1. ORGANIZATION OF SELLER. Seller is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good in standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. Seller has no subsidiaries.

     4.2. AUTHORITY OF SELLER; ENFORCEABILITY. Subject only to Bankruptcy Court
approval, Seller has the full power and authority to execute, deliver and
perform this Agreement and all documents, instruments and agreements referenced
herein and the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Seller. This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by Seller and, assuming due authorization of, and execution and
delivery by, Purchaser, this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of Seller, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

     4.3. GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION. Except with respect to Bankruptcy Court
approval and except as set forth in SCHEDULE 4.3 hereto, no governmental
license, permit or authorization and no registration, declaration or filing with
any governmental authority or regulatory agency by Seller is required in
connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
the performance of the transactions contemplated herein.

     4.4. NO AGREEMENTS. There are no existing agreements, options,
commitments, arrangements or rights with, to or in any third party to acquire
any of the Purchased Assets.

     4.5. LITIGATION. There are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending before
any court or administrative agency or board, or to the knowledge of Seller
threatened against or affecting the Purchased Assets other than as set forth in
SCHEDULE 4.5 hereto.

     4.6. [Intentionally Omitted]

     4.7. TITLE TO AND CONDITION OF ASSETS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.7
hereto, Seller owns and possesses and will own and possess as of the Closing
Date all right, title and interest in and to the Purchased Assets, including,
without limitation good and merchantable title to the Purchased Assets free and
clear of all encumbrances (other than those listed on SCHEDULE 4.7 hereto) or
other title defects or restrictions of any nature. Upon entry of the Sale Order,
Seller will have as of the Closing Date the right, power and authority to
convey, transfer, assign and deliver the Purchased Assets free and clear of any
encumbrance or restriction. All tangible Purchased Assets of Seller are in
Seller's possession or under its control except as set forth on SCHEDULE 4.7
hereto, and any equipment included in the Purchased Assets is in good operating
condition and repair, subject only to routine maintenance and ordinary wear and
tear consistent with the age and use thereof; and is fit



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and adequate for use in the ordinary course of Seller's business as currently
conducted. Seller enjoys peaceful and quiet possession of die Purchased Assets
pursuant to or by all of the deeds, bills of sale, leases, licenses and other
agreements under which it is operating its business.

     4.8. BROKERAGE AND FINDER'S FEES. No shareholder, officer, director or
agent of Seller has incurred any liability to any broker, finder or agent for
any brokerage fees, finder's fees, or commissions with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE V

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

     As an inducement to Seller to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, Purchaser represents and warrants to
Seller and agrees as follows:

     5.1. ORGANIZATION OF PURCHASER. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

     5.2. AUTHORITY OF PURCHASER; ENFORCEABILITY. Purchaser has the full power
and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all documents,
instruments and agreements referenced herein. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Purchaser. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Purchaser and, assuming due
authorization of; and execution and delivery by Seller, this Agreement
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Purchaser enforceable against
Purchaser in accordance with its terms.

     5.3. NO VIOLATION. Except for matters as to which written consents,
amendments or waivers have been obtained, the execution and delivery of this
Agreement does not, and the consummation by Purchaser of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not, result in any violation of or default under, any
agreement to which Purchaser is a party and, if violated, would have a material
adverse effect on Purchaser. No authorization, consent or approval of, or filing
with, any public body or governmental authority is necessary for the
consummation, by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby which has not
already been obtained.

     5.4. GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION. No governmental license, permit or
authorization and no registration, declaration or filing with any governmental
authority or regulatory agency by Purchaser is required in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the performance of the
transactions contemplated herein which has not already been obtained.

     5.5. BROKERAGE AND FINDER'S FEES. No shareholder, officer, director or
agent of Purchaser has incurred any liability to any broker, finder or agent for
any brokerage fees, finder's fees, or commissions with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.



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     5.6. SUFFICIENT FUNDS. As of the date of this Agreement, Purchaser has
sufficient funds to pay the Purchaser Price based on cash or cash equivalents on
band and available bank (or other institutional lender) financing.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     6.1. COMPETITIVE BID PROCEDURE. Purchaser and Seller acknowledge that this
Agreement is being entered into subject to another party offering a higher and
better bid for the Purchased Assets; therefore, Seller shall provide notice by
mail and publication in the manner approved by the Bankruptcy Court (i)
announcing the time and date of the hearing to approve the Sale Motion (the
"Sale Hearing"), and (ii) inviting the submission of "higher and better bids"
for the Purchased Assets (the "Competitive Bid Procedure"). Subject to
Bankruptcy Court approval, the terms of the Competitive Bid Procedure shall be
as follows:

