tell me, why is asscher cut so popular?

[Arkteia]

Is it a modern fad? Is there anything specific about the cut? Like minimizing extinction, maximizing brightness, etc? Or is it simply popular these days, like, say, bezeling is popular and basket settings are not? I never had an asscher and must admit, the cut looks stunning in pictures. But is it really something special? Except for the fame of the jeweler whose name it bears?

 

[cemrn]

I think it is an interesting question. I can only speak for myself. I don't consider myself a fad person. When I was looking at diamond upgrades the asscher did not really have the same effect on me that it does in CS. Once I saw a few asscher CS I knew I had to have one. I was memerized. I like the contrast with the dark and light effect that cut has with lighter shades of a stone such as some aquas I have seen here. I am also real pleased that my pink tourmaline is a shade that plays up that effect.

 

[kenny]

I've never seen a TV show Sex in the City and a don't care about what's in vogue or if it was designed by Mother Theresa.
The cut itself appeals to me.
I find the balance of fire, scintillation and intriguing strong geometric pattern to be irresistible.

Other cuts can have great fire and scintillation but the asscher pattern has a captivating 3-D effect that pulls you in unlike any other cut.
This adds another dimension to the diamond-enjoying experience.

Also for the same carat weight (even though they face up smaller) you get larger facets and virtual facets for larger fire events than you do with most other cuts.

 

[T L]

Crasru,
If I'm being frank, I have absolutely NO IDEA why asschers are so popular. It is a cut that stems from the Art Deco period. I remember it became popular in modern jewelry when Carrie Bradshaw got an e-ring from Aiden on "Sex and the City" and it was an asscher. After that episode, everyone and anyone had to have an asscher diamond. As for colored gems, I'm not enamored with the cut, and I think it makes the gem face up smaller for it's carat weight. I rather have an asscher diamond, I can see the beauty in that, but not in a low RI colored gem.

I guess I don't see the aura about them and I do know that many lapadaries charge a premium, and look specifically for material that can cut asschers since they're so popular. If you want to sell a cheap gem like a blue topaz for a lot of money, make it an asscher. To me, it's a great gimmick, and if I were a lap, I would cut asschers night and day. I think those windmills are hyptnotizing people. LOL!

These are my own personal opinions, as I'm sure others see the beauty in them. Unfortunately, I do not. To each his own.

 

[kenny]

I think those windmills are hyptnotizing people.

(Said in a nasal monotone voice) . . . TAKE ME TO YOUR ASSCHER!

 

[redfaerythinker]

I find the balance of fire, scintillation and intriguing strong geometric pattern to be irresistible.

Other cuts can have great fire and scintillation but the asscher pattern has a captivating 3-D effect that pulls you in unlike any other cut.
It adds an addition dimension to the diamond-enjoying experience.

Also for the same carat weight you get larger facets and virtual facets for larger fire events than you do with most other cuts.

I agree with the above. I also love the flashes of deeper color along the facets. You just want to fall into them. And I just love clean lines!

 

[Nashville]

Because it's like looking into some sort of weird, beautiful 10 mile deep reflecting pool. Sounds corny, but it's true. I see the appeal in asschers and would love an asscher aquamarine someday.

 

[rosetta]

Agree with the others above. The only thing I hate about them is they face up small. I'd love one for my e ring, but it would have to be 4 cts to get the look I want, and that's just not gonna happen.

 

[StonieGrl]

The asscher is not named for a jeweler, it is named for a diamond cutter Joseph Asscher. Famous for cleaving the Cullinan diamond in 1908. He was a world famous cutter at that time.

The Brat Pack liked the asscher cut and kind of resurrected it in terms of trendiness.

 

[Arkteia]

Thank all of you for expressing your opinions!

Kenny - TL is a beautiful girl, and not even remotely close to your drawing! Plus, I can not imagine her asking to be taken to anyone's stone!

StonieGirl - you are absolutely right, and woe is me to call a cutter "a jeweler". (Subconscious - everyone who is holding a huge diamond is a jeweler. Is it true that he fainted when he broke Cullinan into two pieces, or just a legend?).

And TL - you mentioned "material suitable for an asscher". Does it imply lightly colored/transparent stones? Like diamond, aquamarine, citrine? It seems that assher aquas look nicer, but in this case, could an interesting cut mask otherwise unenteristing stone?

Sorry, this comes from a person who never saw an asscher in real life, I don't mean to offend anyone's stones, merely try to understand.

 

[cellentani]

I like asschers because they're a cut-corner square - a shape I find flattering on my chubby little fingers. I used to not like rounds very much, but once I discovered I could put them in an asscher-shaped halo, I started appreciating them much more.

 

[T L]

Kenny - TL is a beautiful girl, and not even remotely close to your drawing! Plus, I can not imagine her asking to be taken to anyone's stone!

And TL - you mentioned "material suitable for an asscher". Does it imply lightly colored/transparent stones? Like diamond, aquamarine, citrine? It seems that assher aquas look nicer, but in this case, could an interesting cut mask otherwise unenteristing stone?

Crasru,
I almost spit up what I was drinking when I read your top comment, LMAO!!! You are very very kind. I can't even remember when someone other than my mother called me a "girl." You made my day!!! I'll take the beautiful comment too.

