‘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’s Stars of Africa collection at Harrods

Royal Stars with orange diamonds

London’s luxury department store, Harrods, has begun selling the Stars of Africa floating diamonds collection from the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.

Harrods will have the largest collection of Stars of Africa jewelry in the U.K., including the limited editions with pink diamonds and the Royal Stars with orange diamonds (pictured), which is a tribute to the Royal Dutch family for the extension of the Royal title earlier this year.

Launched in 2009, the collection (comprised of rings, earrings, pendants and cuff links) 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.

Sales from the jewelry collection benefits Royal Asscher’s Africa-focused fundraising initiative, Stars of Africa, which aims to improve infrastructure in Africa by generating funding for healthcare, education and self sufficiency programs.

Royal Asscher is renowned for its heritage and history, which includes cleaving the world’s largest rough diamond in 1908, the Cullinan, presently housed in Great Britain’s Crown Jewels. Royal visitors to the Amsterdam based company include Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

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.

New Stars of Africa Jewelry Unveiled

As reported earlier, Royal Asscher selected Toronto jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia to create five new jewelry designs to complement its Stars of Africa rings, which were released last year. The new jewelry line of pendants, necklaces and earrings was unveiled during jewelry week recently held in Las Vegas.

The diamond and 18k gold and platinum rings incorporated a clear half-sphere made of sapphire crystal filled with small diamonds. The crystal half shells are filled with a clear silicone, which allow the diamonds to float inside the ring in the same manner that paper confetti floats inside a snow globe. Of course the diamonds have a lot more sparkle.

Ahluwalia took that half-sphere concept and using what she calls a combination of mechanics and geometry (let’s not forget exceptional design) expanded it into full globes. In some cases, as with the pendants and earrings, the entire globe rotates inside the housing. The new designs incorporate diamond micro pavé in a way that appears to orbit the globes. With one of the necklaces, the orbiting ring spins around the globe. All of the pieces are substantial, in particular the earrings, and all are variations and even advancements of the design theme introduced by Royal Asscher last year.

The collection is available in pink, yellow and white 18k gold and in platinum.

The jewelry is being used to raise funds to support children’s programs in Africa through its Star of Africa initiative. Much of the world’s diamonds are mined in Africa but in many cases the local population do not benefit. A portion of all sales will go toward the Diamond Empowerment Fund, the organization founded by entrepreneur Russell Simmons, which has two beneficiaries: CIDA City Campus and ALA, both of which are based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Lita Asscher president of Royal Asscher of America Inc. was recently named an advisory board member of D.E.F.

Lita and her brother Mike Asscher, vice president of Royal Asscher in Europe and Asia (sixth generation representatives of the famed Amsterdam-based diamond company) said they wanted to show the industry how it can have a positive impact on Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, which Lita visited in 2008. They came away with a strong belief in "diamonds for development" that became the main goal of the Star of Africa initiative.

In keeping with the theme of the jewelry collection, one of Ahluwalia’s new designs includes three diamond micro pavé satellites circling the diamond globe, which she says represent education, healthcare and empowerment.

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 Selects Reena Ahluwalia to Create New Designs for Stars of Africa Collection

Toronto jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia will create five new jewelry designs for Stars of Africa Royal Asscher jewelry collection. The new  pendants, necklaces and earrings will complement the collection’s half-dome, floating diamond ring that was first unveiled about a year ago.

Royal Asscher will debut the new pieces at the JCK Las Vegas jewelry trade show, which opens June 4.

“Reena designs with immense precision and fervor, a perfect stage to continue the Royal Asscher legacy of gemological excellence and innovation,” the Amsterdam-based diamond company said.

“Royal Asscher has a legendary history of innovation and an unblemished ethical record in the diamond world,” Ahluwalia said. “As a jewelry designer, there is no greater motivation for me than to be able to contribute to positive social changes through my art and the ideas it spreads.”

The jewelry consists of full-diamond globes encircled by orbit-like elements. The globes spin to symbolizing earth's rotation while the free-floating diamonds represent the shining spirit of people. These orbits signify education, health-care and empowerment all of which are essential components to the root of the Star of Africa initiative. The pendants function as modern day amulets infused with messages of hope and well-being. The design of necklaces, earrings and pendants are all streamlined to represent the wondrous continent of Africa.

The entire collection benefits Royal Asscher's fundraising initiative, Stars of Africa, named after the largest diamond ever found, the Star of Africa, at 3,105 cts., which the Asscher family cut in 1908. The initiative was launched in 2008 and is aimed at improving infrastructure in Africa by creating funding for healthcare, education and self sufficiency programs.

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 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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