The Asscher Cut Engagement Ring

The Asscher cut engagement ring is all the rage right now. Sure, it's both elegant and beautiful (which is really due to the way it's cut) but we feel that a good part of its appeal is due to its history and rarity.

The fact that Carrie Bradshaw in Sex In The City drooled over this particular shape doesn't hurt either! After all, we all want to channel our inner Carrie don't we?

Asscher Cut Diamond History

The asscher shape is named after its designer Abraham Asscher who designed this gorgeous shape in 1902.

It is a square cut with deeply trimmed edges almost resembling an octagon. It is one of the rarest and most expensive diamond cuts and is usually associated with high fashion, hence Ms. Bradshaw ;-).

The cut itself is similar to an emerald cut diamond but has a smaller table (the flat top facet of the stone) and a higher crown (the top of the stone above the girdle). These two features help to give it its fiery brilliance.

The stone has a number of parallel steps cut into the pavilion (the lower part of a diamond) giving an amazing optical effect that has been described as a type of "hall of mirrors".

Because this diamond cut has been exclusively patented, genuine Asscher diamonds have the family insignia and a unique ID number on the stone’s girdle. The marks can only be seen under high magnification, but a jeweler should be able to show them to you so that you know if you're getting the real McCoy.

If you'd like to read a Q & A with Asscher's grandson about the company and what it's up to today follow this link.

Asscher Cut Diamond Proportions

The length to width ratio in an Asscher shaped diamond should be "1" which means that it always takes on a square look and never a rectangle.

The cut is perfectly symmetrical and is composed of 58 facets. There are very strict and specific design guidelines to an Asscher cut so you may come across stones that are cut in the Asscher "style" as opposed to being an Asscher cut.

Asscher's are expensive. Not only because of the patented cut, but also because the cut and style of this diamond shape requires a superior quality stone since imperfections (inclusions and blemishes within the stone) will be much more obvious in an Asscher and will detract from its beauty. And a better grade of diamond always means a higher price, regardless of the shape.

Asscher Cut Engagement Rings: A Perfect Setting

The setting for an Asscher should never hide or cover the corners (meaning the parts at an angle) because the true beauty of the cut lies in the effect those deeply trimmed corners create.

This amazing pave set asscher diamond ring (just like the one in the movie above) is from JamesAllen. This one was recently bought for some lucky bride although both would send chills down any girl's spine.

In keeping with the latest trends in engagement ring design, both are set with a halo pave frame which adds that bit of extra bling! and makes the center stone look bigger.

Asscher Cut Engagement Rings: Expert Tips

Never skimp on the clarity of the diamond in an Asscher cut stone because you won't be happy with the end result. Your diamond needs to be eye-clean to get the most out of this shape.

Like clarity, the color of an Asscher is important (which is true for most step cuts). So make sure that you are looking at a colorless or near the top end of a near-colorless diamond for this particular cut.

If you want to make the stone appear bigger than it really is, use a setting that is similar to the ones above. The smaller diamonds cost very little, you'll get a lot more bling! for your buck, and your Asscher will appear larger than it really is.

The Asscher cut engagement ring is not your average ring. Because of their exclusivity they're to be considered an heirloom piece that should be past down through the generations...and comes with a price tag to match!

As we mentioned before, if it's the look you're going for rather than the cut itself, consider a diamond that is cut in the Asscher style. Clarity and color will still be very important but you won't be paying the kind of prices associated with a genuine Asscher.