I would say that since asschers are deep cut stones, you would want a medium toned stone or lighter gem. I would prefer an asscher on a a higher RI stone like a garnet. I think the cut is wasted on a stone like spinel that throws off beautiful flashes of color when faceted properly. I think low RI stones really benefit more from high crowns and small tables with lots of faceting, and not as many step cuts, but that's just my opinion.

 

[kelpie]

I just find them very appealing to the eye when cut well. I think it's wrong to call them a fad when they pre-date the modern round. I guess it's all about taste, I personally can not fathom picking a splintery princess or radiant.

 

[chictomato]

Cool thread, Very informative

I use to like asscher cut, but its over popularity seems to put me of a little!

 

[kelpie]

Cool thread, Very informative

I use to like asscher cut, but its over popularity seems to put me of a little!

Seriously? I don't know anyone in IRL that has one, and I never see them on the street. We are talking metro DC too.

 

[chictomato]

Cool thread, Very informative

I use to like asscher cut, but its over popularity seems to put me of a little!

Seriously? I don't know anyone in IRL that has one, and I never see them on the street. We are talking metro DC too.

I mean 'over=popularity' on PS forum I would still get it if I come across a pretty asscher !

 

[LaurenThePartier]

I'm probably pretty guilty of loving a shape for a shape's sake, but I know exactly why; my first love is architecture, and gemstones are a close second. The asscher is the perfect pairing of the two loves I hold so dear. There is something so architectural about the cut, and bezeling them further seems to stress those repeating patterns.

For what it's worth, I also had never watched S&TC until I already had an asscher e-ring.

 

[T L]

I adore architecture and some of the simplistic patterns in the Bauhaus movement. As a mathematical person, I look for patterns in nature all the time. I actually do love the asscher cut on diamonds, but in low RI stones, I guess I don't see the appeal since I think an asscher really accentuates tilt windows and dramatically removes the sparkle these stone so lack in the first place.

Anyways, again, to each his own, but it's an interesting discussion. Not everyone likes the same thing, that's for sure.

 

[Hest88]

In a way, I think this is sort of a silly question. I have no idea why people find Christine Bale so attractive, but lots of people do. Do I ask them to dissect his facial features or his body or why they think he has charisma? No, I just assume that many people find him majorly hot in a way that I find other people swoon-worthy. Similarly, lots of people love the look of asschers, the way others love the look of cushions. Or RBs. Or pears.

Sure, I'd bet some people love asschers because they think they're trendy, the way I'm sure some women fall for Christian Bale merely because he's famous, but I think most people love things just because they...do.

 

[redhead02]

I have a friend who, every time the subject of engagement comes up, is all " *I* want an *asscher* cut, they're sooo unique - other cuts repel the eye, but the asscher draws you in, it's the only cut that does that...." And on and on like she's the first person who's ever thought of this and her choice is so much better than everyone else's. Lol, I was biased against them for a long time because of how superior she acted about the whole thing. It was/is weird.

Then I discovered PS, and saw enough examples where I grew to like them. I hate emerald cuts, so I don't know why the asscher is more appealing to me. I guess because like another said - the square corners and the windmills add a little more intrigue to the cut. But usually, sign me up for splintery princesses, radiants, and ovals any day.

 

[kelpie]

Cool thread, Very informative

I use to like asscher cut, but its over popularity seems to put me of a little!

Seriously? I don't know anyone in IRL that has one, and I never see them on the street. We are talking metro DC too.

I mean 'over=popularity' on PS forum I would still get it if I come across a pretty asscher !

I see what you mean. Somebody gets something unique and then suddenly it's the hot new thing and everyone wants one. There is a lot of group think here.

 

[T L]

Hest,
But Christian Bale IS gorgeous!!

 

[Hest88]

Hest,
But Christian Bale IS gorgeous!!

Heh, I actually have a friend who spends a whole lot of time watching every single movie with Christian Bale in it, over and over. And she always wonders why I just don't get it!

 

[T L]

Yes, I don't get it either. .

Too bad the man is not an asscher cut, I would love those more. Sorry I digress. CB is a guilty pleasure.

 

[Arkteia]

In a way, I think this is sort of a silly question. I have no idea why people find Christine Bale so attractive, but lots of people do. Do I ask them to dissect his facial features or his body or why they think he has charisma? No, I just assume that many people find him majorly hot in a way that I find other people swoon-worthy. Similarly, lots of people love the look of asschers, the way others love the look of cushions. Or RBs. Or pears.

Sure, I'd bet some people love asschers because they think they're trendy, the way I'm sure some women fall for Christian Bale merely because he's famous, but I think most people love things just because they...do.

Hey - I am with TL on it - CB is gorgeous. I think he has high RI!

 

[Nashville]

He's cute, just make sure you don't interrupt him while he's filming a scene!

 

[CharmyPoo]

Don't know why they are so popular but I absolutely love my asscher from Barry.

I am trying to think and I don't think I know a single person in real life with an asscher diamond ring.

 

[kenny]

I am trying to think and I don't think I know a single person in real life with an asscher diamond ring.

What about the married people? Hahaha.

Seriously, I don't either (except my SO).

 

[stci]

Am I alone? I don't like asscher BUT I see this cut on pictures only! If I see one in real life pershaps I will change my mind!

 

[yssie]

I love this shape - you can just look into them forever, and anything with radial symmetry will catch my eye. I do find that I prefer the small-cornered specimens over the nearly-octagonal ones, for whatever reason.