Dissapointing asscher diamonds?

[diamondhoarder]

Does anyone on this forum have a ring with an asscher cut diamond centre that they are dissapointed with? I usually go for very sparkly cuts and have several princesses, round brilliants and a radiant. But I am really tempted to get an asscher solitaire in a 1ct size. I know that cut quality as well as the other parameters will make a big difference, but at the end of the day, asschers have less facets than some of these other cuts, so I am wondering whether they can end up dissapointing once on the finger and in dull lighting?

Would even the best cut stone show up dirt and grime more easily and be less lively than a well cut stone with more facets?

I do love the look of asschers I have seen online and that i have tried on in jewellery shops under their special lighting. But I want to avoid a "buyers remorse" situation once I have it on my finger and am living with it. So just wondered whether anyone has been dissapointed with their asscher and would have preferred something with more facets?

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

My original ER was a princess. Then I fell in love with an asscher. I was able to upgrade but when I did I had my asscher in a plain temp. setting. I was underwhelmed by it and missed the sparkle. Then I was able to have it reset in a halo with small Rb diamonds and that did the trick for me. I love the subtle sparkle and glitter of the step cut asscher but still needed the pow from the rbs. My favorite is when the two are combined. Good luck!

 

[Christina...]

I was never disappointed by the light performance of my asscher. I get very big bold flashes of color all the time. It's much different than a brilliant cut, but asschers have their own unique wonderfulness! I can stare into my asscher for hours and have never been able to enjoy a RB the same way. I think that there beauty is in the cut, they show off the perfect clarity of a stone, you can't hide it's imperfections, so they show off how pure and perfect and clean the diamond is.

That said, they face up smaller than any other cut, so a 1ct asscher is going to be much smaller on the finger than a 1ct RB. This is where I was disappointed. At the time I thought that I could be really happy with the size, but it wasn't long before it felt small to me and I started looking for ideas to increase the finger coverage, such as a halo or adding side stones. I agree with asscherhalolover, that adding melee to the setting can help boost the sparkle of the center stone. I initially had mine set in a plain solitaire and was underwhelmed but when I changed the setting to one that had tiny melee, it made a huge impact to the overall look of the ring.

People love them or hate them, if you decide to go with one though, I would suggest that you keep the size up as large as you can, keep the color up as well because they tend to show color more than a brilliant cut and clarity is also very important because there really isn't anywhere to hide inclusions. With other cuts you can sacrifice one of the C's but with asschers I think it's important to maintain a balance.

 

[kelpie]

I think there are many bad examples of the cut out there, like with huge tables and a glassy appearance but as look as you are choosey and get a good performer you'll never be disappointed. When they're good, they're really really good.

 

[rainydaze]

i've never had an asscher myself, so i can't speak directly to your post. however, i wanted to chime in to ask if you have seen the octavia asscher?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8867/

here's a video comparing regular asschers to octavia asschers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjnE2fz-p8E

they have more facets and crazy light play, maybe that might be an option worth considering that would bridget the gap between wanting the step/asscher cut and wanting lots of fire/sparkle? the cut was designed by a PSer, Karl K. i think they are currently only sold by GOG, but i could be wrong about that.

p.s. be sure to have the sound on for the video - he has a good commentary on the performance of the diamonds. one is meant to be a dud to compare well cut vs. not well cut.

 

[AsschrFan]

I agree with the previous comments - I think you either love them or don't. To me, in dull lighting like office lights, you should be able to appreciate the pattern of the asscher. In sunlight and spot lighting, it will glitter like all diamonds, except in chunkier flashes - more of a kaleidoscope effect. Like Christina, I also find myself mesmerized by my ring. It's quite small by PS standards, at 0.85 carats so a little over 5 mm, and the view is mostly personal. But that's ok with me, I don't think I would be satisfied with any other diamond cut, except maybe an asschery emerald cut like kelpie's kruppy!!

With regards to cleaning, I do tend to notice when mine is dirty but since I'm pretty neurotic about cleaning I appreciate really seeing where to clean! Good luck on your decision!

 

[Karl_K]

they have more facets and crazy light play, maybe that might be an option worth considering that would bridget the gap between wanting the step/asscher cut and wanting lots of fire/sparkle? the cut was designed by a PSer, Karl K. i think they are currently only sold by GOG, but i could be wrong about that.

I am very limited as to what I can say under the PS rules(which I agree with) but I did want to say a couple things.

Correct they are only available through gog at this time.
However they do have the same number of facets as the original Asscher cut.
The proportions(small table, very high crown) and tolerances we cut them to, gives them the unique look and high performance.

