Even in the rarefied world of statement diamonds and jewels, the venerable Royal Asscher Diamond Company has few peers. In an effort to showcase its heritage and history, the Dutch company will have on display at this year’s JCK Las Vegas shows the original tools used to cleave the world-famous Cullinan diamond. Also on display will be a replica of the Imperial State Crown, one of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels, containing one of the two largest stones cut from the Cullinan.
The Cullinan diamond is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,105 cts. The diamond was presented to Great Britain’s King Edward VII entrusted the cutting of the gem to the Asscher brothers. In 1908, Joseph Asscher cut the stone into 9 large stones and 42 small ones.
In honor of this legacy, Royal Asscher is releasing a special vintage-inspired engagement ring. Royal Asscher invited Toronto-based designer Reena Ahluwalia to visit the headquarters in Amsterdam and recreate the romance, with a look back at some of its most celebrated pieces.
“Legacy,” a vintage-inspired platinum engagement ring by Ahluwalia, takes its inspiration from the fabled jewelry vault of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company from the 1920s-1930s, conjuring the old Hollywood glamour and romanticism.
“The 1920-30s are a reminder of stylized and warmly organic forms,” Ahluwalia says. “Traces of this style can be seen in the Legacy collection. Buds form the shank of the ring, with a centrally mounted Royal Asscher Cut diamond representing a bloom with promise of a new future and creation of a lasting legacy together.”
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| Joseph Asscher |
The company, founded in 1854, is known for its craftsmanship and signature diamond, the Royal Asscher Cut.
The Cullinan diamond tools, as well as Royal Asscher’s new Legacy and “Shining Stars of Africa” collections will make their debut at the Luxury at JCK and JCK Las Vegas, Booth 1120. All are welcome to view the collections and celebrate alongside Royal Asscher with a glass of champagne on June 3 or June 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.