Royal Asscher - Banking On Japan!

Bravo to Royal Asscher - as companies are looking to get out of Japan and a failing economy - Royal Asscher is banking on the Japanese culture and the country's historic ability to come back in a big way, with it's first flagship store in Asia!!!!
From Royal Asscher's Press Release:

The Asscher family is proud  to announce that in cooperation with its Japanese partner Nagahori Corporation, Royal Asscher opened its first flagship store in Japan on Friday, July 15, 2011. The store is located on the famous Ginza Street in the center of  Tokyo and represents the company’s first flagship store in Asia.

Royal Asscher’s unique heritage and history along with its passion for ethical and socially responsible behavior dates back to 1854. This enduring legacy, facilitated by the company’s devotion to bring beautiful, coveted jewelry to markets across the globe has led them to this momentous occasion. It will be followed by the opening of flagship stores in the People’s Republic of China.

Edward Asscher, President of the company said when opening the store, “The Asscher family is proud to open its first flagship store in Tokyo. It shows our total commitment to Japan in these difficult times. We have great respect for the solidarity and vigor the Japanese people have shown to rebuild and overcome their predicament. We are thrilled to continue building our relationship and being part of the most memorable moments of people lives”.

"We have great respect for the solidarity and vigor the Japanese people have shown to rebuild and overcome their predicament. "   Edward Asscher of Royal Asscher

Situated in a prime location, in the heart of the luxury shopping area, and in the company of other reputable stores such as LVMH, Bulgari and Chanel, the opening of the Ginza store is a remarkable achievement not only for Royal Asscher as a company but also because it is the first Dutch store on the Ginza.

The interior of the modern store is decorated in white contrasting with Royal Asscher’s signature blue and showcases a wide variety of Royal Asscher diamond engagement rings and jewelry. In commemoration of the opening of the store, a Royal Asscher diamond tiara has been created containing a total of 10 carats of diamonds set in platinum and worth US$385,000. The tiara will be loaned as a special treat to brides who purchase a Royal Asscher engagement ring in the Ginza store, thus giving them the opportunity to enjoy the true brilliance of a Royal Asscher diamond on their head as well as on their finger.

ABOUT ROYAL ASSCHER DIAMONDS

Founded in 1854, Royal Asscher Diamond Company is run by The Asscher Family. The Asscher Family dynasty to this day continues to have an influence on the diamond industry. Joseph Asscher, at the request of King Edward VII, cut the largest diamond ever found, the famous 3,105-carat Cullinan diamond. 

Royal Asscher has also made its mark by refusing to work with conflict diamonds that originate from war torn countries that are unethically sourced and sold to fund warfare and civil destruction. Royal Asscher only sources diamonds from nations that are fully compliant with the Kimberly Process, an international diamond industry initiative to stop the flow of conflict diamonds. One of the company’s founding fathers, Edward Asscher was one of the forefathers of this initiative, Royal Asscher requires that all of its diamonds are labeled by the government at the origination point and securely sealed during transportation.

Royal Asscher created their own signature patented cut in 2001, which has 74 facets, that’s 16 more than the traditional cut diamond.  It is based on their original Asscher cut dated 1902. The innovation and skill level of Royal Asscher has been passed down from generation to generation. Now on its 4th generation owners the companies still upholds their reputation for excellence. 

The Jeweler's History Project on Ganoksin

Re-print of a press release from Ganoksin Project:


Announcing - 


Jeweler's History Project 


http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/db

Over the last three decades we have acquired over 40 rare historical Metalsmithing books that we will make available to jewelers, goldsmiths and the metalsmithing community.

These books cover special techniques in depth like chasing, repousse, engraving, niello making, Japanese chiseling, soldering, construction, patination and metal coloring, silversmithing and more. There are many recipes for alloys and metal surface treatments. 

The manuscripts will be gradually published in a digital format over the coming months. 

For the first time in history, these ancient metal tricks and recipes will be made available to the contemporary community of curious artists and metalsmiths. This information will allow the reader to apply the simple and ingenious procedures used by the jewelers of the past, long dead masters of the art of metalsmithing. Many of the tricks and recipes described will save the maker money, as older approaches can sometimes replace modern tools. 

