help!! SO confused! Asscher vs. sq. cut emerald

[Samara83]

I'm trying to find the diff. between asscher and square cut emerald. Some research I've found says they're the exact same, others say asscher is a type of square cut emerald.

I'm looking at GIA cert. diamonds and either way, the GIA certs only say "square cut emerald". So...how do I know if it is asscher?

Is an "excellent" square cut emerald (according to GIA cert.) an asscher?

 

[Karl_K]

Asscher is the last name of the person who patented the cut.
The patent expired decades ago so others are cutting them.

The generic name for an Asscher is a square emerald cut.

The Royal Asscher is a currently patented cut that is a modification of the classic Asscher and marketed/patented by the descendants of the the original designer.

The term asscher in itself has become generic for diamonds cut in the original asscher pattern and is not a brand name anymore but Royal Asscher is.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi Samara,
The name "Royal Asscher Cut" is actually a branded diamond- generally classified as an Octagonal Step Cut on the GIA report.
Today, many companies sell generic versions of the Asscher cut.
Sometimes they emulate the original well, other times not so much.
But the branded stones are pretty much impossible to find, and GIA won't call any diamond an Asscher.
That means you'll need to go by visual aspects.
For example, one aspect I look for is large corners- giving the appearance closer to a "stop sign" shapes octagon.

GIA does grade polish and symmetry- and it's a common misconception that this equates to quality of cut- it does not.
A stone can have EX polish and symmetry, be called an Asscher by the seller, and still not appeal to you.....

 

[Karl_K]

Here are some articles I wrote that talk about step cuts that might help you select one:
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/performance-and-p3-facets-discussion-about-step-cut-diamonds

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/virtual-facets-and-patterns-discussion-about-step-cuts

The biggest thing is to get images(video if you can) of the diamonds your considering if shopping online.

 

[RoyalAsscher]

Dear Samara,

I hope all is well.

As the 6th generation of the Asscher family and vice president of the Royal Asscher diamond company I do believe I would need to assist you in your search for a tre Asscher Cut diamond. I must say Karl K has done a remarkable job in explaining the old Asscher Cut and the square emerald cut which everybody calls an Asscher Cut because it sells better. there is actually no true original Asscher Cut as we have designed it in 1902.

The Royal Asscher Cu is a redesign of the old Asscher Cut and comes close to the beautiful life and fire our old diamond had.

The polish and symmetry does not have anything to do with the description of of the Cut. The GIA is by law not allowed to call any diamond after its brand name.

All the Royal Asscher Cuts have the description cut cornered square step cut.

last but not least I do would like to point out that the Royal Asscher Cut is definetely not scares at the moment as productions are coming in monthly.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding diamonds, I would be more then happy to answer them