 

[Gypsy]

There is a an old thread, that I am having trouble finding, that was like asscher confessions or the truth about asschers from owners. I would love to post it for you but I can't find it. Deco was on that thread too, if she sees this maybe she'll remember what it was called better than I do.

I have one. And mine is 1.09 and larger than most one carats at 5.8 square.

They are hard to keep clean. And they do not look good dirty. So you need to clean them at least once a week. For me I use dawn a hot soak and a toothbrush.

They look much smaller than other one carat diamonds generally. Not just the dimensions but the way your eye is drawn inward.

Settings are PARAMOUNT with asschers. Seriously. More than any other cut the setting can make or break the stone's appearance.

All said though. I love mine, now that it's in a proper setting for it.

 

[lapelirroja]

Is it this one??
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/honest-thoughts-by-asscher-owners.44962/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/honest-thoughts-by-asscher-owners.44962/[/URL]

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I have not lived your experience--that said, I do not have ONE large stone but several small ones. (eternity ring with 37 point stones...)

My "asscher" eternity ring is the most beautiful piece I own. I cannot get over how "brilliant" it is--really sparkles! If I never owned another ring but this one, I would be very happy. ( and I choose it over a 6ctw rb eternity....)

edited for spelling...................

cheers--Sharon

 

[Gypsy]

Is it this one??
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/honest-thoughts-by-asscher-owners.44962/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/honest-thoughts-by-asscher-owners.44962/[/URL]

YES! Thank you!

Diamondhoarder, read that thread and make up your own mind.


ETA: OMG. I just re-read it and I am LMAO at my self. I didn't get that baguette halo. And I've come to love my asscher since I got my plain shank halo setting to set it off. It also looks bigger in this setting. And no one ever thinks it's anything other than a carat.

Here's the stone's final home.

 

[decodelighted]

Ah yes ... it was a fun trip down memory lane to re-read that thread. Short answer: TONS of people regret their asschers. Me? Not a teensy tiny bit.

 

[decodelighted]

My "asscher" eternity ring is the most beautiful piece I own. I cannot get over how "brilliant" it is--really sparkles! If I never owned another ring but this one, I would be very happy. ( and I choose it over a 6ctw rb eternity....)

Super interesting, Sharon. You have such a lovely collection -- fun fact that the asschers are your fave! I'll confess that I tried out this look w/a doppleganger and think I could adore a Real McCoy as an anniversary eternity band one day. Couldn't wear it w/my e-ring ... but as a stand alone. YUM!

 

[Gypsy]

Ah yes ... it was a fun trip down memory lane to re-read that thread. Short answer: TONS of people regret their asschers. Me? Not a teensy tiny bit.

All I thought when I read my comments at the end of the thread is: I'm such a drama mama at times. FWP.

 

[diamondhoarder]

Thanks guys, for all your comments. You have given me loads to think about.

Gypsy - did you get your baguette halo setting for your asscher ring in the end? Some of the designs on the various threads about it looked beautiful!

 

[Black Jade]

Something else to consider with the asscher besides brilliance or lack thereof--Its square.
All shapes do not go with all hands. It might turn out that you love the look of asschers but that the square shape is not flattering to your fingers. I find that personally, any square shape on my fingers is unflattering to me, and makes me look as if I have short, chopped off fingers--whether asscher or princess or anything else. If I stray away from round brilliant (which flatters everyone) what suits my fingers are elongated shapes like oval and marquise. A person might be disappointed in a beautiful diamond just because it is the wrong shape for them. And not just in rings. When I was buying diamond studs I was all set to order three prong martinis because a large amount of people on Pricescope liked them and posted great photos of these studs in their ears. fortunately I went to a B & M and tried some on. Terrible on me.

Go to a B and M and try on something square that's about the same size you would buy in an asscher, if possible, before you start seriously looking, if you decide that an asscher is what you want.

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks guys, for all your comments. You have given me loads to think about.

Gypsy - did you get your baguette halo setting for your asscher ring in the end? Some of the designs on the various threads about it looked beautiful!

No honey. I got a halo (see the pictures I posted above) but not a baguette halo.

 

[decodelighted]

Gypsy - I think the setting you ended up w/suits you & the stone well. Better than a bag halo would have. There are days I wish for more finger coverage -- but I think it's really FINGER SHRINKAGE I'm looking for! And no jeweler can help w/that!

 

[Gypsy]

Gypsy - I think the setting you ended up w/suits you & the stone well. Better than a bag halo would have. There are days I wish for more finger coverage -- but I think it's really FINGER SHRINKAGE I'm looking for! And no jeweler can help w/that!

I've been thinking of finger lipo too. LOL.

I agree with you about my current setting. I wouldn't trade it for a different one. It really is just right for my hand and my stone, and that's what matters.

