Look Book

W hether its wearer is a debutante, a dowager, a dandy, or a (former) Dodger; if the jewel in question is a lustrous strand of pearls (be they cultured or natural; South Sea, Tahitian, Fijian, Akoya, or Keshi) or a vibrant torsade of responsibly-sourced coral (think: Angel Skin, Sardinian, Aka, or Sciacca), the name on the lips of jewelry connoisseurs and collectors, alike is Assael. Back in the late 1950s – having introduced South Sea pearls to the United States – Salvador Assael became known as the go-to for these large, high-quality gems. Fast forward a couple of decades, and in 1978, he followed this up by introducing the Tahitian black pearl to the American market (thanks to an assist from his good friend, Harry Winston). Assael's next era would see Salvador's wife, Christina Lang Assael, steering the company while expanding its purview to include such rare natural pearls as the non-nacreous orange Vietnamese Melo Melo Pearl and the pink Bahamian Conch Pearl, as well as multiple varieties of highly coveted, responsibly-sourced coral. e company's current chapter began with Christina having decided to undertake a reimagining of the storied house's image for the 21st Century, for which she brought into the fold Peggy Grosz. In her role as Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Grosz – following a visit to the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show – began toying with an experiment that became " e Colors" collection: An experiment that Christina was initially hesitant to embrace, but that she eventually came to toast (quite literally, with a glass of Champagne, in Assael's booth at COUTURE, one year later) as a triumphant success, both artistically and businesswise. A third-generation collector and jewelry a cionado, Michael Shulman lives in Las Vegas with his miniature scÚ auzers, Rémy and Riley. A writer, photographer, and DJ, Shulman's essays on luxury and popular culture have appeared in publications including Business Traveler, American Way, PAPER, BlackBook, Ocean Drive, GOTHAM, Celebrated Living, and VEGAS; while his online magazine, ShulmanSays, will celebrate its fteenth anniversary in 2024. Quahog Natural Saltwater Pearl & Lavender Spinel Ring; Single Pearl 13.7 x 10.9mm, 11.90 cts, 10 Lavender Spinel 4.51 cts, Platinum "In Reverse" Sunstone & Tahitian Natural Color Cultured Pearl Earrings; Single Round Pearl 10.5mm, Single Drop Pearl 14.1 x 10.7mm, Pair of Green Sunstone Fantasy-Cut 10.55 cts (Oregon), 18K YG, Posts & Clips, 1.25"L by Michael Shulman Assael's "The Colors" 20 | thejewelrybook.com Fall 2023 | Editorial

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