Asscher Cut Engagement Ring
Image Source: www.hk.jewellery.co.uk
The Asscher cut engagement rings were first developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers. The Asscher cut engagement rings had been the rage back in the first half of the 20th century but then the demands fell short after the new development of diamond technology and diamond cutting techniques. Now, the Asscher cut engagement rings are coming back as a much more sophisticated alternative to the more traditional choices.
The Asscher cut stone has a distinctive shape that is a square with deeply trimmed corners that resembles the octagon. It is cut with a series of parallel steps, producing hall-of-mirrors effects when you look deeply into the stone. It is sometimes called the square emerald cut and is also a type of modified cushion cut. This Assher cut style has been exclusively patented which means that every original Asscher cut diamond will have the Asscher family symbol with a unique identification number inscribed directly on the stone’s girdle. To check for the authenticity, these marks are visible under high magnification.
Vintage Asscher diamonds are popular during the Art Deco period. During the worldwide Great Depression, the production stalled but it reopened in 1945. Vintage Asscher diamonds are different from the modern stones as the modern one has slightly smaller corners and larger central flat top of a cut diamond. To increase the cut’s sparkle, sixteen additional facets are added and thus modern Asscher cut will have a total of 74 facets. Both modern and vintage Asscher cut has a deep cutlet at the base to accentuate the depth of the stone by calling attention to the gem with extraordinary clarity.
When you pick a diamond or a stone for the Asscher cut, be aware of flaws and inclusions that may lower the stone quality. The color of the stone is the next important factor as the brilliance of the tone may be more visible at the stone’s wide corners. Many Asscher cut diamonds tend to be smaller in size but the unique and intricate cut outweigh the stone’s size by offering a truly eye-catching look.
The most common setting that is used for the Asscher cut engagement ring is the four-prong arrangement. As the step cut does not naturally reflect much light, the prong setting allows the stone to be elevated to attract more light that it would in a channel or bezel setting. Make sure that the prongs are wide enough so that they don’t hide the stone’s distinctive corners. Another setting that you can use is the pave setting which has a coating of brilliant diamond crusts that is perfect for the rarity and beauty of Asscher cut.
Depending on your taste, you can have you Asscher cut stone be surrounded with accent stones like trilliant, princess or emerald cuts that can sit nicely against the flat sides of the central stone. Without the embellishments, the single stone Asscher cut engagement ring is stunning by itself. Due to the exclusive nature and rarity of this cut, you may want to visit several high-end jewelers to find out about the availability. Certification by the Gemological Institute of America or the High Council for Diamonds in Antwerp, Belgium ensures that you are dealing with authentic Asscher cut stones. The timeless cut of Asscher engagement ring with its angled corners and incredible depth will make a grand statement of your future bride’s individuality and personality.