 

[diamondhoarder]

Thanks guys, for all your comments. You have given me loads to think about.

Gypsy - did you get your baguette halo setting for your asscher ring in the end? Some of the designs on the various threads about it looked beautiful!

No honey. I got a halo (see the pictures I posted above) but not a baguette halo.

Doh! Of course you got the halo! I even looked at the pictures and thought how pretty it was. Just got sidetracked by the other thread where you were deliberating about the baguette halo. That's what happens when you have too many explorer windows open looking at too many threads on PS all at the same time.......

Anyway, I'm now vascillating wildly between an asscher and a radiant or a cushion, or even a princess. I have trouble making decisions at the best of times, but this is doing my head in. I'm actually losing sleep because I cant stop thinking of all the options and imagining them twinkling on my finger.

 

[webdiva]

Thanks guys, for all your comments. You have given me loads to think about.

Gypsy - did you get your baguette halo setting for your asscher ring in the end? Some of the designs on the various threads about it looked beautiful!

No honey. I got a halo (see the pictures I posted above) but not a baguette halo.

Doh! Of course you got the halo! I even looked at the pictures and thought how pretty it was. Just got sidetracked by the other thread where you were deliberating about the baguette halo. That's what happens when you have too many explorer windows open looking at too many threads on PS all at the same time.......

Anyway, I'm now vascillating wildly between an asscher and a radiant or a cushion, or even a princess. I have trouble making decisions at the best of times, but this is doing my head in. I'm actually losing sleep because I cant stop thinking of all the options and imagining them twinkling on my finger.

Those are all pretty different! Plus, you forgot all the other options like Princess of Hearts, Octavia, Brellia, etc

But we can help narrow it down - what is your budget, color preference and size preference? And have you seen all these cuts in person? And what setting? I went through the same thing and can maybe help with all! I started out with Asscher, decided I couldn't handle it not being super sparkly when dirty and went to a radiant...then expanded to cushion and then ended up at Princess of hearts!

 

[kenny]

i've never had an asscher myself, so i can't speak directly to your post. however, i wanted to chime in to ask if you have seen the octavia asscher?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8867/

here's a video comparing regular asschers to octavia asschers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjnE2fz-p8E

they have more facets and crazy light play, maybe that might be an option worth considering that would bridget the gap between wanting the step/asscher cut and wanting lots of fire/sparkle? the cut was designed by a PSer, Karl K. i think they are currently only sold by GOG, but i could be wrong about that.

p.s. be sure to have the sound on for the video - he has a good commentary on the performance of the diamonds. one is meant to be a dud to compare well cut vs. not well cut.

It is not easy to find an asscher with good light performance.

I bought an Octavia Asscher and it is a superb cut.
The light performance is unbelievable especially for a step cut!!!
It honestly rivals the super ideal round that we also own.

Pics start at the bottom of page 3 of this thread:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pop-the-cork-i-just-bought-the-first-ocatvia.132337/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pop-the-cork-i-just-bought-the-first-ocatvia.132337/[/URL]

 

[rainydaze]

they have more facets and crazy light play, maybe that might be an option worth considering that would bridget the gap between wanting the step/asscher cut and wanting lots of fire/sparkle? the cut was designed by a PSer, Karl K. i think they are currently only sold by GOG, but i could be wrong about that.

I am very limited as to what I can say under the PS rules(which I agree with) but I did want to say a couple things.

Correct they are only available through gog at this time.
However they do have the same number of facets as the original Asscher cut.
The proportions(small table, very high crown) and tolerances we cut them to, gives them the unique look and high performance.

oops, my bad Karl! quite the optical illusion, they sure LOOK like they have more facets! every time i see one my heart stops, you sure created a stunner.

 

[Gypsy]

I would go for a Jubilee. If I wanted an octagon, that's what I would chose. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5046/ This is an expensive one but if you can get an H SI1 that would be right about perfect.

 

[webdiva]

I would go for a Jubilee. If I wanted an octagon, that's what I would chose. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5046/ This is an expensive one but if you can get an H SI1 that would be right about perfect.

I do love Jubilees, as well - though they are so much harder to get!

Here's a video to see one in real life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-9xiRjEJyU
Beside a Princess of Hearts (abbreviated by Pricescopers to POH).

So if you like the octagon shape and crazy LARGE colored sparkle, this is the way to go. If you like the octagon shape and tiny pinpoints of sparkle, a radiant may be more interesting to you.

Here's a video GOG made for me of my POH vs a cushette (cushion-y - I know, I know, there's a crazy amount of different cuts and it's making your head spin and I'm making it worse! ) vs a radiant:
http://youtu.be/O74CmwVZfiA

 

[Gypsy]

I would go for a Jubilee. If I wanted an octagon, that's what I would chose. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5046/ This is an expensive one but if you can get an H SI1 that would be right about perfect.