          (a) at least three (3) days prior to the Sale Hearing, any competing
     bidder shall have executed a definitive agreement on identical terms as
     this Agreement (except as for purchase price) which Seller deems to contain
     a superior bid, and which agreement shall be valid, binding and enforceable
     upon approval of the Bankruptcy Court;

          (b) a competing bid shall be accompanied by a certified check or cash
     deposit in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) which
     shall be held in escrow by counsel for Seller and, if such competing bid is
     accepted and approved by the Bankruptcy Court, shall be applied toward the
     purchase price or, if such competing bid is not accepted, shall be refunded
     in full to such competing bidder after the Sale Hearing (unless such
     competing bidder has breached or violated its agreement with Seller);

          (c) a competing bid must be at least Two Hundred Thousand Dollars
     ($200,000) in excess of the Purchase Price;

          (d) a competing bid shall not be subject to any further due diligence
     by the competing bidder and shall not contain any other conditions
     precedent to the consummation of the purchase other than those identical to
     the conditions precedent contained in this Agreement;

          (e) a competing bid must state that the competing bidder is prepared
     to consummate the purchase within three (3) days of entry of an order by
     the Bankruptcy Court approving such competing bid; and



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          (f) the Competitive Bid Procedure shall be subject to such other terms
     and conditions as the Bankruptcy Court shall require.

     6.2. AUCTION. In the event that Seller receives a competing bid that meets
the Competitive Bid Procedure set forth Section 6.1 and is otherwise acceptable
to Seller, Seller shall conduct an auction (the "Auction") at the Sale Hearing
under the direction and supervision of the Bankruptcy Court. No person or entity
other than Purchaser or a bidder that has made a competing bid that meets the
Competitive Bid Procedure set forth Section 6.1 shall be entitled to participate
in the Auction. All bids at the Auction must be made in increments of not less
than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000). The Auction shall be subject to
such other terms and conditions as the Bankruptcy Court shall require.

     6.3. [Intentionally Omitted]

     6.4. [Intentionally Omitted]

     6.5. [Intentionally Omitted]

     6.6. ACCESS TO RECORDS. Seller shall permit authorized representatives of
Purchaser to have, prior to the Closing Date at mutually agreeable times,
reasonable access to the premises of Seller, and the books and records relating
to the Purchased Assets. Seller will furnish to Purchaser such operating data
and information with respect to the Purchased Assets as Purchaser may from time
to time reasonably request. Purchaser shall have the right to copies thereof and
excerpts therefrom, at Purchaser's cost. All of Purchaser's investigations
hereunder shall be conducted so as not to interfere with Seller's normal
business activities. Purchaser agrees that any of the information received by it
from Seller in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement between Purchaser and Seller dated
as of January 25, 1999.

     6.7. INSURANCE COVERAGE AND OPERATING ASSETS. Seller shall maintain its
current insurance coverage with respect to the Purchased Assets, if any; and
shall maintain all of the Purchased Assets in their current operating condition
and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

     6.8. ACCESS TO OFFICES. Purchaser shall have access until March 31, 1999
to Seller's facilities solely for the purpose of taking possession of the
Purchased Assets located at such facilities. Purchaser agrees to leave each such
facility in "broom clean" condition and shall indemnify Seller for any damage
caused by Purchaser in connection with such access.



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                                  ARTICLE VII

                                  TAX MATTERS

     7.1. TRANSFER TAXES. Seller shall be responsible for the timely payment of,
and shall indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser against, all federal, state and
local sales taxes (including, without limitation, bulk sales, use, transfer,
gains, recording, ad valorem and other similar taxes and fees ("Transfer
Taxes")), arising out of or in connection with or attributable to the
transactions effected pursuant to this Agreement.

     7.2. REASONABLE ASSISTANCE. Each of Purchaser and Seller shall provide the
other with such assistance as may reasonably be requested by either of them in
connection with the preparation of any tax return, any audit or other
examination by any taxing authority, or any judicial or administrative
proceedings relating to liability for taxes, and each will retain and provide
the requesting party with any records or information which may be relevant to
such return, audit or examination, proceedings or determination. Any information
obtained pursuant to this Section 7.2 providing for the sharing of information
or the review of any tax return or other schedule relating to taxes shall be
kept confidential by the parties hereto.

