Asscher Cut Diamonds

Editor: thediamondguy

This guide will explain what an Asscher cut diamond is and how it is distinguishable from round and princess cut diamonds.

Introduction & History

In the history of diamonds and diamond cutting the Asscher cut diamond is one of the greatest cuts of diamonds ever conceived. Invented in the early 20th century by the Asscher Brothers of Holland, an Asscher cut is a modification on the most popular cut of previous century...the cushion cut. The Asscher Brothers, celebrities in their own right (they cut many of the "named" diamonds for royalty), invented a cut which was square to rectangular with a flat table (top surface), many small step cuts along the top area and larger longer facets underneath the diamond. Like the cushion cut, the Asscher cut has an open culet (the bottom of a diamond) and a facet plan to draw the eye into the diamond and give the diamond depth. In fact the beauty of an Asscher cut is how the eye "dives into the center of the diamond". The beauty of an Asscher cut contradicts todays modern "brilliant cut" diamonds in which the facets and cut of a modern diamond repel the eye.

Faceting

Asscher cut diamonds are called "Step Cut", referring to the linear cuts following the shape of the diamond as seen below. This faceting is similar to the faceting on Emerald Cut diamonds. These can be beautiful stones-with stepped facets the sheen tends to be large flashes of these stepped angles on the pavilion of the stone. Step cuts are comprised of larger facets which act like mirrors. The facets are broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair. That's why it is referred to as a "step" cut. Because of the angle, size, and shape of the facets, the Asscher cut shows less brilliance and fire (dispersion) than the other brilliant cut stones.

Asscher vs. Emerald Cut

Asscher cuts are also sometimes referred to as "Square Emerald Cut" diamonds. The asscher name technically refers only to diamonds cut by the Asscher brothers, however the name is commonly used referring to square emerald cuts that are cut today. Emerald Cut diamonds have one main difference from Asscher cut (Square Emerald Cut) diamonds, that is, they are not square, but rather rectangular. Asscher cuts have 74 facets, while emerald cut diamonds have 57.

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