Emerald Cut Vs Asscher Cut Diamonds For Your Engagement Rings
It is a popular saying that practice makes perfection. However, this is not always the case especially when comparing cut diamonds for your engagement rings. The more you compare the emerald shape and the Asscher shape, the more difficult it is to decide.
These cut diamonds are both stunning. More so, they both make a fierce statement as diamonds for your engagement rings. However, these two cut diamonds express a distinct aura.
It might only seem like a slight disparity in shape. Yet, the dissimilarity between square and rectangular is a whole lot when we consider the kind of aura they pass. Keep reading as we compare the emerald shape vs. the Asscher shape.
Introducing These Stunning Diamonds For Your Engagement Rings
Alt-Image: emerald shape diamonds for your engagement rings
This is a divide before us. First, there is the emerald shape. This diamond shape is more common and more famous as regards how often consumers buy them.
These emerald shaped diamonds pass an elegant statement as diamonds for your engagement rings. These rings extend the finger and are pleasing to the eye thanks to its stunning bars of brightness.
Then, there is the Asscher shape. This diamond shape is more difficult to find. In fact, it has generally been out of vogue until lately. In recent times, the elegance of the Art Deco style came back into limelight in a dominant manner. This comeback greatly influenced modern jewelry design.
Graphically, the Asscher shape comes in a windmill pattern that spirals inwards. The appearance is similar to a hall of mirrors. Diamonds with the Asscher shape are magical and spirited.
Overview Of Their Similarities And Differences
So, will it be the emerald shape or the Asscher shape? Which of these will you choose?
Which is better for you? Would you prefer squares or rectangles? We admit that it is not as simple as it sounds.
First off, the shape of the emerald and the Asscher are quite similar in many ways. Yet, the structure of the facets generates a varied play of light. This variation gives each shape its distinct identity. For the emerald shape, you have extended and slender bars of light. More so, there is that elongated appearance on the finger. All of these develop an aftermath of elegance and refinement.
Furthermore, the Asscher shape comes with 58 facets. These facets feature an arrangement in an octagonal shape. The arrangement flickers light in all paths. That produces a wonderful look. Moreover, look nearer and you could let yourself out inside the bottomless hall of mirrors on this diamond shape. The Asscher ring is both beautiful and magical. That is why the Asscher shape always entices ring lovers.
Over all, you have two diamonds with so many traits in common. Yet, their identities couldn’t be more distant. Still the question is, which of these shapes makes the right diamonds for your engagement rings?
Historical Differences Between These Two Shapes Of Diamonds For Your Engagement Rings
Both the emerald and Asscher shapes are uniquely art deco. For the emerald shape, its fame began in the ’40s. However, you will find this diamond shape endowing fingers even back to the 1400s.
On the flip side, Joseph Asscher built and patented the earliest Asscher cut in 1902. Obviously, he chose to name the shape after himself.
Comparatively, the emerald shape existed way before the introduction, fame and patency of the Asscher shape. The origin of the emerald shape goes all the way back to the 1400s. During this period, the early models of the cut came out. Immediately, they became notable on the fingers of many.
Initially, this cut helped as emerald gemstones. And, it was reliable to pull out the color and clarity of the stone to the best possible result. Over time, the shape became prolific for use on diamonds. In no time, it was now a common diamond shape.
On the flip side, the Asscher shape does not carry such an extensive history. In fact, this shape only came into the limelight in 1902. That was the year of its creation by Joseph Asscher.
Note: The right pronunciation is ash-shur.
This diamond shape was very prominent during the Art Deco era of the 1920s. This is as it brought out the true portrayal of the era. That’s what you get from the geometric shape, neat lines, an austere and fashionable appearance.
Are you searching for art-deco diamonds for your engagement rings? Then, both the emerald shape and the Asscher shape will give you that. Consider other differences to decide which of these two shapes is truly best for you.
Shape Difference Between These Two Shapes Of Diamonds For Your Engagement Rings
The most instantaneous and striking difference between the emerald shape and the asscher shape is their shape.
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Emerald Shape Diamonds
Generally, emerald shaped diamonds are rectangular. These diamond cuts come in distinct length to width ratios. While asscher shaped diamonds come mainly in squares. However, thanks to their chamfered edges, they look quite similar to an octagon.