     7.3. ALLOCATION OF CONSIDERATION. At least 30 days prior to the date that
Internal Revenue Service Form 8594 is required to be filed with respect to the
acquisition of the Purchased Assets, Purchaser shall prepare and deliver to
Seller an allocation of the Purchase Price, which shall be mutually agreed to by
Seller and Purchaser and shall reflect the fair market value of the Purchased
Assets. Each of Purchaser and Seller shall report the transactions contemplated
hereby for federal income tax and all other tax purposes including, without
limitation, for purposes of Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code") in a manner consistent with such allocation, and shall
not voluntarily take any position inconsistent therewith upon examination of any
tax return, in any refund claim, in any litigation or otherwise with respect to
any tax return. Each of Purchaser and Seller shall cooperate in the preparation
and shall timely file a Form 8594 in accordance with the requirements of
Section 1060 of the Code and this Section 7.3.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                  TERMINATION

     8.1. TERMINATION PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE. This Agreement may be terminated at
any time, but not later than the Closing Date, by:

          (a) Purchaser and Seller mutually agreeing, in the exercise of their
     sole and absolute discretion, in writing to terminate this Agreement;



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          (b) Purchaser, at any time after the date of this Agreement, if Seller
     shall have failed to file the Sale Motion;

          (c) Purchaser any time after March 10, 1999, if the Bankruptcy Court
     shall have failed to enter an order approving the Competitive Bid Procedure
     and the Break-Up-Fee; and,

          (d) Purchaser on or after March 19, 1999, if the Bankruptcy Court
     shall have failed to issue the Sale Order.

     8.2. TERMINATION ON THE CLOSING DATE. If the Closing Date shall not have
occurred, and all conditions precedent therewith have not been satisfied, on or
prior to March 22, 1999, then either Purchaser or Seller, upon written notice to
the other party hereto, shall have the unconditional right to terminate this
Agreement.

     8.3. AGREEMENT VOID. In the event of the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to this Section, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no
effect and there shall be no obligation or liability (other than with respect to
the Break-Up-Fee) on the part of any party hereto or its directors, officers or
shareholders; provided, however, that nothing herein shall relieve any party
from liability for any breach hereof.

     8.4. BREAK-UP FEE. Seller and Purchaser acknowledge that the execution and
delivery of this Agreement may result in competing bids for the Purchased Assets
and that it is impossible to ascertain with any degree of certainty the damages
that would result to Purchaser by reason of any failure by Seller to consummate
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement; therefore, Seller agrees that in
addition to any other rights of Purchaser under this Agreement and subject to
approval by the Bankruptcy Court; in the event that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are not consummated in accordance with the terms,
hereof, other than as a result of a breach by the Purchaser, upon (a) the sale
of all or a substantial portion of the Purchased Assets to any one or more
person or entity other than Purchaser pursuant to the Auction provided in
Section 6.2, or (b) the failure of Seller to use reasonable efforts to obtain
the Sale Order from the Bankruptcy Court within the time period specified in
this Agreement, then Seller shall pay to Purchaser, as liquidated damages and
not as a penalty, the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000) as
reimbursement to Purchaser for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of
Purchaser (the "Break-Up-Fee"). The Break-Up Fee shall be an administrative
expense under the Bankruptcy Code with a priority superior to that of any other
expense of the estate of Seller.

     8.5. ESCROW ACCOUNT. If this Agreement is terminated at any time for any
reason prior to the Closing Date, then Purchaser and Seller agree that all funds
held in the Escrow Account shall be disbursed by the Escrow Agent on the day the
Agreement is terminated. Purchaser and Seller shall have each executed the
appropriate written instructions to be delivered to the Escrow Agent to effect
such disbursement.



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                                   ARTICLE IX

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     9.1. SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS. All representations, warranties, covenants
and obligations contained in this Agreement shall terminate at the Closing Date;
provided however, that any covenants or obligations to be performed after the
Closing Date shall survive until such date as such covenants and obligations are
fully performed. Except for the representations and warranties expressly set
forth in this Agreement, Seller makes no representation or warranty, express or
implied, at law or in equity, in respect of itself or any of its assets,
liabilities and operations, or the transaction contemplated hereby, including,
without limitation, any implied representation or warranty as to the condition,
merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose, and Seller
expressly disclaims any such representation or warranty. Except for the
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, Purchaser is
acquiring the Purchased Assets on an "as is" and "where is" basis.

     9.2. RISK OF LOSS. Legal title, equitable title and risk of loss with
respect to the Purchased Assets shall not pass to Purchaser until the Purchased
Assets are transferred to Purchaser at the Closing.

     9.3. RIGHT TO SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. In addition to any other rights
hereunder, the parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the
event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not to be performed by the
parties in accordance with the terms hereof and that Purchaser or Seller shall
be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any
other remedy at law or equity.

