The Assael Legacy
The Assael story begins with Salvador J. Assael, the visionary entrepreneur who earned his moniker as the Pearl King. In the mid-20th century, Assael traveled the globe in search of the rarest and finest gems. His passion led him to Tahiti in the 1970s, where he introduced the world to the now-iconic Tahitian black pearl. At the time, these mysterious, iridescent gems were virtually unknown in Western markets. Assael’s vision transformed them into some of the most coveted pearls in the world, cherished for their depth of color and mesmerizing luster.
Today, the Assael name continues to represent uncompromising standards, ethical sourcing, and an unwavering devotion to natural beauty.
The World of Pearls: A Quick Education
To understand what makes Assael pearls exceptional, it’s worth exploring what defines these gems of the sea.
Types of Pearls
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Tahitian Pearls – Cultivated in French Polynesia, these pearls range from silvery grays to deep peacock hues. They are Assael’s signature contribution to the jewelry world.
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South Sea Pearls – Grown in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, these are the largest cultured pearls, prized for their satiny luster and warm white or golden tones.
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Akoya Pearls – Classic and refined, Akoya pearls are known for their mirror-like shine and perfect roundness, cultivated mainly in Japan.
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Freshwater Pearls – Typically grown in rivers and lakes, freshwater pearls come in diverse shapes and colors, offering an accessible entry point to pearl jewelry.
What Determines a Pearl’s Value?
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Luster – The soul of a pearl. High-quality pearls reflect light with an almost inner glow.
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Surface Quality – The fewer blemishes, the more valuable the pearl.
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Shape – Perfectly round pearls are rare, though baroque shapes offer modern, artistic appeal.
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Size – Larger pearls are more scarce and therefore more prized.
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Color – From icy whites to shimmering golds and iridescent blacks, the right hue can elevate a pearl’s rarity.
Assael’s Standard of Perfection
What sets Assael apart is not just the rarity of the pearls they choose, but the brand’s commitment to curation. Each pearl is hand-selected for exceptional luster, surface, and harmony when set into jewelry. Whether showcased in dramatic strands, modern earrings, or innovative designs pairing pearls with diamonds or coral, Assael pieces honor both tradition and contemporary elegance.
The Modern Appeal of Pearls
Once considered a jewel reserved for formal occasions, pearls have entered a new era of style. Fashion icons and designers alike embrace pearls in fresh, modern contexts—layered, mixed with gold chains, or paired with unexpected textures. Assael continues to lead this movement by proving that a pearl is not just a classic—it’s an essential for the modern collector.
