Asscher cut diamond - the square diamond

If you are less interested in intense sparkle and prefer a clear, structured elegance in your jewelry, then the Asscher cut will suit you. It is considered one of the noblest and most sophisticated cuts in the world of diamonds, as it combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the sparkling depth of a brilliant-cut diamond. The Asscher Cut, often referred to as the "Square Emerald Cut", combines a clear, geometric appearance with its square shape, cut corners and impressive optical depth, with historical significance. It stands for timeless class, precise craftsmanship and an unmistakable play of light. This diamond cut is not just a visual choice, but a conscious decision for style, purity and architectural aesthetics. With its perfect proportions, it fits perfectly in engagement rings, fine diamond jewelry or as a solitaire, discreet yet radiant.

Characteristics of the sparkling Asscher-cut diamond

The Asscher Cut diamond is square with beveled corners and a precisely laid table that leads deep into the pavilion. Typically, an Asscher diamond has 58 or 74 facets, which are arranged in several steps (step cuts). This creates an extraordinary optical depth, reminiscent of an "endless staircase" and a play of light that captures light from every angle and reproduces it in uniform reflections. This creates the characteristic "hall of mirrors" effect. Compared to the emerald cut, an asscher cut diamond appears more square and shows more brilliance and sparkle, while the emerald cut appears flatter and calmer. This cut particularly emphasizes the purity of the stone, whereby inclusions or irregularities are more easily visible due to the large, open table, which is why a high clarity is recommended. Its rectangular diamond body with ideal symmetry, graduated facets and excellent polish creates a breathtakingly clear appearance. The crown of the stone is higher than most other diamond cuts, which further enhances the depth and brilliance.

The modern version, the Royal Asscher Cut, has 74 facets instead of 58.
This reflects the light even more intensely.

The history and origin of the Asscher diamond - a sparkling piece of jewelry with a long tradition

The history of the Asscher Cut begins in 1902, when Dutch gem cutters Joseph and Abraham Asscher from the Royal Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam envisioned a new type of square cut with beveled corners. Their father, Isaac Joseph Asscher, had already founded the company in 1854, and over the decades it developed into one of the world's leading diamond cutting companies. The Asscher brothers made clever use of the rough diamond geometry of the time (e.g. octahedral crystal shapes) by developing a cut shape that allowed both maximum material yield and a striking appearance. Their creation was square in outline but with flattened corners, a design between the rectangular emerald cut and more classical shapes. This shape was successfully patented and became the first patented diamond cut in history.

In the following years, the Asscher Cut gained popularity, particularly in the Art Deco era (1920s to 1930s). The design, with its clean lines, geometric structure and distinctive crown and table, was a perfect match for the architectural jewelry aesthetics of the time.
A historic highlight was the involvement of the Asscher family in cutting the world-famous Cullinan Diamond in 1908. Weighing 3,106 carats, the rough diamond was the largest ever found at the time. Joseph Asscher was entrusted with the task of precisely splitting and cutting the stone, a challenge that demanded enormous precision.
In the course of the Second World War, the company suffered drastic setbacks. The defeat of the Netherlands and the Nazi occupation led to the confiscation of the factory, the arrest of many family members and the destruction of production equipment. Only a few members returned and the company had to be rebuilt after the war.
In 2001, the Asscher family introduced the modernized version, the "Royal Asscher Cut". This Asscher cut with 74 facets was based on the original design of the Asscher Cut and created an even more intense lighting effect.

Today, the Asscher Cut is considered a classic among diamond cuts: It combines unique cut quality, historical significance and modern aesthetics. Anyone who chooses an Asscher cut diamond is thus drawing on over a century of cutting tradition combined with elegant clarity and precise proportions.

Advantages and disadvantages of the square diamond

Asscher diamonds are particularly popular with lovers of vintage-inspired jewelry. With its precise facets and symmetrical shape, it creates a hypnotic play of light that is less sparkling than a brilliant cut, but creates a brilliance of incredible depth and structure. The cut emphasizes the purity and colour quality of the diamond, making it ideal for high-quality stones with excellent polish and color quality. In addition, the Asscher Cut diamond has a timeless and elegant look thanks to its square shape and clean lines.

As previously mentioned, the large table and transparent step cuts mean that inclusions and impurities are more easily visible, especially in low clarity diamonds. It is therefore recommended to look for diamond certificates and at least VS2 clarity when buying. In terms of color, you should also tend to choose a higher quality grade (e.g. G or better), as the Asscher cut highlights color nuances more than more brilliant cuts.

Conclusion: The royal Asscher

The Asscher Cut is a masterpiece of diamond cutting art that combines classic design, historical significance and timeless elegance. It combines the clear lines of the emerald cut with a more intense sparkle and incomparable symmetry. If you are looking for a diamond that impresses with its precision, depth and unique light reflections, the Asscher cut is the perfect choice.