Asscher Cut Diamonds
If your goal is to make the best impression by offering the highest regarded and fashionably designed diamond engagement ring, than an Asscher cut diamond is the answer to your dreams. The "Asscher cut diamond" was created by two brothers from Holland in 1902. These brothers designed the uniquely 'stepped' and 'rectangular shaped pavilions' of this square cut diamond; sometimes called the "Square emerald cut," which also has cropped corners. The difference offered by the Asscher cut Diamond is discovered when you simply look at it. While the emerald cut has a rectangular configuration, the Asscher is truly square and highly brilliant. The popularity of the Asscher cut diamond peaked in 1920; however it has always been offered in a very limited production.
Before inventing the Asscher cut diamond, Joseph Asscher was commissioned by the Royal family to cut the world's largest diamond ever found in history (the cullinan diamond, which was a 3,106ct stone).
It wasn't until recently (around 2001) that more merchants began to carry the Asscher cut diamonds. It suddenly increased in popularity when "Sex and the City" (a New York based and very popular TV show) featured an episode around the unusually cut jewelry. Around this same time, it certainly didn't hurt the diamond's growing popularity when actress Kate Hudson was spotted sporting an Asscher-cut engagement ring. Even as more stores are carrying these fashionable diamonds, the quality of selection of these diamonds is smaller than that of more common or well known cuts. This simply means, they are harder to find in a broad range of quality, leaving most of them to be located among the top quality diamond grades.
WHY AN ASSCHER CUT ENGAGEMENT RING?
Whether they are in solitaire settings or surrounded by accent stones, nothing is as dramatic as the Asscher cut diamond—of any kind. The unique cut is designed to lure the viewer into the diamond and highlight its clarity. Because of this, when selecting your Asscher cut diamond make certain it is the highest quality your pocketbook can comfortably afford.
Because the clarity of an Asscher cut diamond is VERY important, knowing how to find the highest quality clarity (flawless) stone takes a little know-how. For instance, knowing that internal flaws and impurities determine the quality of a diamond is paramount. The flawless diamond will allow the light to pass through the diamond without interference, while a lower grade diamond (that diamond which has inclusions 'flaws') will disturb the light in an unpleasant way. In determining the clarity of a diamond, it is viewed under a 10x magnification gem device by a trained and certified professional gemologist. It is also good to know that small inclusions won't mar the beauty or endanger its durability, so shop wisely for the best balance of quality and economy.
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Ascher Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Diamond Clarity Grading Scale
Check out the Diamond Clarity Grading Scale below to easily learn more about the fashionably popular Asscher cut Diamond and the best combination of quality and price for your budget!
DIAMOND CLARITY GRADING SCALE
DIAMOND CLARITY GRADE
| DESCRIPTION OF GRADE
|
|---|---|
flawless
| No internal or exterior flaws
|
Internally flawless
| No internal flaws. Very rare and beautiful diamonds which are quite expensive.
|
V V S 1, V V S 2
| Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
|
V S 1, V S 2
| Very Slightly Included: Inclusions are typically not visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades. Even properly graded VS2 diamonds can have visible inclusions in very large sizes or diamonds that do not have many facets which make flaws more visible such as an emerald shape.
|
S I 1, S I 2
| Slightly Included: Inclusions are typically visible under 10x magnification, SI clarity diamonds are usually of the best value since inclusions are not always visible to the naked eye and prices are reasonable when compared to prices of the VS2 clarity and up grades. Some SI clarity diamonds do have visible inclusions and should be evaluated carefully.
|
S I 3
| Slightly Included-Included: SI3 is an EGL grade and is not recognized by GIA or other gemological institutions. The SI3 clarity grade has been adopted by other labs as well. Typically an SI3 clarity grade would usually be given an I1 grade by the GIA.
|
I 1
| Included: an I1 clarity diamond will have a visible flaw which can be seen with the naked eye, but there should only be one major flaw which is not too obvious. Overall the diamond should still look nice however I1 clarity grades vary quite a bit so one should be very careful when making a selection. If your budget only allows for an SI3 or I1 clarity diamond, be sure to examine it thoroughly before purchasing and make sure the inclusions do not detract from the overall beauty of the diamond.
|
I 1, I 2
| Included: These diamonds will have inclusions visible to the naked eye, and will have many black spots from the black inclusions and/or appear very cloudy or milky from the white inclusions, feathers and cracks.
|
Want to "SEE" the Brilliance of the ASCHER CUT DIAMOND for yourself? Take a peek at this really short 50+ second video!
