| Asscher diamonds may not be the most popular | | | | When choosing this cut, color, clarity and length to |
| choice for gemstones, but they are quickly gaining | | | | width ratio are to be considered carefully. Certain |
| in popularity. With their sophisticated looking cuts | | | | ratios will offer a square look, while others can |
| and sleek, square edges, this style resonates a | | | | stray outside of the preferred range and look |
| classical elegance. If you are looking for vintage | | | | more rectangular. Color and clarity are also very |
| diamonds, the asscher cut may be the perfect | | | | important factors. Asschers have a larger, open |
| match. | | | | table and this will highlight the flaws in a stone. |
| The Beginning | | | | The recommended guidelines for selecting this |
| Created in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, who was | | | | type of cut are as follows. Keep in mind that they |
| commissioned by the Royal Family to cut the | | | | are purely optional and can vary according to |
| world's largest diamond, the 3,106 carat Cullinan | | | | individual taste. |
| diamond, the Asscher has a distinctive silhouette. | | | | - Cut - Good to excellent |
| With deeply trimmed corners and a step cut | | | | - Color - G or higher |
| shape, it has an almost octagonal outline. | | | | - Clarity - VS2 or higher |
| Sometimes called the square emerald cut, it is | | | | - Depth percentage - 65-72% |
| crafted with many parallel steps and is designed | | | | - Table percentage - 54-61% |
| to draw the eye directly into the gem. This gives | | | | - Length to width ratio - 1.00 and 1.10 |
| it a fascinating optical effect which has been | | | | The Ideal Setting |
| likened to staring into a glassy hall of mirrors. | | | | Because asscher cut gemstones have less facets, |
| The Transformation | | | | they emit less sparkle than brilliant cuts. It is best |
| Asscher cuts hit the peak of their popularity | | | | to stick to a setting that is open and not too |
| during the art deco era of the 1920's. They then | | | | busy. A four prong arrangement will maximize the |
| went out of fashion and for many years, were | | | | amount of light available by elevating the stone. |
| difficult to obtain, save for estate and antique | | | | Additional baguette diamonds can be added as |
| sales. In 1999, Edward and Joop Asscher, intrigued | | | | accent stones to showcase the center stone, |
| by the possibility of enhancing their great | | | | although a single solitaire can create a stunning |
| grandfather, Joseph Asscher's design for the | | | | effect without additional embellishments. Two |
| original cut, began their extensive research. Since | | | | things to stay away from are bezel settings and |
| 1902, the diamond industry had advanced | | | | settings with trilliant diamonds on the sides. This |
| significantly and modern technology now offered | | | | will downplay the amount of light and detract |
| fresh insight into the age old art of diamond | | | | from the diamond's beauty. |
| cutting and polishing. Finally, in 2001, the Royal | | | | From old world glamor to modern glam, Asscher |
| Asscher cut was presented as a successor to the | | | | diamonds make a sophisticated statement about |
| original Asscher cut. The modern version of | | | | your individuality. Undergoing a brilliant |
| Asscher diamonds are perfectly symmetrical, with | | | | transformation, they have been revitalized, yet |
| proportions that fall under strict parameters. They | | | | still retain the grace and elegance of their |
| are cut with wider corners and contain 74 facets, | | | | predecessor. They are truly unique and timeless |
| whereas the original cut only contained 58. | | | | gems and will certainly be around for years to |
| The Perfect Diamond | | | | come. |