One of the most popular square-shaped cuts for a gem is the Asscher cut stone.
Asscher cut diamonds are incredibly classy and aesthetic stones that have charmed celebrities, dignitaries, and people all around the world. They are especially popular among engagement rings with perhaps one of the most famous engagement rings of all time being Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19-carat Asscher cut ring.
To better understand the appeal of this cut type, let’s take a closer look at what makes an Asscher cut diamond, the two main types of Asscher cut stones, and how to choose a gem for an Asscher cut.
What Is An Asscher Cut Diamond?
Asscher cut diamonds were invented by master diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, founder of I.J. Asscher Diamond Company, who made history by patenting his diamond cut. Before him, no one had ever patented the cuts they used on their stones. And it wasn’t until after his patent expired during World War II that the cut style became accessible to the public.
There have been two main iterations of the Asscher cut over history, The first was a diamond cut with fifty to fifty-eight facets that appeared very square-like. It had an ideal cut ratio of 1:1.04 so that two of the sides were marginally longer than the others. This cut resulted in a gorgeously cut stone with a sparkling effect that was so brilliant it became known as the “hall of mirrors.”
The Two Types Of Asscher Cut Diamonds
There are two types of authentic Asscher cut diamonds, the Standard Asscher cut and the Royal Asscher cut.
Standard Asscher Cut
The Standard Asscher cut is the traditional fifty-eight faceted step cut that reflects a distinct Art Deco style. This style was the cut originally patented, but the patent was lost in the 1940s.
The standard cut is a blend between the traditional princess and emerald cuts with an X-shaped facet that runs from each corner of the gem to the center. This is a cut that enhances and highlights stone clarity and is ideal for higher-clarity loose diamonds.
Royal Asscher Cut
Royal Asscher cut diamonds have sixteen more facets than a standard cut with a total of seventy-four facets. This makes it more closely resemble the famous Cullinan II diamond and helps it absorb light from every angle. This, then, works to enhance any given stone’s natural sparkle and brilliance.
Additionally, the Royal Asscher cut has a higher crown than the original with a rainbow-like effect that adds even more brilliance to the stone.
How To Choose A Gem For The Asscher Cut
Selecting a gem for an Asscher cut requires a significant amount of patience and dedication. Unlike other cuts like the radiant cut, this cut is not right for every gem as it leaves a lot of transparency in the stone, so you need to pay careful attention to the diamond’s color and clarity.
Ideally, you want to select a stone that is at least a “G” or higher on the color scale to ensure the facets are able to properly break up light. Those stones that are lower on the scale will not be able to properly filter light, and this cut will not be able to enhance the gem properly.
Then, you’ll want to consider the stone’s clarity. Selecting a diamond with at least a VS1 or VS2 grading will be clear enough that the cut will improve its appearance. Anything with a lower grade will have too many inclusions to result in a brilliant cut.
Key Takeaways
If you’re in the market for an Asscher cut diamond and need help picking out the right gem for your engagement, anniversary, or other occasions, our skilled diamond professionals can help you by providing expert opinions and advice, so contact us today!