Benefit for Nicole Porto

I’ve known Nicole Porto for several years as the public relations representative for the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. She is a sweet person who does her job extremely well and who is far too young to have such a serious illness.

In June Nicole was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder. Since the illness was discovered she has undergone several blood transfusions and is scheduled for a bone-marrow transplant on December 6.

To help offset her medical expenses several of her many friends have set up the Nicole Porto Fund website where those who are interested can give a donation through PayPal.

In addition, friends of Nicole will hold a benefit on December 4 in New York at The Malt House on Thompson Street. It will include a jewelry sale, raffle and silent auction. The event admission is $25 that can be made at the website on in person at the event.

All of the proceeds from registration fees, silent auction and raffle tickets will go directly to Nicole's medical bills. Lita Asscher, Diana Widman and Lois Sasson are donating 35 percent of all jewelry sales to Nicole.

The raffle and silent auction prizes will include:

* Two free passes for flights anywhere in the U.S. on Virgin America Airlines!!
* Forty percent discount flight passes from Virgin America
* A 3-month membership to Equinox
* Dinner cooked by a professional chef
* Limited edition fine pens by Faber-Castell
* Nicole's favorite Diana Widman earrings
* A floating diamond necklace by Royal Asscher
* Fine jewelry donations by industry talent
* A summer weekend in a Vermont country house

More information and instructions about making donations and attending the event are on the website.

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‘Stars of Africa’ on the Runway for Charity

Royal Asscher lit up the runway Thursday night in New York with its “Stars of Africa” collection, by Toronto jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia.

Model with Stars of 
Photo: Barry J. Holmes

For each piece sold at the “Lingerie New York” event and over the next six months, 50 percent of the profits will go to the Seven Bar Foundation, an organization, through an online collaboration on Royal Asscher’s Web site. The foundation provides small loans (via micro-financing) to underprivileged women to start their own small business as an exit out of poverty.

Actress Sofia Vergara hosted the runway event at Cipriani’s 42nd Street, which attracted a number of celebrities and jewelry industry official, most notably Russell Simmons, the hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, and actress Minnie Driver.

From left: Actress Sofia Vergara, Renata M. Black, Seven Bar Foundation director, and Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher of America

The MTV produced show included eight aerialist performers; two top couture and luxury lingerie designers—Atsuko Kudo and Carine Gilson—DJ Michelle Rodriguez; and models Veronica Webb, Elsa Benitez and Crystal Renn walking the runway.

The Stars of Africa by Royal Asscher collection consists of rings, pendants, earrings and necklaces. Diamonds are encased in fluid filled sapphire dome, allowing them to fall freely, like snowflakes in a snow globe. For each piece of Stars of Africa jewelry sold, at least three women will get microfinance loans.

The scene at Cipriani's

“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity through our collections and success to provide women living in poverty with an opportunity to sustain themselves for life and create their own legacy,” said Lita Asscher, president of Amsterdam-based Royal Asscher diamond company.

Royal Asscher Participates in HIV/AIDS Event Honoring Elton John and Hillary Clinton

Lita Asscher between Sharon Stone and Elton John.

Lita Asscher, America’s president of the Royal Asscher diamond company, was part of a star-studded event held July 23 in Washington, D.C., that honored U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Elton John for their efforts battling HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Lita Asscher with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The event, hosted by The Human Rights Campaign, was held to raise awareness for the Global Equality Fund, a U.S. State Department program, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Sharon Stone hosted the event held at a private residence in Georgetown.

Lita Asscher volunteered to have her personal one-of-a-kind Stars of Africa floating diamond ring auctioned to benefit the foundations. The ring, containing 0.60 carats of tiny diamonds floating inside a sapphire globe, sold for $16,000 among the crowd of bidders.

Stars of Africa ring that sold for $16,000.

“As a family and as a company we at Royal Asscher consider it of paramount importance to support important causes that benefit all of humanity,” she said.

Human Rights Campaign is a civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

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Royal Asscher Releases Diamond Jubilee Edition of Stars of Africa Jewelry

The Royal Asscher Diamond Company released a limited edition version of its Stars of Africa jewelry line in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s yearlong Diamond Jubilee celebration. 

