Although asscher cut diamond rings aren’t the most popular choice for engagement rings, they are incredibly stylish and really stand out when worn by the right person.
Given that the asscher cut originated during the Art Deco era of the 1920s, it feels only fitting to explore this style of diamond engagement ring now that we’re 100 years on from the original Art Deco period.
What is an asscher cut diamond?
Let’s begin with the basics: what is an asscher cut diamond? An asscher cut diamond has a square shape, as you would likely expect for a style that emerged during the height of Art Deco fashion and design.
It is a type of step cut diamond, which makes it very similar to an emerald cut diamond. The main difference being that it is a rounded square shape. Like the emerald cut, it has elongated and angular facets.
We think that asscher cut diamonds give a “hall of mirrors” appearance, where the brilliance of the stone seems to recede into itself in a never-ending path. One of the beauties of this cut is that you can see straight into the heart of the stone.
The crown of an asscher cut diamond also sits higher than an emerald cut, which is another way in which it is distinguished from this other form of step cut stone.
How many facets does an asscher cut diamond have?
An asscher cut diamond has 58 facets. In fact, this was the first-ever diamond cut to be patented. Although that patent has since expired, initially those who wore stones with this cut could only get them from the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.
Who invented the asscher cut diamond?
Joseph Asscher, who founded the Royal Asscher Diamond Company with his son Abraham, invented the original asscher cut and patented the shape.
He took the emerald cut and made his facets wider-set and larger, with the aim of keeping more weight in the stone when cutting rough diamonds. The popularity of geometric shapes in the Art Deco era helped its rise in popularity at the time.
What is a royal asscher cut diamond and is it different?
Yes, a royal asscher cut diamond is a different cut, although still based on the original style developed by Joseph Asscher.
In fact, the royal asscher cut was developed by Joseph’s grandson, Edward, in 2001 who took inspiration from his grandfather’s work. The royal asscher cut is internationally patented, which means it is only possible to get such a diamond from the Royal Asscher Company.
It differs from a standard asscher cut stone in that it has 74 facets, rather than the 58 of an emerald or asscher cut diamond.
Can other stones be asscher cut?
Yes, the asscher cut refers to the shape of the stone and the way in which the facets are cut, rather than being specific to a diamond.
While many examples of asscher cut stones are diamonds, there is no reason why this same style can’t be applied to other precious gems such as emeralds, sapphires and rubies.
However, it is worth noting that if the colour of your gem is dark, it will be more difficult to see the step cuts. This often makes the asscher cut preferable for lighter coloured gems so that you can still enjoy the depth that an asscher cut provides.
Because asscher cut stones have a high crown, it is also important to consider a gem’s hardness and wearability.
Rubies and sapphires, while not as hard as diamonds, still perform well on this scale and therefore are suitable for an asscher cut.
What does an asscher cut diamond look like?
Asscher cut diamonds have what resembles an X in their centre, which is what gives them that “hall of mirrors” appearance.
They have an elegance all of their own and because of their unusual appearance, often work best in a setting where they are the only stone. This ensures that all of your attention gets drawn to the stone itself and the facets that pull the eye in.
It’s also important to note that due to the shape and size of the facets, an asscher cut diamond ring won’t sparkle in quite the same way as a brilliant cut diamond ring might. But if you are seeking understated elegance this makes an asscher cut diamond a good choice.
When choosing any engagement ring, you need to consider both your personal style and what your lifestyle is like before making any decisions. This will ensure that you choose a ring that will not only look fantastic, but also be comfortable to wear.