“Retailers and consumers loved the line, but they wanted to see some variation in prices,” explained Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher of America to JCK last week. Asscher launched the high-end Stars of Africa collection back in 2009, and debuted the more affordable Shining Stars collection a year later, but demand for an even wider range of price points surfaced last year at JCK Las Vegas. Now, multiple variations of rings—made in white or black ceramic with 18k gold, 18k yellow- or rose gold–plated silver, or sterling silver—and pendant necklaces (in 18k yellow- or rose gold–plated silver, or plain sterling silver, which is new) with diamonds or blue or pink sapphires—are available within Shining Stars. The entry price for this collection is $1,950. Meanwhile, within the Stars of Africa collection, blue or pink sapphires are now being offered.

“Each piece in Shining Stars has a half carat or more of stones, and are made in New York City and Florence, Italy,” said Asscher. “And the higher-end Stars of Africa pieces in 18k gold and diamonds are still made in Florence, Italy.”

JCK