Asscher Cut Diamond: The Complete Guide

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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

THE BASICS --

The Asscher cut diamond is an elegant, distinctive diamond shape, ideal for any discerning bride-to-be. The more you know about what an Asscher cut ring is and its meaning and symbolism, the more you will realize just how significant the choice of this diamond shape can be. But what is the overall meaning and symbolism behind this beautiful cut, and what significance can it bring to your engagement ring?

NEED TO KNOW --

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About The Asscher Cut Diamond
• Asscher Cut Meaning and Symbolism
• Octagonal
• Family
• Royal
• Art Deco
• Celebrity
• Style

About The Asscher Cut Diamond

The Asscher cut is a step or trap cut with rectangular facets that emphasize depth and draw the eye into the stone. While the cut has an overall square shape, similar to the radiant or princess cut, its corners are heavily cropped to create a nearly octagonal shape. This cut has a high crown and a deep pavilion, and traditionally includes 58 facets, though the Royal Asscher cut has 74 facets for even more sparkle and brilliance.

Also called the square emerald cut, the Asscher cut was invented by the Asscher brothers of the family- owned Royal Asscher Diamond Company in 1902. This Netherlands-based company, which was founded in 1854, specializes in the most elegant and prestigious diamond jewelry, and has done work for royalty, celebrities, and other prominent individuals for more than 165 years.

The Asscher cut quickly grew in popularity throughout the early 1900s and into the 1920s, when it was a highlight of Art Deco designs because of its geometric distinctiveness. This cut typically has more sparkle than standard emerald cuts, and produces a “hall of mirrors” effect in each stone’s depth when properly executed.

Meaning and Symbolism

There is a great deal of rich symbolism associated with the Asscher cut, and couples can easily recognize their own values and preferences in the different layers of meaning this diamond cut holds, including…

1. Octagonal

The most obvious Asscher cut symbolism is in its overall eight-sided, octagonal shape. The octagon often symbolizes rebirth and resurrection, and is frequently associated with the transition between heaven and earth. Many stunning churches feature octagons in their architecture, which can be a meaningful connection for a couple that may marry in a church with octagonal structures. The octagon also symbolizes infinity, the ideal meaning for a couple committing their infinite love to one another.

2. Family

Because the Asscher cut originated from a family business that is still family-owned today, it holds a strong symbolism for one’s family. Further details of the Asscher family that could be meaningful to different couples include the family’s origins and connection to the Netherlands, their Jewish religious affiliation, and their survival of the Holocaust and time spent in concentration camps during World War II.

3. Royal

Couples that enjoy royal connections can do no better than an Asscher cut engagement ring. The Royal Asscher Diamond Company has cut a variety of the British Crown Jewels and has also worked for the Holland royal family, as well as Japanese emperors and other royalty from around the world. This brings a rich, elegant nobility to the company, and by connection, to all their distinctive jewelry pieces, including the Asscher cut.

4. Art Deco

The geometric lines and symmetry of the Asscher cut are the epitome of style for the Art Deco period. Straight lines, repetition, and precise angles are all hallmarks of the style that stand out beautifully in Asscher cut diamonds, which showcase the sleekness and elegance of this dramatic period in fashion and jewelry.

Celebrity

Couples who love the fashion and vogue of Hollywood style and the elite of society can enjoy an Asscher cut engagement ring knowing it is a favorite of many celebrities. This diamond cut has adorned the fingers of top names such as Jessica Alba, Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Hudson, Ashlee Simpson, Reese Witherspoon, Zooey Deschanel, and Pippa Middleton.

Style

No matter what meaning and symbolism an Asscher cut conveys for any couple, there are stunning engagement ring styles that can showcase this diamond shape to its best effect. A dramatic solitaire is always ideal, and can look fabulous with baguette accents. Asscher cuts also look fantastic in halo and bezel settings. Three stone rings that may be triple Asschers or paired with radiant or princess side stones are also lovely choices, and an Asscher cut engagement ring can easily be paired with a channel band set with additional Asschers for coordinated flair in the full wedding set.

Asscher cut engagement rings are rich not only with their own brilliant beauty, but also with meaning and symbolism that can add extra significance to any couple’s engagement promise and commitment.

Suzanne Sachs

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If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.