AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
SourcingMay 09, 2022
Andre Assaf, Co-Founder of The Tsavorite Factory, Dies at 79
He was introduced to gems while living in Nairobi, and his name eventually became synonymous with fine tsavorite.
Andre Assaf, co-founder of The Tsavorite Factory, has died at the age of 79.
New York—Andre Assaf, who started The Tsavorite Factory with his late wife nearly 50 years ago, has died at the age of 79.
Assaf was born in Fez, Morocco, in August 1942.
He was completing his graduate studies at Hebrew University in Israel when he met his future wife, Malka.
The two spent several years living in France and Switzerland, after which they went to teach French in the Ivory Coast followed by Nairobi, Kenya, where they lived for several years and had their three children.
It was in Kenya that Assaf was introduced to the local gemstone market, and he eventually began buying and cutting stones.
Assaf and his late wife founded The Tsavorite Factory in 1973, and his name would eventually become synonymous with fine tsavorite and other rare gemstones.
He had an adventurous spirit that took him around the world, his family said, making many countries his home, including Israel, Canada, the United States, and Thailand.
His love for gemstones ran deep, they said, and he was happiest when he was working at his cutting factory in Bangkok.
Assaf joined the American Gem Trade Association in 1982, according to AGTA, and was a founding member of the International Colored Gemstone Association.
Assaf had stepped away from the business in the past few years due to illness but was partners with his son, Daniel, for many years.
The Tsavorite Factory is now run by Daniel Assaf.
Andre Assaf will be remembered for his integrity, outgoing personality, great sense of humor, and love for his family.
He is survived by his three children, Ariel, Daniel, and Yael, as well as two sisters, Josianne and Jeannette.
Assaf was born in Fez, Morocco, in August 1942.
He was completing his graduate studies at Hebrew University in Israel when he met his future wife, Malka.
The two spent several years living in France and Switzerland, after which they went to teach French in the Ivory Coast followed by Nairobi, Kenya, where they lived for several years and had their three children.
It was in Kenya that Assaf was introduced to the local gemstone market, and he eventually began buying and cutting stones.
Assaf and his late wife founded The Tsavorite Factory in 1973, and his name would eventually become synonymous with fine tsavorite and other rare gemstones.
He had an adventurous spirit that took him around the world, his family said, making many countries his home, including Israel, Canada, the United States, and Thailand.
His love for gemstones ran deep, they said, and he was happiest when he was working at his cutting factory in Bangkok.
Assaf joined the American Gem Trade Association in 1982, according to AGTA, and was a founding member of the International Colored Gemstone Association.
Assaf had stepped away from the business in the past few years due to illness but was partners with his son, Daniel, for many years.
The Tsavorite Factory is now run by Daniel Assaf.
Andre Assaf will be remembered for his integrity, outgoing personality, great sense of humor, and love for his family.
He is survived by his three children, Ariel, Daniel, and Yael, as well as two sisters, Josianne and Jeannette.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
