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In the realm of fine jewelry, few treasures hold the same timeless allure as Assael pearls. From the opulent depths of South Sea Cultured Pearls to the refined sophistication of Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls and the exotic mystique of Tahitian Cultured Pearls, each variety tells a story of craftsmanship and passion that spans the seas.
At the heart of this tale stands Salvador Assael, a visionary whose unwavering dedication to quality and beauty single-handedly brought these pearls to the world stage. His legacy lives on in the luminous gems that continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.
South Sea Pearls
Putting South Sea pearls on the map was no small feat, and it was Salvador Assael who played a pivotal role in this endeavor. In the late 1950s and early 60s, Salvador Assael discovered a new gem – South Sea pearls. At that time, these pearls were just beginning to be cultivated, and it was their impeccable quality and impressive size that captured Assael's heart.
In the early 1990s, Salvador Assael took his dedication a step further by founding the South Sea Pearl Consortium. This visionary move brought together pearl farmers, uniting them to promote the beauty and value of South Sea pearls. His leadership galvanized the entire industry, setting new standards and promoting these pearls to a global audience.
Characteristics:
Cultivated in the warm, pristine waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, South Sea pearls are renowned for their opulent size and natural luster. Ranging from 9mm to an impressive 20mm, these pearls are some of the largest in the world.
What sets South Sea pearls apart is their remarkable satiny luster, often described as a soft glow from within. This luminosity gives these pearls an unmatched opulence and depth. Their colors span from brilliant white to a warm golden hue known as "champagne," offering a versatile palette for a range of styles and occasions.
Tahitian Pearls
Salvador Assael's legacy of introducing exquisite pearls to the world didn't stop with South Sea pearls. In the late 1970s, he single-handedly brought Tahitian Pearls to the forefront of the jewelry scene in the United States. This remarkable story begins with Assael's visionary decision to buy an atoll named Marutea in Tahiti, partnering with a French businessman to establish pearl farms there.
One pivotal moment came when Salvador Assael presented a strand of Tahitian pearls to his friend Harry Winston in New York. Winston, renowned for his discerning taste, was so captivated by the beauty and uniqueness of these pearls that he immediately placed the strand in his best showcase window. Within a mere two weeks, the first ever Tahitian Pearl strand had sold.
Characteristics:
Now, let's explore the characteristics that make Tahitian Pearls so distinctive. Cultivated in the pristine waters of French Polynesia, these pearls exhibit an exotic allure with their dark, iridescent colors and unique overtones. Contrary to their name, Tahitian pearls come in a spectrum of hues, including peacock green, deep blue, charcoal, and silver.
Tahitian pearls are renowned for their larger sizes, ranging from 8mm to an impressive 18mm. Each pearl is a testament to nature's artistry, with no two pearls ever alike. The natural coloration of Tahitian pearls, a result of the unique black-lipped oyster species they are cultivated in, adds to their mystique and appeal.
Japanese Akoya Pearls
Salvador Assael's passion for pearls extended beyond South Sea and Tahitian varieties; it also encompassed the classic elegance of Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls. These pearls have been cultivated in the Akoya oysters off the coasts of Japan for over a century, embodying a timeless sophistication that Assael himself appreciated.
In his pursuit of exceptional pearls, Salvador Assael recognized the unparalleled beauty of Japanese Akoya pearls. His dedication to quality led him to establish relationships with Japanese pearl specialists, ensuring that Assael pearls maintained the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Characteristics:
Now, let's delve into the characteristics that make Japanese Akoya Pearls a timeless choice for those seeking classic sophistication. Known for their perfectly round shapes and mirror-like luster, Akoya pearls are the embodiment of refined elegance.
Typically ranging from 5mm to 11mm, Akoya pearls are ideal for creating intricate jewelry designs. Their colors are predominantly white and cream, with delicate overtones of rose, silver, or ivory. The uniformity of their size and shape makes them a favorite for timeless pieces such as strands of pearls, stud earrings, and delicate pendants.
In the world of fine jewelry, Assael pearls stand as a testament to the enduring allure of nature's treasures. From the oceanic opulence of South Sea Cultured Pearls to the classic sophistication of Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls and the exotic allure of Tahitian Cultured Pearls, each variety carries a unique story of craftsmanship and passion.
As we adorn ourselves with Assael pearls, we not only embrace their timeless elegance but also honor the legacy of a man who single-handedly brought these treasures to the world stage. Whether it's a strand of luminous South Sea pearls, a pair of perfectly round Japanese Akoya pearls, or the exotic allure of Tahitian pearls, Assael pearls remain a symbol of everlasting sophistication.