The “Diamond Jubilee Stars” is based on the same design introduced in 2009 that incorporates a clear half-sphere or full-sphere made of sapphire crystal filled with tiny diamonds. The crystal shells are filled with a clear silicone, which allow the diamonds to float inside the sphere jewelry in the same manner that paper confetti floats inside a snow globe.

The newest collection consists of a ring and pendant made of 18k rose gold. The half-sphere of the ring contains a total of 2.12 carats of white, blue and fancy pink floating diamonds. The full sphere of the pendant contains 4.91 carats of white, blue and fancy pink diamonds. The colors of the diamonds resemble the three colors of The Union Jack, the British National Flag.

The Diamond Jubilee Stars are available in a very exclusive edition of six pieces, each with its own serial number and certificate and are only available at Harrods, London.

There are few in the jewelry and diamond industry that has had as long or as close of a relationship with with the British Monarchy as Royal Asscher. It began in 1908 when the Asscher brothers of Amsterdam cut the biggest diamond in the world: the Cullinan. The Cullinan I (530 carats) was mounted in the head of the Scepter with the Cross. the Cullinan II (317 carats) was mounted in St. Edward's Crown. Both are part of the Royal Crown Jewels and on permanent display in the Tower of London. 

On the fourth day of the National Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Queen Elizabeth wore the brooch set with the Cullinan III and IV in front of a worldwide audience on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Diamond Empowerment Fund Unveils Jewelry And Watch Collection At Donna Distefano’s Atelier

Banneker watches, Royal Asscher Pendant and Donna Distefano “Illumination” bracelets that are being sold to fund DEF charities. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Jewelry industry representatives crowded into the Donna Distefano atelier in New York recently to view new products that will be sold to raise funds for educational programs in the diamond-producing countries of Africa.

Three members of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, a diamond industry charity, unveiled the following items, which are being called "Empowerment” products: A green tsavorite and diamond pendant from Royal Asscher, the Dutch diamond company; “Illumination” bracelets from goldsmith Donna Distefano; and three watches from the Banneker watch company. About 10 percent of the retail cost of each product will be donated to DEF.

DEF was co-founded by Russell Simmons, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Benjamin Chavis, civil rights and business leader, and diamond industry leaders. It provides higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries of Africa.

The crowd attending the DEF event at the Donna Distefano Atelier. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Among those in attendance to show the new products were Distefano, Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher America, and Derrick Holmes, CEO of Banneker, Inc. Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, and Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director, were also in attendance. 

Distefano’s line of “Illumination” bracelets (pictured above) depicts symbolic African designs in sterling silver and diamonds. Each bracelet represents core values of DEF: transformation, tranquility and strength. The collection of three bracelets is made of suede with a silver and diamond and buckle. They retail for $200 each and are available through the Donna Distefano website. For every purchase, DEF receives a $20 donation. 

 
The DEF green tsavorite and diamond pendant (pictured above) is part of the Shining Stars of Africa collection by Royal Asscher. The pendant contains green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The price is $1,250 and can be purchased through the Royal Asscher website. With every pendant purchase, a $125 donation is made to DEF.
 

Banneker DEF watches (pictured above) have a Royal Asscher diamond at 12 o’clock, green crystals on the dial and bezel, and natural Ebony wood from Indonesia or Mahogany wood from Madagascar on the dial and band. All Banneker watches contain real wood as a way of paying homage to its namesake Benjamin Banneker who, in 1753, engineered and built the first working clock in America constructed entirely from parts he carved of wood. The “Euro Face” collection (gold and silver availability) retails for $390 and a $39 donation is made to DEF. The “Large Face” collection retails for $490 and $49 donation is made to DEF. The watches, which are scheduled to be available in time for the holidays, can be purchased through the company’s website.

Empowerment jewelry will also be available in the future through a dedicated DEF e-commerce website.

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First Look at New Royal Asscher Heritage Jewelry

Royal Asscher Diamond Company, the Holland-based firm that has been the jeweler to royalty throughout its 157-year history, earned its first Royal Title from the Dutch monarchy in 1980. That title was renewed in February and in its honor the company introduced two new rings.

