Shop for Asscher Cut Diamonds

Asscher cut diamonds are natural or mined diamonds that are cut in accordance with the Asscher shape standards. Characteristics of this shape include a flat table, large step facets, an octagon shape, large crown, and cropped corners. If you like the look of emerald, princess, and cushion cut diamonds then the Asscher cut diamond may be perfect for you!

One of the newer shapes, the Asscher cut was created by Joseph Asscher in 1902. And hey, if we created a new cut of diamond then we would probably name it after ourselves too. The Darling cut diamond certainly has a ring to it! Despite being created in 1902, the popularity of the cut didn’t really take off until the 1920s when the Art Deco movement took off.

Often, emerald cut and Asscher cut diamonds are roped into the same category and-gasp-often used interchangeably. However, the two distinctive shapes couldn’t be more different. Sure, they both contain step cuts, facets that are cut as large parallel lines that look like-well, steps, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

Unlike emerald cuts, Asscher cut diamonds are square in appearance. Interestingly, Asschers are actually octagons and have eight distinct sides with cropped corners. Additionally, unlike emeralds that maintain wide open tables that offer unobstructed views into the diamond, Asschers have windmill patterns that create an X on their face that should align perfectly to the bottom of the diamond. This pattern results in a dizzying whirl of concentric squares that can offer sparkle and the characteristic flash beloved of step cuts.

Ultimately, the Asscher is an incredibly distinctive diamond cut that, despite the passage of time, has maintained its position as one of the most beloved cuts in the diamond industry. Elegant as it is unique, Asscher diamonds are sophisticated, glamorous, and just plain dang sparkly.

Asschers are not the most expensive diamond shape available, that award goes to the round brilliant, but they can still command a high price. You see, while Asschers don’t create as much diamond waste as their round brilliant counterparts, the faceting style leaves very little imagination when it comes to color and clarity. The step cuts that the Asscher is known and loved for, offer an unobstructed view into the diamond due to the way the facets handle light. That means that usually, only very high quality rough diamonds are chosen to be cut as an Asscher. Additionally, Asscher cuts appear smaller than other diamonds of the same carat weight. So if you’re interested in getting a rock that delivers wide finger coverage, you may have to size up than if you were purchasing another shape.

Not to fear though, there are several things you can do to save your change and still find your angelic Asscher diamond. The most effective way to afford a larger and high quality diamond is to consider lab diamonds rather than naturally mined diamonds. Despite being identical in chemical and physical properties, lab diamonds are around 20-40% more affordable than natural diamonds. Thanks to being made in a lab, lab diamonds don’t need to pass through many hands and stages before ending up on your ring finger. Plus, unlike natural diamonds that are dug out of the earth which takes skilled labor and funds, lab diamonds are made in an efficient and streamlined manner in a lab, thus saving you money.

Another way you can save money and find your dream diamond is to consider the four characteristics that all diamonds are graded on. We’re talking about the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.

While we’ve already spoken about the importance of color and clarity, let’s talk about cut. Unlike round diamonds, Asschers don’t automatically receive a cut grade from a grading facility, thanks to the wide variation of diamond shapes and round being the only shape to receive standardized grades and guidelines. However, if you’re looking to save money this can work in your favor. Instead of paying attention to the grade that the diamond has received within its fancy designation, consider the depth and how the windmill in the Asscher looks.

The lower the depth (generally) the better. Ideally look for Asscher cut diamonds with a depth between 60-68%. Unlike brilliant facets, the depth of the stone isn’t needed to reflect and bounce back light so you can afford to go shallow. An added bonus is that some diamond cutters attempt to hide carat weight below an Asschers girdle -think a bottom-heavy diamond, by maintaining a shallow-depth you can decrease the chance of this happening.

When it comes to windmills, you want your Asschers to be symmetric. That means that if it appears even slightly wonky, look elsewhere. That diamond is poorly cut and the look, shape, and sparkle of it will be affected.

And of course, don’t hesitate to drop us a line at hello@frankdarling.com or schedule an in-person or virtual consultation. Our expert diamond concierge can help you find and design your Asscher dream ring in a budget that fits your needs.

While Asscher cut diamonds do offer some sparkle, they simply can’t compare to brilliantly faceted diamonds. Instead, because of their step cut pattern, you can expect strong flashes of light and a dazzling hall-of-mirrors-like effect. The Asscher cut is known for its unique arrangement of facets, typically in a square shape with cropped corners, resembling an octagon. This distinct design creates an optical illusion within the stone, giving it an elegant and vintage appearance that we just can’t get enough of.

