Pearl Pioneer Salvador Assael Is ‘Revealed’ in New Short Film
The mini documentary dives into the life and legacy of the man who created the market for Tahitian pearls.
The 75-year-old company, which sources fine pearls and coral and sets it in high-end designs, has debuted a new documentary-style short film called “Assael Revealed— The Legendary Legacy of Pearl Pioneer Salvador J. Assael.”
Produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Dean Love and his company, Dean Love Films, the mini documentary explores the legacy of the late Salvador Assael, whom The New York Times dubbed “a titan of the cultured pearl business.”
The film dives into his love affair with fine pearls and the impact of his leadership in the sector. It also reveals the history of the brand through interviews with his wife, including significant milestones and Assael’s vital role in the creation of the Tahitian pearl market.
“My late husband was a legend in the pearl world,” Assael President and CEO Christina Lang Assael said.
“He was the first to bring South Sea Pearls to North America, and he literally started the global Tahitian pearl industry. This long overdue film tells the true story of him as a swashbuckling adventurer with incredible business savvy and an absolute genius for marketing. I am honored to now share his legacy with fellow pearl connoisseurs.”
The larger-than-life man went to “the ends of the Earth” to source pearls, she says in the documentary.
“He was such a genius. He recognized the value of a natural black pearl. So what did Salvador do? He decided to start cultivating,” she says.
He bought an island, built a landing strip and “created a little world.”
After he had amassed enough black pearls to create the first full Tahitian pearl strand necklace, the story goes that he took it to his friend, Harry Winston, challenging him to sell it.
Winston accepted the challenge, putting the stone in the center of his most important window on Fifth Avenue.
It sold within a week, according to the documentary.
The short film also features appearances by Stellene Volandes, editor-in-chief of Town & Country; award-winning jewelry historian and author Vivienne Becker; and Peggy Grosz, senior vice president of Assael, whom Assael attributes with adding colored gemstones to the brand’s jewels.
Watch the full film above or on YouTube.
The Latest

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.


The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.