Asscher cut diamonds give you the best value at a fair price...

The Asscher cut is a variation of the Emerald cut, known on a GIA Report as a ‘Modified Square Emerald cut’.

First created in 1902 by the Asscher brothers, it features a small table, high crown, deep pavilion, and cut corners. These characteristics put its sparkle on par with the Round Brilliant cut diamond.

The Asscher cut is a square cut diamond with 72 facets, and emits the same subtle brilliance as an Emerald cut. It has wide step facets and deep clipped corners, which make the diamond resemble an octagon.

Original Asscher cut diamonds are much sought after today, and very scarce. They have been featured as fine jewelry in top-rated television shows and have recently begun to appear in the engagement rings of Hollywood starlets. These widely photographed rings, appearing in fashion and entertainment magazines, have stoked the public demand for this vintage cut.

Vintage Asscher diamonds are usually octagonal in shape or square with beveled corners. They have a deep step-cut crown and pavilion that create what could be called the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ effect.

Royal Asscher diamonds were introduced by the Royal Asscher diamond company. These diamonds are cut to a 74 facet step-cut octagon and have a majesty and sophistication all their own, embodying the elegance of an earlier age. Royal Asscher diamonds have a stepped square cut with cropped corners, meant to draw the eye in to the center of the diamond.

Original Asscher cut diamonds may still be found in antique jewelry stores and auctions, but they are few and far between. Thankfully, the new Royal Asscher makes the beauty of this refined and graceful cut available to all!

Ideal proportions

There are no ideal proportions for an Asscher cut diamond. As a general guideline, the total depth of a properly cut Asscher will fall somewhere between 67-71%, with the table facet often being a little smaller. The ideal length-to-width ratio is between 1.00 and 1.05.

If you are unsure about the terms, check out diamond terminology.

Useful tips

• Asscher cuts length-to-width ratio of the cut fall between 1.00 and 1.05 and the stones will have exceptional color and clarity for the best effect.
• Asscher and Royal Asscher diamonds make dramatic engagement rings, either as solitaires or with accent stones, but always require four-prong settings.
• Royal Asscher cut diamonds are usually square shaped. With their eight sides, Ascher cut diamonds create a pattern of repeated shapes within the diamond itself, for an exquisite cut.
• Original Asscher cut diamonds are more commonly found at estate sales and antique stores, while Royal Asscher diamonds are now only available through the secondary market.
• Asscher cut diamonds are best set off in a simple solitaire or in a setting that has simple geometrical lines. Ideally, the setting for an 2 carat Asscher cut diamond should not hide the unique ‘blocked’ corners.

Loose Diamonds Home   Diamond Basics   Standard Cuts   Fancy Cuts   Bargain Buys