IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
MajorsSep 16, 2020
Jared Partners with Royal Asscher on a Bridal Collection
It features some of the diamond company’s patented shapes.
Royal Asscher is bringing four of its patented diamond cuts to Jared the Galleria of Jewelry.
New York—Royal Asscher is bringing some of its patented diamond cuts to Jared customers.
The sixth-generation diamond company currently headed by Lita and Mike Asscher has created a bridal collection exclusive to the Signet Jewelers-owned retail chain.
Chief Marketing Officer and Jared Executive General Manager Bill Brace said: “With Royal Asscher synonymous with the world’s finest diamonds and engagement rings, we’re honored to introduce this storied brand to Jared’s customers.
“The collection will make the diamonds of royalty more accessible to our customers, who always look for something truly exceptional. This collaboration highlights Jared’s goal of working with partners who share our vision in celebrating love with the fire, sparkle, and brilliance of diamonds.”
Royal Asscher created the world’s first patented diamond cut in 1902 and is responsible for handling some of the world’s most important diamonds, like the largest gem-quality rough diamond on record, the 3,106-carat Cullinan.
Joseph Asscher cut the Cullinan into nine principal diamonds and nearly 100 smaller stones, all part of Great Britain’s Crown Jewels.
Royal Asscher’s bridal collection for Jared will feature four diamond cuts: the Royal Asscher Cut, a modern take on the first patented cut featuring an octagonal diamond with square shape and layered facets; the Royal Asscher Oval; Royal Asscher Brilliant; and Royal Asscher Cushion.
Each cut features 74 facets.
The collection comprises engagement rings, wedding bands and anniversary bands in 14-karat white, yellow or rose gold. 
The collaboration with Jared the Galleria of Jewelry is not the Dutch company’s first partnership with a major U.S. specialty jewelry store chain. It’s also worked with Hezlberg Diamonds.
Remarking on the Jared partnership, President Lita Asscher said, “We are very excited about the launch of our gorgeous, exclusive collection at Jared. Our greatest joy is to create diamond rings that are so beautiful that they become heirlooms for many generations to come.”
An authenticity certificate will accompany each Jared x Royal Asscher ring, asserting the diamantaire’s responsible sourcing policy.
Royal Asscher’s diamond sourcing, mining and cutting processes are independently audited and in 1980, the company was awarded the Dutch Royal Predicate, which honors important national businesses committed to ethical standards for over a century.
Former company president Edward Asscher, who retired earlier this year, was knighted for his contributions to responsible sourcing.
He
is currently president of the World Diamond Council, and was an early advocate and advisor of the Kimberly Process.
The Jared x Royal Asscher collection is currently available online.
The Jared x Royal Asscher collection is currently available online.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
