ICA mourns the passing of Andre Assaf

Founding ICA member, dedicated to the global natural colored gemstone 

Andre Assaf was born in Fez, Morocco in August of 1942. While completing his graduate studies at Hebrew University in Israel, he met his future wife, Malka, where the two would embark on an epic journey through life. 

After spending a few years living in France and Switzerland, they were offered French teaching positions in the Ivory Coast, and later in Nairobi Kenya, where all three of their children were born. It was during this time that Andre was introduced to the local gemstone market, and he began buying and cutting stones. 

In the coming decades, his name would become synonymous with fine tsavorite and other rare and exotic gems. His adventurous spirit carried him throughout the globe, in the process making multiple countries his home such as Israel, Canada, the United States, and Thailand. 

"André's passing is a great loss to our industry and to ICA," says Roland Naftule, one of the founding organizers of ICA. "He was a kind, 'behind the scenes' person, and a great supporter of International Colored Stone Association (ICA) from the day the ICA seed was planted at the Israeli, April 1983, International Precious Stone Congress in Tel Aviv, Israel, that led to the creation of the ICA in 1985.  

I have fond memories of André and his family since the first time I met him in Nairobi, and of course during the time we spent in Tel Aviv and the many other places on this globe. André will be dearly missed." Andre absolutely loved gemstones and was happiest when working at his cutting factory in Bangkok.  

He will be remembered fondly for his integrity, outgoing personality, and great sense of humour. May he rest in peace.