Help with Asscher cuts

[newandindecisive]

New to step cuts and have been looking for an 2ct Asscher cut recently but as I do more research and read more posts on here, I've found myself down a rabbit hole and still struggling to identify a good Asscher cut visually.. (in terms of leakage, etc.)

Asscher cuts are not stocked by most jewellers where I'm located so I've only been able to see 2 of them in person, but it was difficult to figure how I felt about either as they were viewed under different lighting

I'm looking for a 2-2.5 ct Asscher cut with G+ colour, VS1+ clarity and excellent polish and symmetry (ideally), with a l/w ratio of 1-1.05, table <65%, depth <70% and no fluorescence

Here are some photos and videos of the 2 Asscher cuts I've seen in person that fit my specs:

Diamond 1:
Photo: https://ibb.co/r3Mgj6t
Video: https://streamable.com/gmrxmo

Diamond 2:
Photo: https://ibb.co/NnrtBRM
Video: https://streamable.com/i5v8q0

Not exactly the best quality videos but would appreciate any thoughts/ comments on both diamonds! How do they compare? Both measure around 7.3 x 7.3 x 4.8 mm
Also open to any options online that you may recommend!

 

[lovedogs]

What is your budget?

 

[newandindecisive]

What is your budget?

Around $25-35K

It's a significant purchase for me so I'm really trying to learn as much as possible before making a decision

 

[Karl_K]

What are the numbers from the reports?
Who are the reports by?
VG/VG pol/sym is fine as long as everything else is right.
Which one did you prefer in person?



;?

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

That huge video makes it tough, I want to stand in my driveway to see it. My non-expert eye might favor #2 but I need a better look. Can you see them in person?

 

[newandindecisive]

What are the numbers from the reports?
Who are the reports by?
VG/VG pol/sym is fine as long as everything else is right.
Which one did you prefer in person?



;?

Managed to ask for the GIA reports from the sellers:

Diamond 1:


Diamond 2:


Unfortunately no ASET is available for either.

I saw the 2.35 ct G VVS1 one first at one seller (along with some emerald cuts) and was immediately wowed by the cut, but it was the only Asscher available at that seller. Another seller was able to find me the 2.31 ct E VS1 one along with some other stones and it really did sparkle, but it seemed more to do with the shop lighting as they had huge spotlights along the ceiling? All the stones they showed me sparkled the same amount. When I went back to the first seller to see the 2.35 ct G VVS1 one again, it just didn't seem as sparkly. I was unable to compare the two side by side as they were from two different sellers.

It just feels like the more I research the less I know and now I just keep second guessing myself

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

It just feels like the more I research the less I know and now I just keep second guessing myself
WELCOME.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

FWIW I like the second one. The first one has some “mush” all the way around it at the same time. It does look sweet in the video but in the still photo it looks like it might not have as crisp facets.

The second one, the photo does not do it justice, but it does not seem to mush all at once. If you can see the second one in non-store lighting, that might help you make up your mind.

 

[newandindecisive]

That huge video makes it tough, I want to stand in my driveway to see it. My non-expert eye might favor #2 but I need a better look. Can you see them in person?

FWIW I like the second one. The first one has some “mush” all the way around it at the same time. It does look sweet in the video but in the still photo it looks like it might not have as crisp facets.

The second one, the photo does not do it justice, but it does not seem to mush all at once. If you can see the second one in non-store lighting, that might help you make up your mind.

Thanks for both your inputs!

Slightly concerned about leakage in the second diamond (although I'm not exactly sure what amount of leakage is acceptable) as I have some photos from when the seller showed me what the diamond would look like with various trapezoid side stones:





It appears as though the black background was showing through quite a bit?

Here are the videos again as the links above seem to have expired:

Diamond 1: https://streamable.com/gt1ht5
Diamond 2: https://streamable.com/bgxk66

I also considered buying one online but it seems like a risky move for an untrained eye like mine, do you have any advice as to what pitfalls to look out for?

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Thanks for both your inputs!

Slightly concerned about leakage in the second diamond (although I'm not exactly sure what amount of leakage is acceptable) as I have some photos from when the seller showed me what the diamond would look like with various trapezoid side stones:





It appears as though the black background was showing through quite a bit?

Here are the videos again as the links above seem to have expired:

Diamond 1: https://streamable.com/gt1ht5
Diamond 2: https://streamable.com/bgxk66

I also considered buying one online but it seems like a risky move for an untrained eye like mine, do you have any advice as to what pitfalls to look out for?

I understand why you might be cautious based on the images with black background. are you satisfied with how crisp the facets are in diamond 1?

 

[newandindecisive]

I understand why you might be cautious based on the images with black background. are you satisfied with how crisp the facets are in diamond 1?

Hmm I do see your point about the facets in diamond 1 (and it's difficult for me to unsee it now) so I do think I'd go for diamond 2 despite the possible leakage?

I'm not in a rush to make this purchase yet so maybe I'll take some time and see what other options come up. Thank you so much for your help!