By Gary A.
Edited by Brian M.
Published Aug 13, 2024
Edited on Oct 15, 2024
Asscher cut diamonds are a beautiful option if sparkle isn’t at the top of your priority list. Read our complete guide to Asscher cut engagement rings.
Navigate this guide:
Looking for a diamond that screams Art Deco glamour with a dash of modern edge? Enter the Asscher cut. This isn’t just any diamond shape – it’s a slice of history you can wear on your finger. Think Great Gatsby meets modern-day royalty, and you’re getting close to the allure of the Asscher.
Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some practical tips to help guide your decision-making process:
Tip 1. Understand the Asscher Cut:
Tip 2. Check the Length-to-Width Ratio:
Tip 3. Prioritize Diamond Quality:
Tip 4. Examine the Setting:
Tip 5. Look for Balanced Proportions:
Tip 6. Evaluate Side Stones:
Tip 7. Request Certification:
Now that you’ve got these practical tips, use Jeweler AI below to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your style and budget:
All diamond shapes have a long and fascinating history behind them, but the Asscher is among the most storied thanks to its popularity among Hollywood royalty.
The Asscher cut didn’t just appear out of thin air. No, this beauty has a backstory that’d make even the most jaded jeweler swoon. Born in 1902 by the creative genius of Joseph Asscher, this cut was the iPad of its time – innovative, sleek, and utterly desirable. It did away with the elaboration and decadence of the other popular shapes of the time, offering a low-key and pared back study of a diamond on a par with the Emerald cut.
Now, if diamonds could talk, Asscher cuts would have some stories to tell. From gracing the fingers of Hollywood royalty to actual royalty, these gems have seen it all. Remember Elizabeth Taylor’s dazzling collection? Well, her much-celebrated Krupp diamond, which was the feature of her engagement ring from Richard Burton, was an Asscher cut and remains one of the most famous examples of the shape to this day.
Need something more famous than that? The Cullinan VI diamond, part of the British Crown Jewels and housed in the Tower of London, weighs in at 11.5 carats and demonstrates how beautiful the cut can be.
The Asscher follows a square shape with cropped corners, creating an octagonal outline that’s as mesmerizing as it is unique. But the Asscher isn’t just a pretty face – it’s a feat of geometric precision that’d make your high school math teacher proud.
Cut well, the Asscher’s step-cut facets create a “hall of mirrors” effect that’s less about in-your-face sparkle and more about subtle, sophisticated brilliance. It’s not shouting for attention; it’s confidently commanding it.
Not all Asscher cut diamonds are created equal, and getting the very most out of your money means understanding the basics of diamond quality – and value.
Let’s talk shop for a second. When it comes to Asschers, clarity is king (well, second only to cut, of course). That step-cut design? It’s like a spotlight on your diamond’s interior. So aim high on the clarity scale – your future self will thank you.
That said, you don’t have to go so high on the scale you get vertigo. For a 1 carat diamond (or thereabouts), a clarity grade of VS2 or SI1 – or even SI2 – should be fine. For larger diamonds, aim for VS1, but aim to avoid the VVS grades unless your diamond is really heavy.
Color is also more important for Asschers than it would be for, say, the round cut. As always, however, a diamond from the Near Colorless range – with a gentle emphasis on those higher grades – will be a great choice.
Setting an Asscher is like framing a masterpiece. You want something that’ll showcase its unique geometry without stealing the show. Think clean lines and minimalist designs. Or go full Gatsby with an ornate Art Deco setting. The choice is yours.
We love the look of an Asscher cut diamond paired with a lofty, architectural cathedral setting. From the side, the ring will carry a very imposing, grand impression that will make a big statement on the finger.
Then again, you don’t need to err on the side of minimalism just because you’ve opted for what is (arguably) the most minimalist of diamond cuts. An Asscher can look very stunning paired with a square halo, which will balance its ‘hall of mirrors’ effect with the bright, vibrant, glittery sparkle of the round cut melee stones.
One thing’s for sure: it’s got to fit your partner’s style.
White metals like platinum or white gold? They’ll give your Asscher that icy, modern edge. But don’t discount the warmth of yellow or rose gold – they can add a vintage vibe that’s totally swoon-worthy. It’s all about what makes your heart skip a beat.
Choosing an Asscher cut engagement ring isn’t just picking a diamond – it’s making a statement. It says you appreciate the finer things, have an eye for detail, and aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. So go ahead, embrace your inner diamond connoisseur. After all, who says you can’t wear a piece of history and turn heads while doing it?
FOLLOW-UP GUIDE SERIES