AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJan 05, 2022
Remembering Assael President and CEO Christina Lang Assael
Assael, who died last month at 75, took the pearl and coral company in new directions.
Christina Lang Assael, who had headed fine pearl and coral company Assael since 2011, died in December at the age of 75.
New York—Christina Lang Assael, the head of Assael and an animal lover who championed “responsible sourcing” before it became a buzzword, died Dec. 21 at her home in Millbrook, New York following a serious illness.
She was 75.
Lang Assael was born in Karlshamn, Sweden on June 15, 1946 to Elsa Charlotta and Gosta Robert Lang.
After receiving an international baccalaureate in modern languages, she traveled abroad in 1968 to kick off a 13-year career as a model and commercial actress in London, Paris, and New York.
Following that, she entered the New York art world with a role at Sotheby’s, serving as a liaison to the auction house’s top clients while also earning a certificate of interior design before starting her own business as a private advisor.
It was while at Sotheby’s that Christina first heard the name Salvador Assael, who became known as the “pearl king,” after selling the first strand of fine natural color black Tahitian pearls at Harry Winston in 1978.
She later met and fell in love with Salvador. The two married in 1991 and traveled the world together to acquire the finest pearls and work with U.S. jewelry retailers to bring them to consumers.
In 1993, Assael Inc. set the world record price for a gem pearl strand sold at auction—$2.3 million.
Christina took over the company when Salvador died in 2011.
She continued to build Assael, steering it in new directions, like innovative pearl jewelry designs and adding new categories to its offerings, including precious coral.
A staunch environmentalist, Christina put responsible sourcing at the core of the company’s ethos, wanting to ensure no harm came to the oceans from which it derived its jewels.
She also served on the Coral Commission of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation.
Christina fought passionately for and supported many other causes close to her heart, including the Sierra Club, the Duchess Land Conservancy, and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Study.
Assael also donated 10 percent of all pearl strand sales to WWF Australia in early 2020 to help with animal rescue and rehabilitation following the massive bush fires that devastated the ecosystem.
She was a lover of animals who regularly supported the ASPCA and kept horses, donkeys, sheep, cows, and chickens at her home for many years in addition to always having a dog.
Christina served on the boards of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Foreign Policy Association, Indian Mountain School, Natural Resources Defense Council, and World Childhood Foundation, among many others.
She is survived by children Sophia and Robert Lang Assael; close family friend Edward Opoku; sister Pia Lang; stepdaughter Arlette Assael; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A memorial tribute and time for remembrances to celebrate her life will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in her honor to Ocean Conservancy.
She was 75.
Lang Assael was born in Karlshamn, Sweden on June 15, 1946 to Elsa Charlotta and Gosta Robert Lang.
After receiving an international baccalaureate in modern languages, she traveled abroad in 1968 to kick off a 13-year career as a model and commercial actress in London, Paris, and New York.
Following that, she entered the New York art world with a role at Sotheby’s, serving as a liaison to the auction house’s top clients while also earning a certificate of interior design before starting her own business as a private advisor.
It was while at Sotheby’s that Christina first heard the name Salvador Assael, who became known as the “pearl king,” after selling the first strand of fine natural color black Tahitian pearls at Harry Winston in 1978.
She later met and fell in love with Salvador. The two married in 1991 and traveled the world together to acquire the finest pearls and work with U.S. jewelry retailers to bring them to consumers.
In 1993, Assael Inc. set the world record price for a gem pearl strand sold at auction—$2.3 million.
Christina took over the company when Salvador died in 2011.
She continued to build Assael, steering it in new directions, like innovative pearl jewelry designs and adding new categories to its offerings, including precious coral.
A staunch environmentalist, Christina put responsible sourcing at the core of the company’s ethos, wanting to ensure no harm came to the oceans from which it derived its jewels.
She also served on the Coral Commission of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation.
Christina fought passionately for and supported many other causes close to her heart, including the Sierra Club, the Duchess Land Conservancy, and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Study.
Assael also donated 10 percent of all pearl strand sales to WWF Australia in early 2020 to help with animal rescue and rehabilitation following the massive bush fires that devastated the ecosystem.
She was a lover of animals who regularly supported the ASPCA and kept horses, donkeys, sheep, cows, and chickens at her home for many years in addition to always having a dog.
Christina served on the boards of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Foreign Policy Association, Indian Mountain School, Natural Resources Defense Council, and World Childhood Foundation, among many others.
She is survived by children Sophia and Robert Lang Assael; close family friend Edward Opoku; sister Pia Lang; stepdaughter Arlette Assael; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A memorial tribute and time for remembrances to celebrate her life will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in her honor to Ocean Conservancy.
The Latest
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
