WatchesJun 09, 2021
Rolex Releases BBC Studios-Produced Documentary SourcingJun 10, 2021
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.
New York—Pearl seller and fine jewelry brand Assael is giving the public a peek behind the curtain.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
Assael put South Sea pearls on the map after he was “bowled over” by their beauty and size but was almost single-handedly responsible for the creation of the Tahitian pearl market after being introduced to them in the 1970s.
“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.
“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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