Mike and Lita Asscher, representing the sixth generation of the family owned company, were on hand at Luxury at JCK jewelry trade show Wednesday to unveil the new creations.

The first is part of the company’s 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.

The 18k gold rings are plated with palladium to better enhance its white color. It incorporates the same clear half-sphere made of sapphire crystal filled with small diamonds that is the signature of the collection since it was introduced two years ago. The crystal half shells are filled with a clear silicone, which allow the tiny diamonds to float inside the ring as it is moves. In this case the diamonds are orange, representing the 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 second piece is the Legacy vintage-inspired engagement ring, first mentioned last week on the Jewelry News Network, designed by Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia. A signature Asscher cut diamond serves as the center stone of the platinum wave-like ring with smaller diamonds of different cuts detailing each side of the ring.

Royal Asscher Walks on the Wild Side with its ‘Shining Stars’ Collection

18k rose gold ring with plating on sterling silver, floating-diamonds and black enamel. $1,950.  Photo credit: Royal Asscher

Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia has been keeping busy updating the designs of Royal Asscher’s “Stars of Africa” jewelry collection. This new, affordable line, called “Shining Stars,” is made with new materials and designed to be a touch “wilder,” than the original collection, while still maintaining the iconic free-floating diamonds centerpiece. In addition, proceeds from sale will continue to support African charities.

Ahluwalia says the new line is inspired by the day and night of the African savannah and its animal magnetism.

Pendant in rhodium-plated sterling silver, floating-diamonds and black enamel. $2,950. Photo credit: Royal Asscher

“African savannah, abstract leopard and cheetah prints became my inspiration source for “Shining Stars” collection,” Ahluwalia says. “We are seeing this exotic trend hugely influencing runways and street fashion. The new collection is versatile because patterns are so compatible and classic.”
(More photographs after jump)

The collection of rings and pendants is comprised of two new materials: Rhodium-plated sterling silver combined with 18k rose, yellow gold; and white and black ceramic with 18k rose, yellow and white gold.

Ceramic and 18k rose gold with floating-diamonds. $ 2,490.  Photo credit: Royal Asscher

 

The styles continue to feature the free-floating diamonds encased in fluid-filled sapphire domes—in the same manner that paper confetti floats inside a snow globe, giving the diamonds the effect of shimmering stars. The new materials allow the retail prices to start at $1,950. The collection will make its debut during the first week of June at the Luxury at JCK and JCK Las Vegas jewelry tradeshows.

Sales from the new line, as with all Stars of Africa jewelry, will benefit Africa-focused fundraising initiatives through the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), the non-profit organization founded by entrepreneur Russell Simmons to raise money to support disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher of America, is a D.E.F. advisory board member.

Ceramic and 18k yellow gold with floating-diamonds. $2,490.  Photo credit: Royal Asscher

“The Shining Stars designs stand as a symbol of vibrant beauty of the African continent and its people. Pieces are bold, playful, and whimsical,” Asscher said. “I think we were able to achieve a modern, minimal and clean look with our new floating-diamonds collection.”

18k rose gold plating on sterling silver pendant, floating-diamonds and black enamel. $2,950. Photo Credit: Royal Asscher

Royal Asscher and CoutureLab to Support the Seven Bar Foundation

This Shining Stars ring is among the Royal Asscher jewelry that will be available on CoutureLab. Photo credit: Royal Asscher

Royal Asscher said Thursday that it is selling jewelry from its Stars of Africa and Shining Stars collections on the website CoutureLab to benefit the Seven Bar Foundation.

CoutureLab is a luxury gift website that sells fine and rare products that focus on quality, heritage and craftsmanship. Seven Bar Foundation is a social enterprise that empowers women in the developing world by providing microfinance opprtunities that fuels local businesses that enrich communities.

A total of 20 percent of retail profit from sales of Royal Asscher jewelry on CoutureLab will benefit the Seven Bar Foundation and help extend ladders to women out of poverty.

Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars collections consist of diamonds encased within fluid-filled sapphire domes, which allow the diamonds to float freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The result is cascading diamonds that emit light, fire and beauty. Each piece is handcrafted by expert craftsmen in Florence, Italy.

The idea behind the Stars of Africa and Shining Stars jewelry lines has always been to raise funds and awareness for children’s programs in Africa through its Star of Africa initiative. This is just another way for the company and priduct to achieve this goal, said. Renata Black, founder of the Seven Bar Foundation says, “We are honored to call the Royal Asscher.
 
In addition, Royal Asscher, founded in 1854 and known for cutting some of largest and most famous diamonds in history, fits right in with a website that focuses on heritage.

“Royal Asscher supports CoutureLab founder Carmen Busquets’ vision for her website as a place where the stories of the products and the people behind them would be celebrated—where clients could not only learn about the heritage and see the true value of it, but also fall in love and own a piece of it,” said Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher of America.

Royal Asscher Targets Young Consumers with Lab-Made Diamond Brand

Rebel Chique diamond engagement ring, 18k white gold with o.cc-carat pink man-made diamond brilliant cut, VVS1 clarity, set in white pave. The prices is listed on the website at $8,445.

The Royal Asscher diamond company has introduced a man-made diamond brand it calls, “Rebel Chique.” The name represents a break from the traditional view of a diamond as once-in-lifetime heirloom to a fashion accessory that offers a more personalized diamond experience, the company said. 

To bring this point home, the opening page of the brand’s e-commerce enabled website and accompanying advertising campaign features a picture of the ring on a women’s middle finger in what the company describes as a “wink of rebellion.”

The diamond industry is largely a stodgy, old place where innovation comes slowly. Royal Asscher, even though it's history spans nearly 160 years, is attempting to break this mold with this new brand.

“Diamonds have traditionally been an expression of purity and beauty,” Mike Asscher, Royal Asscher, vice president, sixth generation to work at the family-owned company. “We want them to be also about confidence and independence.”

Laboratory grown diamonds use heat and pressure to recreate how a diamond is created beneath the earth’s surface, turning a natural process that stakes more than 1 billion years to something that could be done in a laboratory in less than a week. Man-made diamonds have traditionally been used for manufacturing process such as cutting and polishing tools. In recent years the technique to create these diamonds has grown to the point where it can produce gem-quality products. These stones currently makeup a tiny portion of the gem-quality diamonds in the marketplace and have until recently been limited in terms of size and color. But as the process continues to progress more of these diamonds are appearing in stores in more varieties.

The Rebel Chique brand is available in at least six colors (including colorless) and a variety of cuts and sizes for rings pendants and earrings. Browsing the website, prices range from about $2,000 to $13,000, depending on size and quality of the diamond. There is also a pure bespoke category.

Mike Asscher, who is in his 30s, is making it clear that the brand is targeting a younger audience.

“We have grown up in an on-demand, made-to-order culture. We are a generation that wants to create our own icons,” he said. “Rebel Chique opens a new world for a next generation of diamond lovers, tapping into an entirely new mentality and experience.”

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Royal Asscher Plans China Expansion through Alliance with Sparkle Roll Group

Royal Asscher has begun a strategic alliance in China and Macau with the Sparkle Roll Group Ltd., a distributor of top-tier luxury goods in China.

The alliance is for a period of 10 years, with an option to be renewed for another 10 years and will focus on the promotion and sales of several Royal Asscher diamonds and jewelry lines, most notably Royal Asscher Cut Diamonds the Stars of Africa Collection

“We have established a firm foothold in the Japanese market for 45 years where we supply 125 jewelers,” said Edward Asscher, President of Royal Asscher. “Next to the U.S. and European markets, the People Republic of China (PRC) is the fourth greatest market for our 159 year-old Asscher family company. We believe that Sparkle Roll's market leadership and extensive distribution network will help expand our reach across the broad spectrum of target audiences in the China and thus reinforce our presence in the market.”

Ivan Tong, chairman of Sparkle Roll added, “We began this exclusive distributorship in March 2011 and we are confident that Royal Asscher will be one of the most successful jewelry brands in the PRC.” 

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