A Guide to Asscher Cut Engagement Rings

Asscher cut engagement rings are gaining popularity for couples who want an engagement ring with a little personality. These rings tend to be fancier and more elegant than the traditional round brilliant cut, and make a great choice for the sophisticated bride-to-be.

Asscher cut engagement rings are easy to spot because of the stone’s distinctive shape. This exclusively patented cut is characterized by a square shaped diamond with deeply trimmed corners, resembling an octagon. It has a series of parallel steps which allow for a greater refraction of light, and hence glitter. If you want a diamond with real fire, an Asscher cut is your best choice.

Asscher cuts can be found in both vintage and modern engagement rings. Modern diamonds cut in this style have smaller corners,, a larger flat top, and 74 facets. Because of this, modern Asscher cut diamonds have more sparkle than antique pieces. Art Deco rings often have Asscher cut diamonds in them.

Asscher cut diamonds were designed and patented by the Asscher brothers in Holland in 1902. These brothers were famous for their work, and cut the Cullinan diamond, a 3,015 carat diamond that is part of the British crown jewels.

It is important to choose a Asscher cut engagement ring with a high quality stone. Step cut stones like this show more flaws, because you can see further into the diamond. High color grading is also important. For the best look, and Asscher cut should have a length to width ratio of between 1.00 and 1.05 and high color and clarity grading. The appeal of an Asscher cut is in the intricacy and sparkle, so the actual size of the diamond is less important than the quality.

To attract and reflect the most light, a four prong setting is commonly used. Pave settings also work well, as they use a crust of sparkling diamonds to compliment the breathtaking beauty of the central Asscher cut stone. Although they work well with trilliant, princess or emerald cut accent stones, an Asscher cut engagement ring of just one single diamond is extremely elegant. This is a diamond cut that easily holds its own.

Despite their growing popularity, Asscher cut engagement rings are not easy to find. More jewellers are starting to carry them, but call around before you head out to the shops as many places will have to order them in specially. All genuine Asscher diamonds bear the insignia of the Asscher family, and has a unique identification number on the girdle of the stone. Ask your jeweller to show it to you so you know you are getting an authentic Asscher cut engagement ring.