Monday, October 08, 2007

Asscher Cut Diamond



I first wrote about my desire to have an asscher cut diamond on my engagement ring 2 years ago here.

After a lil shopping around, I realised that it's gonna be extremely difficult to get hold of one at this stage. Even if we could, a reasonable stone will be way out of our current budget.

So I'm putting this on my wish list, in hope that someday, someday I'll have one to call my own.

Asscher cut is a stepped square cut, sometimes referred to as the "square emerald cut".

The original "Asscher cut diamond" was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. Technically, the asscher name should only refer to diamonds cut by the Asscher brothers themselves. However, the name is now commonly used to refer to square emerald cuts that are cut today.

The main difference between emerald cut and asscher cut - shape of the latter leans more towards squarish, rather than rectangular'ish of the former.

Also, asscher cuts have 74 facets, while emerald cut diamonds have 57.



The asscher cut diamond is one of the greatest cuts of diamonds ever created.

It is a brilliant modification on the most popular cut of previous century, the cushion cut. The Asscher brothers invented a cut which was square to rectangular with a flat table (top surface), many small step cuts along the top area and larger longer facets underneath the diamond.

Like the cushion cut, the asscher cut has an open culet (the point on the bottom of a diamond's pavilion), and a facet plan to draw the eye into the diamond and to give the diamond depth.

In fact, the beauty of an asscher cut is how the eye "dives into the center of the diamond", which contradicts today's modern "brilliant cut" diamonds in which the facets and cut of the diamond repel the eye.


Asscher cut diamonds are called "step cuts", referring to the linear cuts following the shape of the diamond. This faceting is similar to the faceting on emerald cut diamonds. With stepped facets, the sheen tends to be large flashes of the stepped angles on the pavilion of the stone.

Step cuts are comprised of larger facets which act like mirrors. The facets are broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair. That's why it is referred to as a "step cut".

However, because of the angle, size, and shape of the facets, the asscher cut shows less brilliance and fire (dispersion) than the other brilliant cut stones.

Personally, I think an asscher cut requires a bigger stone with top colour and clarity to produce the desirable effect. Which is precisely why it's currently out of reach for us.

Do it right, or don't do it at all. Right?

A 3-carat, maybe? In a classic 3-stone setting with tapered baguettes.

Now that's something worth waiting for. :)

(I can't find an exact picture of what I have in mind, so these will make do for now.)





4 left a petal:

Web Designing Karachi said...

I really enjoyed reading this article.

Custom Design Jewelry said...

I have seen your article!!! great information and nicely differentiate between the Asscher cut diamond and Emerald cut diamonds. Cut makes diamond more precious, attractive and valuable.

wedding ring said...

Informative. I don't much about diamonds. But your post made me aware of an important aspect related to diamonds.

Anonymous said...

In each instance the diamond clarity grade should reflect the number of flaws that are seen.