AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
Weekly QuizMar 23, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.
CollectionsMar 22, 2023
Messika’s 2023 Campaign Pairs New Jewelry With Vintage CarsKendall Jenner once again is fronting the French brand’s campaign, joined by model and dancer Alton Mason.
Events & AwardsMar 22, 2023
Hari Krishna Exports Hosts Gala Amid UN Water ConferenceThe CEOs of Signet, Helzberg, and GIA spoke on a water conservation panel, and had lakes named in their companies’ honor.
Policies & IssuesMar 22, 2023
See Kwiat’s Bracelet for World Water DaySales of the sleek sterling silver and diamond design will go to nonprofit organization charity: water.
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and FamilyThe industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.
CrimeMar 20, 2023
Jewelry Crime Reached Record Level in 2022, JSA SaysAt JSA’s annual luncheon, President John J. Kennedy said the organization recorded more than 2,000 cases last year.
CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s DreamIt highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.
Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From GemsJewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant RecipientsHere’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.
TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready EarringsThe designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.
FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.
