Asscher Cut

The Asscher Cut, although not well-defined, is generally described as a forerunner of the emerald cut. The Asscher Cut was developed prior to 1910, when the rotary diamond saw revolutionized modern diamond cutting.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUES
It is a square cut characterized by a smaller table and larger steps than an emerald. It features dramatic, cut corners. It usually has a higher crown and a deeper pavilion than today's emerald cuts. There are no "ideal" proportions for an Asscher Cut and they are not common. Most of what is in the marketplace is found in estate and antique venues. These stones tend to be large - often in the 6-carat range. A well-cut Asscher diamond delivers more brilliance and dispersion than most fine-cut modern cuts. However, many beautiful Asschers have been recut into modern, flat emerald or radiant cuts because these more contemporary cuts offer more liquidity in today's diamond market.

MARKETS AND MARKETING
Estate and antique dealers seek Asscher Cuts to repair or replace older pieces of jewelry. Asscher Cuts are rare and much in demand, especially with the growing popularity of square-cut diamonds and Art Deco-style jewelry.

PRICING AND SUPPLY Older cuts that have not been recut fetch a premium price. Each stone must be seen and evaluated individually; there is no standard pricing for this type of stone. There are still some Asschers being cut today. Stone for stone, there is little difference in value between an old Asscher and a newly cut one.

WHAT BUYERS SHOULD LOOK FOR
An Asscher Cut diamond will usually not be sold loose. It will be mounted in antique or estate jewelry. If you are an estate buyer, check the original mounting to see if this is the original stone for this setting. Asschers are often found in platinum, Art Deco mountings. Look for chipping and recutting. Each stone is highly individual in terms of its value, which varies from buyer to buyer.