The Asscher Cut
Engagement Ring
The Asscher cut engagement ring displays a very deep modified gemstone step cut which creates a mesmerizing almost bottomless effect. This style was quite in vogue during the Art Deco period and has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. Is the Asscher cut right for your engagement or wedding ring? Use the info below including pros and cons of the cut, where to find Asscher cut rings, characteristics of the cut, best settings and helpful shopping tips to decide. Pros and Cons of the Asscher Cut: The Asscher cut is an extremely unique looking cut that practically shouts “Look at Me!” The cut highlights the best features of an outstanding diamond or gemstone – clarity and color – and maximizes fire qualities. If you are looking for bling and flash in a very elegant style, than the Asscher cut may be just right for you. The cut too will work with a number of different gemstones (all with higher hardness ratings) and because the edges of the cut are angled the gemstone or diamond does not have any exposed delicate edges which could be damaged.
The biggest con to this type of cut is that it takes an exceptional gemstone to create a truly spectacular Asscher cut engagement ring. The cut will highlight any defects in clarity – and even the smallest of inclusions or blemishes will stand out. This type of cut is also extremely precise and complicated – and should only be taken on by a highly experienced gemstone cutter. Because the Asscher should only be used on gemstones and diamonds with supreme clarity and color characteristics, and needs a talented individual to master the cut, Asscher cut rings will cost more than most other types of fancy shape engagement rings. One other con is that most of the weight of an Asscher cut gemstone is underneath the gemstone, not on the surface. So, a one carat Asscher cut diamond will look slightly smaller than – for example – a one carat brilliant round cut diamond. Where to Find an Asscher Cut Engagement Ring: A true Asscher cut is simply magnificent, a cheaper machine replica or modified version of the cut is not so stellar. My best recommendations for Asscher cut engagement rings include Blue Nile (they have a large selection of GIA certified Asscher diamonds to choose from) and Brilliant Earth (also a supplier of GIA certified Asscher diamonds). Both companies offer Asscher cut rings and loose Asscher cut diamonds; Brilliant Earth has a small selection of orange lab created Asscher cut diamonds too. If you really love the Asscher cut, but not the price tag, MiaDonna&Co and Diamond Nexus Labs have a gorgeous selection of Asscher cut simulated man-made diamonds, loose or set in engagement rings. For gemstone Asscher engagement rings, the best (and in many cases most affordable) rings I have discovered have been through Etsy jewelry artists. This is the only place where I have found spectacular custom cut gemstones which truly feature a real Asscher cut – plus many artists use recycled or ethically mined metals for their beautiful jewelry creations. If you are interested in an Art Deco Asscher cut engagement ring, antique rings are the way to go – but these rings are high in demand and can be difficult to find. At times, The Three Graces will have an authentic antique Asscher cut diamond ring or Asscher cut gemstone ring in stock. Characteristics and History of the Cut: There are two types of Asscher cuts: the standard Asscher cut created by Joseph Asscher in 1902 and the Royal Asscher Cut created in 2001 by Edward and Joop Asscher. Both cuts are a modified step cut.
The standard Asscher cut is very similar to an emerald cut, but its octagonal shape – square with cut corners – small table, high crown facets and deep, deep pavilion maximizes the fire of the gemstone, making the Asscher similar in flash to the round brilliant cut. The total cut includes 58 facets. (See Diamond Terms & Anatomy if you need to know more about these terms). The Royal Asscher cut is a patented cut which features the same shape as the standard Asscher cut, but with 75 facets and a slightly higher crown – resulting in even more fire and flash. If you are looking for a ring made with a Royal Asscher Diamond, it is best to consult with the Royal Asscher Diamond Company because of the cut’s exclusive patent. Best Settings for Asscher Cut Rings: Four prong settings are the absolute best settings for Asscher cut diamonds and gemstones. The open pronged settings will allow plenty of light to enter the stone, maximizing flash and fire qualities. Trellis and Cathedral prong settings lift an Asscher cut stone up even higher – a feature which helps the stone to really stand out on solitaire engagement rings. Smaller Asscher cut gemstones and diamonds also look great in a channel set, especially if they are lined to wrap around the band of the ring. Shopping Tips and Precautions: Before you buy an Asscher cut engagement ring, take the time to look at a selection of Asscher cut gemstones and diamonds – so you can really gain a good idea of what a spectacular Asscher cut looks like. Because a superior gemstone is needed for this type of cut, if you are looking for an Asscher cut diamond ring, or a loose Asscher diamond, it is best to choose diamonds between D – H on the GIA color scale (or 0 to 0.5 on the AGS color scale) and between Flawless to VS2 on the GIA clarity scale (or 0 to 4 on the AGS clarity scale). Diamonds below these values will show blemishes and inclusions, and pale yellow to brown tints of color, if they are in an Asscher cut. If you are searching for Asscher cut gemstone engagement rings, stick with gemstones that have been custom cut by a master gemstone cutter. Aquamarine, citrine and peridot hold an Asscher cut really well – plus they are very affordable gemstones. Rubies, sapphires and emeralds look great in an Asscher cut too – but because their colors are so dark they will not have the same brilliant flash and fire in an Asscher cut as the lighter colored gemstones. Always purchase your Asscher cut engagement ring through a reputable jewelry company or boutique, and make sure you have at least a 30-day no-nonsense refund policy with the purchase of your ring.
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