We invite you to own the entire collection of manuscripts, and benefit from the ancient wisdom that we are presenting., while supporting the Ganoksin Project. 

Each pdf is a full digital book of searchable text and images, with an easy access through an interactive table of contents. 

The cost is 1.35 US$ per eBook for a single user license which allows you to install, read and print the material on a single computer.



Just a few examples of what is available:

Repousse Work for Amateurs by L. L. Haslope

Price: 1.35 US$

(subtitled "Being the Art of Ornamenting Thin Metal with Raised Figures")
Another book essential for the serious chaser! This one concentrates on details of chasing, tools, working methods. Includes a number of metal working techniques as well, sawing finishing etc. It is 103 pages (and a number of further pages of fascinating advertisements)

File Size: 6.17MB, 103 pages.

Educational Metalcraft by P. Wylie Davidson, 1913

Price: 1.35 US$

This book, originally published in England in 1913 covers repousse, fine chasing, silversmithing, jewellery and enamelling. It is part of Longman's technical handicraft series of books. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement it details the practical ways that are not touched on as deeply in most texts since. The drawings are excellent, clear and insightful. Like, really excellent. Along with exceptional chasing and repousse information there are surprises, like the many pages of wire and sheet metal strip twisting examples for borders and decoration. The section on enameling is unusual in its early viewpoint, grinding lump enamel being the only option, and firing trivet designs of interest. It has over 378 illustrations, beautifully hand drawn and carried out.

File Size: 22MB, 227 pages.

Decoration of Metals - Chasing, Repousse and Saw Piercing by John Harrison, 1894

Price: 1.35 US$

Published in 1894. This heavily illustrated book, many photographs and line drawings which cover chasing and repousse in depth and with subtlety. The hundreds of excellent line drawings of tools, stamps, and more are excellent. The tool end images are especially clear. There are many photographs of complex chased trays and other objects. This is a great book, and essential for a serious jeweler and chaser.

File Size: 68MB, 164 pages.

Socially Conscious Bridal from Ivanka Trump...

Doing a little Internet Surfing and wanted to give a quick nod to the stunning Bridal Collection from Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry.  It is easy to see that Ivanka puts more than just a prestigious name on the every project she undertakes.    


Always elegant and on trend  --- you feel like a socialite in your Ivanka Trump Jewels!  As her logo says "Rock Tradition"!

Maintaining the brand's Social Responsibility Ethic:

"The collection features Canadian diamonds that have been sourced from ethically and environmentally responsible mines, and set in recycled platinum or gold."

The website offers a range of styles, lead by Ivanka's trademark oval diamond band styles...a dynamic option for someone proposing.  No beginning - no end!

http://www.ivankatrumpcollection.com

Congratulations to the MJSA!!!

From a field of over 3,300 entries, MJSA, the Industry organization dedicated to furthering professional excellence in jewelry making & design, was recognized in three categories...for the prestigious 2011 Apex Awards!


First for the MJSA Journal, the association's flagship monthly magazine, which provides technical and business information on jewelry making and design to its membership...in my opinion the MJSA Journal makes the cost of membership worth every penny!

 


MJSA Custom Jeweler, its quarterly publication which offers insights into how to capitalize on the dynamic consumer demand for personalized jewelry. By presenting design trends and first hand stories by Jewelers working in the field...this particular issue offers a wonderful story of a jeweler's custom order for Mardi Gras. But whether it is a suite of jewels for the King of Carnival or an article that talks about the newest technical options for offering your store patrons the ability to personalize pieces.


...and finally for MJSA Online (mjsa.org), which also won a 2010 APEX Award for website content and writing.  If you have ever had a question about current Laws Governing Lead & Cadmium in Children's Jewelry, Cleaning Tips for Jewelers, or Identifying Glass & Lead Filled Rubies...you know you will find that and more at the MJSA website.  Whether you are a member or not the website ALWAYS has great Industry Tips & Techniques!

APEX 2011 awards were based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry -- in the opinion of the judges -- in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. 