I do love Jubilees, as well - though they are so much harder to get!

Here's a video to see one in real life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-9xiRjEJyU
Beside a Princess of Hearts (abbreviated by Pricescopers to POH).

So if you like the octagon shape and crazy LARGE colored sparkle, this is the way to go. If you like the octagon shape and tiny pinpoints of sparkle, a radiant may be more interesting to you.

Here's a video GOG made for me of my POH vs a cushette (cushion-y - I know, I know, there's a crazy amount of different cuts and it's making your head spin and I'm making it worse! ) vs a radiant:
http://youtu.be/O74CmwVZfiA

Princess of Hearts is deeper than the jubilee. The reason I like the Jubilee is that a one carat faces up at almost 6.0. (or 5. where as the PoH and Quadex face up at 5.5 at a carat.

Also there is the Quadex by BGD which the POH is similar to. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.905-h-si1-quadex-diamond-ags-104049558005

 

[webdiva]

I would go for a Jubilee. If I wanted an octagon, that's what I would chose. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5046/ This is an expensive one but if you can get an H SI1 that would be right about perfect.

I do love Jubilees, as well - though they are so much harder to get!

Here's a video to see one in real life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-9xiRjEJyU
Beside a Princess of Hearts (abbreviated by Pricescopers to POH).

So if you like the octagon shape and crazy LARGE colored sparkle, this is the way to go. If you like the octagon shape and tiny pinpoints of sparkle, a radiant may be more interesting to you.

Here's a video GOG made for me of my POH vs a cushette (cushion-y - I know, I know, there's a crazy amount of different cuts and it's making your head spin and I'm making it worse! ) vs a radiant:
http://youtu.be/O74CmwVZfiA

Princess of Hearts is deeper than the jubilee. The reason I like the Jubilee is that a one carat faces up at almost 6.0. (or 5. where as the PoH and Quadex face up at 5.5 at a carat.

Also there is the Quadex by BGD which the POH is similar to. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.905-h-si1-quadex-diamond-ags-104049558005

I liked the Quadex, too. My .88 POH actually faces up exactly 5.5 mm - I think Jon or someone else was on here explaining that the actual depth of a POH is less than the listed depth, I can't find the thread now, though. I do see in the video that the jubilee looks a tad bigger for almost the same carat weight. There was only one jubilee on GOG, though.

 

[Gypsy]

I would go for a Jubilee. If I wanted an octagon, that's what I would chose. http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5046/ This is an expensive one but if you can get an H SI1 that would be right about perfect.

I do love Jubilees, as well - though they are so much harder to get!

Here's a video to see one in real life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-9xiRjEJyU
Beside a Princess of Hearts (abbreviated by Pricescopers to POH).

So if you like the octagon shape and crazy LARGE colored sparkle, this is the way to go. If you like the octagon shape and tiny pinpoints of sparkle, a radiant may be more interesting to you.

Here's a video GOG made for me of my POH vs a cushette (cushion-y - I know, I know, there's a crazy amount of different cuts and it's making your head spin and I'm making it worse! ) vs a radiant:
http://youtu.be/O74CmwVZfiA

Princess of Hearts is deeper than the jubilee. The reason I like the Jubilee is that a one carat faces up at almost 6.0. (or 5. where as the PoH and Quadex face up at 5.5 at a carat.

Also there is the Quadex by BGD which the POH is similar to. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.905-h-si1-quadex-diamond-ags-104049558005

I liked the Quadex, too. My .88 POH actually faces up exactly 5.5 mm - I think Jon or someone else was on here explaining that the actual depth of a POH is less than the listed depth, I can't find the thread now, though. I do see in the video that the jubilee looks a tad bigger for almost the same carat weight. There was only one jubilee on GOG, though.

In general I've noticed they face up at 5.8.

 

[webdiva]

To the original poster, you can see that there are so many different types of stones - some with small nuances. I would suggest to get some cz/sterling silver temp rings - maybe a princess cut, asscher cut and maybe one more and see what type of sparkle you prefer. I would suggest one of the more realistic cut stones so you really get a feel of what living with that type of stone is like.

 

[Schafenm]

Hi everyone. I am very new to this website and diamond shopping in general. It is all very overwhelming. My boyfriend and I have looked at 2 different places and in general we are finding that we like the asscher cut the best. I originally thought I wanted an emerald but was taken back at how different the asscher is. We are looking to get around a 1.5 - 2.0 carat stone. I'm leaning more to 2.0 though. I am pretty sure we are going to go with a tapered baguette setting. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or opinions for newbies to ering shopping. Thank you!