     9.4. NOTICES. All notices or other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given or delivered when
delivered personally or when sent by registered or certified mail, by private
courier or by facsimile (with telephonic confirmation of receipt) addressed as
follows:


     IF TO PURCHASER, TO:
     Michael Anthony Jewelers, Inc.
     115 South MacQueston Parkway
     Mount Vernon, New York 10550
     Attention: Allan Corn
     Facsimile No.: (914) 699-2335

     With a copy to:

     Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
     2300 BP America Building
     200 Public Square
     Cleveland, Ohio 44114



                                       12
<PAGE>   13

     Attention: Brett Barragate, Esq.
     Facsimile No.: (216) 363-4588

     IF TO SELLER TO:
     Town & Country Fine Jewelry Group, Inc.,
       Debtor
     25 Union Street
     Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150
     Attention: David W. Cochran
     Facsimile No.: (617) 889-3683

     With copies to:

     Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar
     101 Federal Street
     Boston, Massachusetts 02110
     Attention: Francis, J. Feeney, Jr., Esq.
     Facsimile No.: (617) 951-1295

or to such other address as such party may indicate by a notice delivered to the
other party hereto.

     9.5. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

          (a) The rights of any party under this Agreement shall not be
     assignable by such party hereto prior to the Closing without the prior
     consent of the other. Following the Closing, either party may (with the
     prior written consent of the other party) assign any of its rights
     hereunder, but no such assignment shall relieve it of its obligations
     hereunder.

          (b) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
     the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns. The
     successors and permitted assigns hereunder shall include without
     limitation, in the case of Purchaser, any permitted assignee as well as the
     successors in interest to such permitted assignee (whether by merger,
     liquidation (including successive mergers or liquidations) or otherwise).
     Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended or shall be
     construed to confer upon any Person other than the parties and successors
     and assigns permitted by this Section 9.6 any right, remedy or claim under
     or by reason of this Agreement.

     9.6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS. This Agreement and the Exhibits and
Schedules referred to herein and the documents delivered pursuant hereto contain
the entire understanding of the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter
contained herein or therein, and supersede all prior agreements, understandings
or letters of intent between or among any of the parties hereto and are not
intended to confer on any other person any rights or remedies hereunder or
thereunder. This



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Agreement shall not be amended, modified or supplemented except by a written
instrument signed by an authorized representative of each of the parties hereto.

     9.7. INTERPRETATION. Article titles and headings to sections herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of
or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The Schedules and
Exhibits referred to herein shall be construed with and as an integral part of
this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim.

     9.8. WAIVERS. Any term or provision of this Agreement may be waived, or the
time for its performance may be extended, by the party or parties entitled to
the benefit thereof. Any such waiver shall be validly and sufficiently
authorized for the purposes of this Agreement if, as to any party, it is
authorized in writing by an authorized representative of such party. The failure
of any party hereto to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall
not be construed to be a waiver of such provision, nor in ally way to affect the
validity of this Agreement or any part hereof or the right of any party
thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of
this Agreement shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent
breach.

     9.9. EXPENSES. Except as otherwise set forth herein, each party hereto will
pay all costs and expenses incident to its negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement and to its parties performance and compliance with all agreements and
conditions contained herein on its part to be performed or complied with,
including the fees, expenses and disbursements of its counsel and accountants.

     9.10. PARTIAL INVALIDITY. Wherever possible, each provision hereof shall be
interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law,
but in case any one or more of the provisions contained herein shall, for any
reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or enforceable in any respect, such
provision shall be ineffective to the extent, but only to the extent, of such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or provisions or any other
provisions hereof, unless a construction would be reasonable.

     9.11. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts amid by facsimile signature, each of which shall be considered
an original instrument, but all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement, and shall become binding when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the Seller and
Purchaser.

     9.12. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws (as opposed to the conflicts of law
provisions) of the State of Delaware.

     9.13. CONTROVERSIES. The Bankruptcy Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction
over all controversies relating to this Agreement.



                                       14
<PAGE>   15

     9.14. ACCESS TO RECORDS AFTER CLOSING. After the Closing Date, Purchaser
and Seller and its representatives shall have reasonable access to all of the
books and records relating to the Purchased Assets which the other party may
retain after the Closing Date. Such access shall be afforded by the Seller upon
receipt of reasonable advance notice and during normal business hours. Each
party shall be solely responsible for any costs and expenses incurred by it
pursuant to this Section 9.14. If Seller shall desire to dispose of any of such
books and records, Seller shall, prior to such disposition, give Purchaser a
reasonable opportunity to access such books and records as Purchaser may select.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed the day and year first above written.

                                             TOWN & COUNTRY FINE JEWELRY
                                               GROUP, INC.

                                             By: /s/ David A. Cochran
                                                 -------------------------------

                                             Title: President & CEO
                                                    ----------------------------

                                             MICHAEL ANTHONY JEWELERS, INC

                                             By: /s/ Michael A. Paolercio 
                                                 -------------------------------

                                             Title: CEO
                                                    ----------------------------



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