It is sponsored by Communications Concepts, the publisher ofWriting That Works: The Business Communications Report. 
http://www.apexawards.com/

Erica Courtney Debuts Diamonique Collection on QVC!

So the first views of Award Winning Jewelry Designer, Erica Courtney's new line using QVC's trademarked Diamonique product have been released...WOW!

*A Note from the Designer

"I'm extremely excited about my QVC debut with this rose/blue pendant, which was inspired by one of my award-winning platinum pendants that retails for $120,000. This delicious, vibrant gem is dripping with a Diamonique micro-pavé overlay and is absolutely stunning!"

—Erica Courtney

You can catch Erica Courtney live at midnight Friday Eastern Time and again at 10am Eastern!

But even if you can't catch it live what a huge opportunity to pick up a stunning piece of jewelry from the Designer that is the Red Carpet Choice of many Celebrities!

Get a head start with the Today's Special Value (pictured above) or the stunning Diamonique Station Necklace that would stack so perfectly with the TSV or your favorite strand of Honora Pearls!



* Quote above from the QVC website...

Matt Lauzon Honored in INC's "30 Under 30 List"

I had the honor of getting to know Matt (thru Twitter & email) at the beginning of his journey with what was at that time Paragon Lake.  


Since then he has partnered with some really important people in the Jewelry Industry and what was a vision is now a reality - and a reality that is doing well!


Inc Magazine has listed Matt Lauzon in it's "30 Under 30 List"...an amazing grouping of individuals with such a strong vision at such an early age.  If were this driven in my twenties I would own a Dept. Store by now (I was the Queen of Retail - I could sell anything!), I am so happy that I didn't take that road.


So take a minute to read the article in INC. and get to know Matt Lauzon and his passion Gemvara...





Follow Gemvara on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/gemvara
...and my personal favorite the Gemvara Blog!  http://blog.gemvara.com/

Reena Ahluwalia Does It Again! "Shining Stars for Royal Asscher

Royal Asscher’s latest “'Shining Stars” affordable floating-diamonds collection made its debut at the Luxury at JCK and JCK Las Vegas Show. 


This latest collection designed by Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher is inspired by the day and night of the African Savannah and its animal magnetism.


This new collection consists of beautiful pendants and stunning rings. The styles continue to feature free-floating diamonds encased in a fluid-filled sapphire dome, giving them the effect of shimmering stars.

Affordable and on trend are two descriptions that you seldom see side-by-side, but in this latest collection from Royal Asscher you get BOTH! Following the huge success of their "Stars of Africa" Collection, designer Reena Ahluwalia brings a VERY Fashionable and Affordable collection set in Gem Ceramic or Silver with Yellow & Rose Gold plating that still features their popular floating diamonds design.


"We strongly believe in using conflict-free diamonds for development. It was important for me to highlight Africa, yet again. Proceeds from sales will continue to support Royal Asscher's 'Stars of Africa', Africa-focused fundraising initiative." says Reena on the Royal Asscher Facebook page.


African savannah, abstract leopard and cheetah prints are the inspiration for 'Shining Stars' collection. One of 2011’s hottest looks and a look we are seeing as a strong influence this Fall.  We see this exotic trend hugely influencing runways and street fashion. Versatile to mix with any of your neutrals or with the bright color stories of the Fall Runways.

The Latest Member of the "Shining Stars" Collection...
Ceramics combined with 18k rose, yellow and white gold and floating diamonds. Ceramic is extremely durable, shatterproof and scratch-proof. It is also light weight as compared to metals such as platinum and gold.

ABOUT ROYAL ASSCHER: Legendary history of innovation and gemological excellence. Asscher family had cut the largest diamond ever found the 3105-carat Star of Africa (Cullinan) diamond in 1908. The company had also cut the ‘Excelsior’ diamond in 1903. Royal Asscher was the first company in the world to patent a diamond cut; The ‘Asscher Cut’ in 1902. They are also the inventors of the famous ‘Royal Asscher Cut’ introduced in 2001.http://www.royalasscher.com/en/page/38/history.html

ABOUT DESIGNER REENA AHLUWALIA: http://www.reenaahluwalia.com/Profile.html