But let’s talk about sparkle for a second. Usually, when people talk about the sparkle of a diamond they are talking about the alternating flashes of light that moves through and out the diamond. And while that is technically sparkle, it’s also important to mention light return-especially when talking about step cut stones like Asscher cut diamonds.

You see, light returns differently with step cut stones than with brilliant cuts. This is thanks to straight and long facets that look like steps and that provides the step cut with its name. When light enters a brilliantly cut diamond it is dispersed and sent off into all directions, the majority of brilliant facets are cut triangularly, and these triangular facets reflect and disperse the light back out where it continues to bounce around before finally exiting the diamond. Because step cuts have fewer facets, and those facets are more linear, there is less light bounce and more reflection.

More light means more dazzle, so it becomes incredibly important to prioritize finding an Asscher cut diamond with superior light return when shopping for an Asscher cut. angular spectrum evaluation tests, create a visual guide of your diamonds cut grade.For Asscher cut diamonds, the ASET image becomes particularly valuable due to the step cut's distinct facets. The straight and long facets of an Asscher cut affect how light is reflected and transmitted. The ASET image helps assess the balance between brilliance and contrast in the diamond, aiding in the selection of stones with superior light return and a desirable play of light.

On average, when purchasing a 2 carat Asscher cut diamond, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,300 and $28,000. We know, we know, that’s not really an answer, but take heart that that means that there is most likely an Asscher cut diamond in your budget! Breaking it down further, the following can affect the cost of an Asscher cut diamond.

Natural vs Lab Created Diamonds: One of the biggest ways to save on diamonds is to consider purchasing a lab diamond. Despite being chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, lab diamonds are generally around 20-40% more affordable. Much of this is thanks to the production process. You see, natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s crust over millions of years before being brought near the surface via kimberlite pipes. Mining these diamonds takes time, effort, and, of course, resources. And these resources don’t come cheap. On the other hand, lab diamonds are made through an efficient process in scientific laboratories. As a result, diamonds can be made much more quickly at a fraction of the cost of mining for real diamonds.

Know Your 4Cs: The price of a diamond can be significantly affected by its 4Cs, which include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. For instance, a top-notch oval diamond that has excellent cut, color, clarity, and carat weight can be more valuable and costly than a lower-quality round diamond.

Understanding the 4Cs and which categories are most important for your diamond shape can be incredibly important when looking for a 2 carat Asscher cut diamond in your price range. In the Asscher’s case, it’s important to prioritize clarity, as the step cut facets will not be able to hide the same amount of inclusions as brilliantly faceted diamonds.

Other Factors: Apart from the 4Cs, other factors like market demand, diamond fluorescence, and pricing strategies employed by individual retailers can also influence the cost of Asscher and other fancy shaped diamonds. And when in doubt, trust Frank Darling-we can work within your budget to find and source the perfect 2 carat Asscher cut diamond for you.

The Asscher cut diamond is a darling of Art Deco lovers thanks to its unique square shape and elegant step cut facets. While Asscher cuts can work well with any (and we mean any) setting, there are a few standout options to consider.

One classic choice is the solitaire engagement ring setting. This setting features a single diamond, typically held in place with prongs or a bezel. The simplicity of this setting allows the unique shape of the Asscher cut to take center stage, accentuating its bold lines and creating a timeless and sophisticated look.

If you prefer a solitaire setting but want a bit more sparkle, you can add diamond details such as a pave-studded shank or a hidden halo. These additions not only enhance the beauty of the center stone, but also add dazzling allure that we just can't get enough of.

For those who love vintage-inspired looks, the Asscher cut pairs exceptionally well with ornate settings that invoke the grandeur of the 1920s. A three stone design with baguette stones or bullet diamonds framing your center Asscher, is a stunning choice that even Gatsby would approve of.

Lead an active lifestyle? Consider a bezel setting. This contemporary and sleek setting securely holds the Marquise diamond with a metal rim, providing extra protection for the delicate tapered points of the cut.

For a unique and eye-catching option, an architectural split shank setting is a great choice for Asscher diamonds.

The split shank band divides as it reaches the center stone to create a a captivating look. Keep it high profile and you can also display all of the bottom beauty of your Asscher diamond. Last but not least, you should go with whatever setting makes you the most happy. After all, you're the one that is going to be wearing it everyday. So whether that means choosing a sleek solitaire, sporty bezel, or something more intricate, you should be excited to put your Asscher engagement ring on every day.