Asscher Cut Diamonds and the Emotional Side of Engagement Rings
When offering a diamond engagement ring as highly regarded as the Asscher cut, knowing a little more about the emotional aspects of this cut diamond may enhance the moment you and your beloved share. It is said that the Asscher cut has properties that encourage action, increase passion, and invite energy. These diamonds are believed to seal relationships for eternity and increase inner strength and balance to all who wear such a stone.
In the 13Th century, Mary of Burgandy was the first to be given a diamond engagement ring, in the year 1477. 'Betrothal rings' were generally given before that time as a pledge to wed, and could have any number of non-diamond gems. Wearing an "engagement ring" has one most explicit rule, and that is it must be worn on the third finger (ring finger) of the left hand. The "vena amoris" vein, which is located within this finger, was once believed to run directly to the heart, which is of course the best known indicator of true love.
Top Choice For a Solitaire Engagement Ring - Asscher Cut Diamond
The absolute top choice for an engagement ring is the solitaire diamond, and the Asscher cut is the best of the best of any solitaire diamond. The idea of a solitaire diamond design was initiated by Tiffany around 100 years ago. The idea is that the solitaire setting enhances the brilliance and luster of the diamond itself by placing it in an 'open' mount, which light can dance through freely, which adds great brightness and clarity to any stone. This is much different from every previous setting which was placed in a light-blocking 'closed' back. The Asscher cut diamond solitaire is the most beautiful cut for any solitary set stone because of its already brilliantly bright design. Nothing beats the glowing style, quality, and allure of the Asscher cut diamond engagement ring.
When you want your love to shout from a mountain top, start with a high-quality rock, lovingly referred to as; THE ASSCHER CUT DIAMOND.
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Comments for "ASSCHER CUT DIAMONDS - What makes them so special..."
AUTHORChatkath~ LOL! You are awesome. Your prince will certainly be a real keeper; what with bringing you an Asscher cut diamond engagement ring! I am certain he is right around the corner. Thank you so much for your fun comments. I am so pleased you were able to garner new knowledge from this little article. Big Hub Hugs!
K9
Great Hub K9- that is one awesome diamond! I actually learned quite a bit from this!
Now when prince charming shows up on his horse with my Asscher cut Diamond ring I will know exactly how to determine the quality (of the ring and the prince) Bookmarked and rated up and useful!
- AUTHOR
Livelonger~I am so pleased to see you here today! And thank you for sharing such warm support for this diamond hub. My hope is to share the beauty of this particular cut of diamond as I was introduced to it recently, and with great admiration. Such skilled workmanship to create such a wonderful Asscher cut Diamond!
I truly appreciate your comments LL. Hub Hugs!
K9
Another winner of a Hub, K9KS! I'm not a diamond fanatic myself, but this is incredibly informative for those who are. The delineation of how diamonds are graded should be very helpful for those searching on their own.
- AUTHOR
Eiddwen~ I agree with you about why HubPages is so great, it is always a joy to learn something new. I am so glad you made it by today for comments, I appreciate your support very much! Thanks for your warm response.
K9
A very interesting hub indeed. I am so glad that we are never too old to learn.
One of the reasons that I love HP is that as well as publishing my own work is I learn so much from the hubs of others.
I vote this one up all the way.
Take care
Eiddwen.
- AUTHOR
Peter~ Thanks for your comments, I agree with you that this cut of diamond is a true collectors delight. I would love to interview an actual Asscher diamond cutter! What a remarkable talent this person would have.
k9
The Asscher Diamond is a true collectors piece. This HUB was done well and should encourage folks to explore the different types of cuts and people who cut them. Good Work, Thanks for the read, Peter
- AUTHOR
Londonlady~ You are right, some of the synthetic diamonds do make it difficult to know if you are getting a real investment or a paste trinket. Buying from reputable suppliers (like here through Amazon) helps reassure buyers that they are getting what they are paying for; a real Asscher cut diamond! I really appreciate your comments! Thanks for stopping by.
K9
Wow! Sounds amazing (and really expensive). Have you heard? They are making synthetic diamonds that are supposedly so hard to tell apart from the real ones. I wonder if that will have an impact on any of the prices or the ways they are going to be cut. Great hub, voted up! :)
10