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tell me, why is asscher cut so popular?

As mentioned earlier, the asscher came about probably during the Art Deco period when the theme then was inspired by geometric clean lines. No, it doesn’t minimize extinction, maximize brightness or anything like that. In fact, this design is best suited for something with high RI and light toned stones because being a step cut, it will not be very sparkly and something dark coloured will mask the steps. Not only that, in a coloured stone, especially one with low RI, they have to be cut deep to avoid windowing which gets even deeper as the carat weight increases and means that it will face up small as that is where the weight is. On the bright side, if someone likes scintillation contrast and large flashes, then with the right stone and colour, an asscher cut gemstone can be gorgeous. Because I like clean geometric lines, step cuts, high crowns and small tables, I’m naturally pulled towards asscher cuts although I would not sacrifice colour for it.

Umm....off on a sidetrack, I don’t see why CB is hot. Yes, he’s easy on the eyes but he doesn’t rock my boat. :tongue:
 
I like Asschers for the same reasons most have said. The geometric pattern is really cool, and the windmills make it look like you're staring down a long hallway. I don't care if they're trendy or not.
 
I have found that Asschers are only popular among Pricescoper's. I have never been asked for one from someone who is not a Pricescope member.

Next topic. A few weeks ago, I got an email from the grand daughter of Joseph Asscher, Lita, who claims to hold a patent on the cut, and has insisted that I stop cutting "counterfeit" asschers. I tried phoning here several times, leaving messages, but her people seem to be screening calls, and she never returns them. I'm not sure if she is upset with the use of the Asscher name being associated with the cut, or the idea that I am cutting a square stepped cut. Of course the angles used for colored stones are much different that a diamond, so the cut is not really the same. I'm sure someday someone in the diamond business will claim rights to a standard round brilliant cut, and insist that everyone stops cutting these too. The diamond business thrives on monopolies.
 
Well consider your chain yanked, Gene! All elderly folks need a hobby!

If she had a leg to stand on, you would have heard from her attorney/s. She *could* look at this a small part as her grandfather's larger enduring legacy to diamond/stone cutting rather than tilting at this particular windmill.

PUN COMPLETELY AND APOLOGETICALLY INTENDED.

All that being said, I have noted other cutters using the below language, they must have also had those delightful phonecalls too:

Never capitalize asscher and never use asscher as a stand-alone; always pair it up with asscher-type, asscher-like, asscher-inspired, etc etc. I have also seen "windmill cut," "step windmill cut" as descriptors.

As a little humor, one could also state: NOT an asscher at all! Nope! Don't know nuttin' bout asscher who? This is a windmill design!
 
http://www.royalasscher.com/home.html

I did a google search on just "asscher."

This is the company that Lita Asscher and her brother, Mike, would seem to be involved with.

Gene, apparently you don't rate much, ergo no company rottweilers other than Lita to deal with.
 
Mike Asscher has posted here on RT.
I've asked him about others using the cut and name.
He has answered but I can't find the thread.
 
Kenny,
I love the stone in your avatar much more than asscher. (Sorry, PS-ers, I just love his stone).
 
Thanks crasru.
I'm freaking out waiting for it. :cheeky:
 
No, I don't think it's a fad or trend. I think it's popular because it's a classic cut, as is emerald, as is square emerald. In short, people like step cuts. They'll never go out of style.
 
Stonie,
I love your answer! I don’t see how an asscher cut for a diamond can be copyrighted in a coloured stone because the angles are different. Not only that, often, the number of steps are different as well. In any case, it’s better to be safe than sorry so perhaps a square emerald cut with octagonal outline and windmills might be a good alternative although rather lengthy. :bigsmile:
 
Thanks, Chrono, although I am not yet elderly I too needed a hobby and unfortunately or not, gemstones and custom jewelry are fitting the bill nicely :sun:

Makes you wonder if Lita's calls have the background sounds of lots and lots of cats... :bigsmile: Probably some student intern at The Royal Asscher Company is tasked with developing a call sheet for Lita :?
 
Chrono said:
Stonie,
I love your answer! I don’t see how an asscher cut for a diamond can be copyrighted in a coloured stone because the angles are different. Not only that, often, the number of steps are different as well. In any case, it’s better to be safe than sorry so perhaps a square emerald cut with octagonal outline and windmills might be a good alternative although rather lengthy. :bigsmile:
Click to expand...

The original Asscher cut by Joseph Asscher from 1902 was patented, but the patent expired by World War II. Anyone is free to copy this cut. Use of the Asscher name to describe it is a trademark, not a patent, issue.

The company introduced a revised Asscher cut in 2001, the so-called Royal Asscher Cut designed by Edward and Joop Asscher. It has 74 rather than 58 facets and a larger table. This new version has been patented and the name trademarked as well.
 
I think it is a great cut for lighter colored stones (IMO). I really want an aqua asscher.
 
I own a few asscher cuts. I bought them because like others I like very strong geometric symmetrical lines. I always have. However, whilst some of mine work and I love them, others I would happily give away!

Strangely the one I like most are my diamond asschers (both white and champagne). My coloured stone asschers are ok but don't rock my world in the same way (and that's from a confirmed coloured stone junkie)! I have seen some on here that are breathtaking and I think it very much depends on the colour of the gemstone. Too dark and you lose the asscher effect, too light and it becomes (for me) uninteresting.

I don't give a flying fig about fashion (apart from in clothes/shoes/bags of course!) so I won't buy a cut unless I love the gemstone. For ecample, I hate concave cutting so won't buy a stone that has it unless the colour screams "buy me, you need me".
 
Actually, the scintillating quality of an asscher is really appealing to me. I saw a Royal Asscher at a jewelry store a year ago and it was so stunning. Totally not my style - I like lots of sparkle and flashiness - but I would totally want one as a RHR.
 
I just noticed on James Allen now the search function calls them "square Emeralds" so I guess they are cracking down. I don't believe they have a case though, they've been called that for nearly a hundred years.
 
I love assher cut stones. But when I chose my center stone for my ring, I felt I was losing too much weight because of the depth. I wanted more face up. So, I will have to settle for an asscher gemstone. (one more excuse to buy another stone) :lol:
 
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