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RAPAPORT... The Asscher family announced that they were again awarded the ‘’Royal’’ title by Her Majesty the Queen of The Netherlands today in Amsterdam. The title was first granted in 1980 and is now extended another 25 years in acknowledgement of the Asscher's leadership across the diamond industry.
The title was delivered during a ceremony at Royal Asscher's headquarters in Amsterdam by the city's deputy mayor, Lodewijk Asscher, who is also a first cousin to this iconic family.
The Royal title followed what the Asschers said was a "diligent process" that began with the mayor, and ultimately conferred by her Majesty the Queen.
Left to Right: Lodewijk Asscher; Lita, Edward and Mike Asscher
| Edward Asscher, president of Royal Asscher, said, “It is an honor for the Asscher family to have the privilege to be the only Royal diamond company in the world. Royal Asscher has become synonymous with special occasions from engagement to red carpets: With royal visitors stepping through our doors at our headquarters, notably Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands and with our contemporary jewelry being popular with Sophia Vergara, Megan Fox and Kate Bosworth.”
To mark this special occasion, Royal Asscher will release a special edition Stars of Africa ring with orange diamonds on April 30, 2011, on the former Queen’s birthday. Orange is the national color of the Netherlands and offers a tribute to the Royal House of Oranje -Nassau.
The Royal Asscher Timeline
1854 -- Joseph Isaac Asscher establishes the I.J Asscher diamond company, named for his son Isaac Joseph Asscher.
1902 -- Joseph Asscher designs the original Asscher Cut.
1903 -- Abraham Asscher is charged with cleaving the Excelsior diamond. At 997 carats, it is the largest diamond ever found.
1907 -- The Cullinan diamond is discovered. At 3,106 carats it is a legendary find, which achieves instant notoriety across the globe. The diamond is presented to Great Britain’s King Edward VII, and he invites the Asscher brothers to London to discuss cleaving the diamond. It is decided that Joseph Asscher will cut the Cullinan into three parts, necessary because of inclusions within the rough diamond.
1908 -- Cleaving of the Cullinan. The Cullinan diamonds are cut and polished, ready to take pride of place in Great Britain’s Crown Jewels.
World War II -- The Asscher family is deported from the Netherlands and interned in concentration camps, along with nearly all of their polishers.
1945 -- World War II ends, 10 Asscher family members, and 15 of their 500 polishers survive. The family reestablishes the company.
1980 -- Her Majesty Queen Juliana of Holland grants the Asscher Diamond Company the Royal title.
1999 -- Edward and Joop Asscher continue the family legacy and begin researching the possibility of enhancing Joseph Asscher’s original Asscher Cut.
2001 -- Introduction of the Royal Asscher Cut.
2002 -- Marriage of Crown Prince Willem Alexander and Princess Maxima.
2006 -- In loving memory of Joop Asscher (1950-2006).
2006 -- Opening of United States office under leadership if Lita Asscher in New York.
2006 -- Mike Asscher appointed to oversee Far East and European business.
2008 -- Introduction of the Stars of Africa collection.
2011 -- Extension of the Royal title
The Royal Asscher Diamond Company employs 95 people in three different offices with headquarters in Amsterdam and subsidiary offices in New York and Tokyo.
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