The Asscher cut is a blend of princess cut and emerald cuts because it has a mix of step cuts and x-shaped facets that starts from its corners to its center culet. The Asscher cut’s brilliant faceting can conceal certain inclusions and lower color grades. This cut has a clean and balanced visual appeal that’s why it’s popular to several brides-to-be who are into vintage elegance. The Asscher cut’s step-cut feature emphasizes the clarity of the diamond and it is relevant when it comes to showcasing higher clarity loose diamonds. In this article, we are going to learn more about this exquisite diamond cut and we will give you some points on what to look for when purchasing this kind of diamond cut.
History
The first Asscher cut diamond was created in 1902 and it was named after the Asscher brothers who founded the Amsterdam/Holland-based Asscher Diamond Company which is now known as Royal Asscher Diamond Company. The first Asscher cut diamond had 58 facets and it was created by Joseph Asscher. The Asscher family had a patent on the cut until World War II which meant that their company was the only one who can make the Asscher cut.
The World War II Effect
The entire Asscher Diamond Company change during World War II. This started when the Asscher family was deported from the Netherlands together with hundreds of their diamond polishers and they were all confined in concentration camps. Most of the diamonds that the Asscher family had were seized and after the war in 1945, only 10 members of the Asscher family survived and out of the hundreds of diamond polishers, almost 15 of them were left and there was no company for them to return to. Before World War II, Amsterdam was the diamond polishing capital of the world but the war destroyed their diamond industry.
In 1946, after being locked up in concentration camps, Louis and Joseph Asscher tried to rebuild their diamond company. They were determined to take back what’s theirs and they did not give up. They wanted to restore the glory of the Asscher Diamond Company before World War II started. Joseph and Louis Asscher got lucky because Queen Juliana of Holland honored the Asscher Diamond Company a royal title because of their family and company’s important role for a century in the diamond industry. That’s why the company changed its name from The Asscher Diamond Company to the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.
In 1999, Louis Asscher’s sons Edward and Joop Asscher started to research on how to enhance and improve the original Asscher cut. They worked night and day and it resulted in the Royal Asscher Cut which they protected with a safer and international patent so no one else could make it but them.
Characteristics
It was during the 1920s Art Deco era when the Asscher cut diamond became popular. That’s why most modern brides commonly refer to the Asscher cut diamond engagement ring as an antique or vintage ring. The original Asscher cut had 58 facets but when the Royal Asscher Cut was developed, they used modern cutting methods because they want to improve the overall quality and cut off the traditional Asscher cut diamond. That’s why the modern Asscher cut has a raised crown and a total of 78 facets but the classic look and brilliance of the original design remained.
How Much Does it Cost?
Asscher cut diamonds has a bit deeper cut so they use about 65 to 75 percent of rough diamond compared to round diamonds. This cut has held more carat weight distribution in the center of the diamond rather than on the corners. That’s why they tend to look smaller than round cut diamonds that have the same carat weight. For example, a round carat diamond that has a 1.00 ct weight would be around 6.4 mm and the Asscher cut with the same carat weight will only be around 5.5mm. That’s why you can expect that the Asscher cut will cost less than a round cut diamond even if they have the same carat. If you are looking for a 1-carat Asscher cut diamond, expect that it may cost around 3,716 dollars for a diamond that has VS2 clarity and Excellent cut.
Tips When Purchasing an Asscher Cut Diamond
Asscher cut diamonds are step-cuts which means they are not cut for brilliance. Instead, they are more appreciated for their luster and their ability to give out the striking clarity of high-quality diamonds. That’s why there are certain things that you should consider if you are going to buy an Asscher cut diamond. Their step-cuts and large, open facets mean you can clearly see the color and inclusions of the diamond. It also means that the flaws are visible even with an untrained eye. Here are the things you should consider if you want an Asscher cut diamond for your engagement ring.
Choose a diamond that has a high color grade – As we mentioned earlier, the open facets of the Asscher cut makes inclusions and flaws easy to spot. That’s why we suggest that you should opt for an I color diamond.
Get to know the stone’s depth – When it comes to Asscher cut diamonds, the lower the total depth, the better. The perfect number for an Asscher cut’s total depth is anywhere from 60 to 68 percent. That’s why it is important to see the diamond in person and talk to a gemologist to make sure that you’re buying the right diamond for you.
Choose a diamond with a higher clarity grade – Never go below VS2 clarity when it comes to Asscher cut diamonds. Because as we mentioned earlier, Asscher cuts are not meant for brilliance, they are popularly known for their ability to show a sharp and clean gemstone. Even if it’s not hard to find an SI1 graded Asscher cut that looks clean to the naked eye, it is always best to settle for an Asscher cut with VS2 clarity or higher.