The platinum "Legacy" diamond engagement ring with the iconic Royal Asscher cut center stone. courtesy: forbes images
Lita and Mike Asscher, the young, energetic sixth generation heirs to the 157-year-old family owned firm, introduced several new jewelry designs over the past few years. During the recently concluded Luxury at JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show, the siblings-introduced updates and new items for its high-end, bridal and fashion lines. All of the jewelry reflects the company’s heritage while showing it can produce jewelry that is fashionable, modern and luxurious while also be supportive of special causes.
The company provided two updates to its Stars of Africa collection, in which proceeds from the sales will go toward infrastructure, healthcare and education for children from African countries where diamonds are mined. It is named after the largest diamond ever found, the Star of Africa, at 3,105 cts., which the Asscher family cut in 1908. The collection is built around a half- or full-sapphire sphere in which tiny-diamonds are inserted along with a clear liquid. Whether it is an earring, ring or necklace, as the jewelry moves, the diamonds appear to float in the sphere like confetti in a snow globe, only with sparkle. The Asschers say the diamonds represent the children of Africa who are-the real stars.
The first new addition to the collection is a ring to honor the company’s renewal of its “royal” title by the Dutch monarchy. It is an 18k white gold ring plated with palladium to better enhance its white color. It incorporates the same clear half sphere made of sapphire crystal filled with small diamonds. However, in this case the diamonds are orange (1.55 carat weight), representing the-national color of Holland. But as light hits the ring, the diamonds also take on a golden glow. The edge of the ring is lined with white diamonds and the side features the Royal Asscher crown logo. The ring, available in a limited-edition of 55 pieces, also is available in 18k gold or platinum.
This second is a new, affordable line of the jewelry called “Shining Stars” that is made with a variety of materials and designed to be a touch “wilder,” than the original collection, while still maintaining the iconic free-floating diamonds centerpiece. Proceeds from sale will continue to support African charities.
Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia, who created the collection, says the jewelry is inspired by the day and night of the African savanna and its animal magnetism.
“African savanna, abstract leopard and cheetah prints became my inspiration source,” Ahluwalia says. “We are seeing this exotic trend hugely influencing runways and street fashion.”
The collection of rings and pendants is comprised of two-materials not used in prior Stars of Africa jewelry: Rhodium-plated sterling silver combined with 18k rose, yellow gold; and white and black ceramic with 18k rose, yellow and white gold. The new materials allow the retail prices to start at $1,950, as opposed to the $5,000 to $10,000 price tag of the Stars of Africa products.
In addition, Ahluwalia also designed a new engagement ring for Royal Asscher called “Legacy” in which the signature Asscher cut diamond serves as the center stone of the platinum wave-like ring, with diamonds of different cuts detailing each side-of the ring.
18k rose gold plating on sterling silver pendant, floating diamonds and black enamel. $2,950 courtesy: forbes images
White ceramic and 18k yellow gold with floating diamonds. $2,490 courtesy: forbes images
Black ceramic and 18k rose gold with floating diamonds. $ 2,490 courtesy: forbes images
18k rose gold ring plating on sterling silver, floating diamonds and black enamel. $1,950 courtesy: forbes images
Pendant in rhodium-plated sterling silver, floating diamonds and black enamel. $2,950 courtesy: forbes images
Limited edition Stars of Africa ring made of 18k palladium-plated 18k white gold with orange diamond ring shimmering in a sapphire half-globe. courtesy: forbes images
source :http://blogs.forbes.com
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