CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
SourcingMar 03, 2020
Edward Asscher to Retire After 50 Years
Sixth-generation jewelers Lita and Mike Asscher will serve as co-presidents of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company after his departure.
Edward Asscher, center, will retire after 50 years with the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. His daughter Lita Asscher (left) and Mike Asscher (far right) will serve as co-presidents of the family business.
Amsterdam—Edward Asscher will step down as president of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company after fifty years in the family business.
Following his departure, his daughter Lita Asscher and son Mike Asscher will serve as the company’s co-presidents, marking the sixth generation of the Asscher family to run the business.
“Everything he taught us means the world to us. Mike and I will uphold his legacy and pass it on,” said Lita Asscher in a statement announcing her father’s retirement.
“Working alongside my father has been an incredible experience. He has been a mentor, friend, and business partner for over 21 years,” said Mike Asscher.
The new generation has focused on manufacturing fancy diamond cuts and investing in new technology, which led to the company patenting four proprietary diamond cuts.
Edward Asscher joined the business in 1970, apprenticing with his father and uncle, before stepping up as president in 1980.
He worked alongside his brother Joop, who passed away in 2006, for 36 years.
During his time holding the reins, he expanded the company’s international reach and developed strategic partnerships.
The company celebrated its 165th anniversary last June with the launch of a new website and the introduction of a pair of new diamond cuts.
Asscher described his five decades with the company as an “extraordinary journey.”
“Our industry has had its challenges in many aspects, but ethical standards, transparency, innovation, and professionalism have become the norm and will keep the industry as beautiful as the product itself,” he said.
Outside of the family business, Asscher advocated for a more ethical diamond industry and held positions on the boards of charities and industry groups.
Royal Asscher has been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council since 2017.
He served as president of the World Diamond Council from 2014 to 2016, a role he will take up for another two-year term this June.
He previously was president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association and the International Diamond Council.
Asscher also branched out in politics, serving as president of the Liberal Party in Amsterdam and as a senator for the Liberal Party in the Dutch parliament from 2007 to 2011.
He was knighted for his social and ethical contributions and named an Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau.
Founded in Amsterdam in 1854 by Isaac Joseph Asscher, the company has a storied history, known
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
as an industry heavyweight and one of the world’s largest diamond polishing companies.
It may be best known for the creation of the original Asscher Cut diamond, the first patented cut diamond, created by Joseph Asscher in 1902.
The company also cut and polished the 997-carat Excelsior diamond and the 3,106-carat Cullinan rough diamond.
The stones are part of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels and Queen Elizabeth’s collection.
It may be best known for the creation of the original Asscher Cut diamond, the first patented cut diamond, created by Joseph Asscher in 1902.
The company also cut and polished the 997-carat Excelsior diamond and the 3,106-carat Cullinan rough diamond.
The stones are part of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels and Queen Elizabeth’s collection.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