Furthermore, the emerald shape as diamonds for your engagement rings elongate your finger. That, in turn, presents a refined and grand appearance. There is another bright side to their slender profile. This is that, just like ovals, they seem bigger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.
Moreover, diamonds in the emerald shape don’t flatten quite as much as a marquise or pear diamond. The sizes these diamond shapes come in is remarkable. For that distinctive appearance, remain within that 1.3:1 to 1.6:1 ratio. In this ratio bracket, the 1.4:1 remains the most desirable and standard ratio.
- Asscher Shape Diamonds
Alt-Image: asscher shape diamonds for your engagement rings
How about Asscher shaped diamonds? These ones are huge or if you like, husky. They come with a big belly and broad shoulders. You don’t see such shapes and not pay attention.
Asscher shaped diamonds are taller compared to other fancy cuts. Hence, they spread less generously than emerald diamonds. There is a high chance that you will go up in your carat weight. That will help you achieve that exact visual effect.
Overall, to get that elegant elongated appearance, the emerald shape works perfectly. But, if you desire a beautiful eye catcher, the Asscher shape makes the best diamonds for your engagement rings. Lastly, if size makes a difference, the emerald presents a better option.
Cut Difference Between The Emerald Shape And The Asscher Shape
Emerald shape diamonds and Asscher shape diamonds are what gemologists refer to as “step cut” diamonds.
Particularly, this cutting technique originally evolved to help with more delicate diamonds. A good example of such will be the green emeralds. These diamonds are likely going to break during the cutting process.
They are not like brilliant cuts. For brilliant cuts they come with several tiny triangular facets that bring out the best sparkle. While step cuts parade steep parallel sides along the diamond. Thank to these parallel facets they get that distinct and desirable glow.
- Emerald Shape Diamonds
Diamonds in the emerald shape feature a wide-open table. This table reveals inclusions and mostly leads to buying 1-2 clarity grades more than a round diamond. More so, this table again provides the emerald cut with that distinctive image. What you see is similar to the sun bouncing off a recently cleaned window.
- Asscher Shape Diamonds
As for the Asscher cut, the best way to recognize them is through the distinct x shape set at its core. When you see a poorly cut Asscher you know it from an asymmetrical windmill. That alone will tarnish the general appearance, shape, and glow.
Ensure the center of the x aligns at the lowest step of the diamond. That step is what we call the culet.
Furthermore, this distinctive cut structure develops an infinite display of concentric squares. These squares go on till infinity. Therefore, it becomes difficult to look away. Lastly, due to this faceting pattern this shape is the more radiant of the two shapes.
Conclusively, if you’re searching for a shape with additional radiance and sparkle, the Asscher shape is your best option. On the flipside, with an emerald cut, you get that desirable elegant and perfected appearance.
Note that the emerald shape and the Asscher shape also bear the name, step-cuts. Therefore, these two shapes parade extended open facets. These facets come in parallel lines to the diamond’s flanks.
Truly, these two cuts can be either rectangular or square depending on changes to the length to width ratio. Yet, the emerald shape is commonly extended while the Asscher shape is generally square.
Price Difference Between The Emerald Shape And The Asscher Shape
In the style of the majority of fancy shape diamonds, Asscher and emerald diamonds are more affordable than round cuts. This is regardless of the carat. You can find out more about this in this visual guide.
The bad side to this is that both emeralds and Asschers display inclusions too easily through their flat, open tables. Additionally, they hold onto color in a different version compared to other cuts. There is that high probability that you will find yourself going beyond one or two color and clarity grades. That will be the price you pay to get a perfect look.
Meanwhile, carat weight worsens this difficulty. Most times, we advise that you stay in the G – I color category, and VS clarity class for Asscher diamonds. In the case of Asschers and Emeralds, we’ll frequently dive into the E-F / VV grades. This is mostly the case for diamonds above 2.5 carats.
It even gets trickier when you discover this information. Diamond cutters like to retain as much carat weight as possible from the initial rough diamond in the eventual shape. You can find that additional weight right on the base of the diamond in its pavilion. With that, the price is more without the diamond looking any bigger.
Moreover, Emerald shape and Asscher shaped diamonds are some of the guiltiest offenders so far for “carat stuffing.” Carat-stuffing is a phrase invented to name deep diamonds that appear tinier than they are. This is no thanks to the wasted carat weight lying right in their pavilion.
To conclude this difference, the Emeralds and Asscher shape are both very economical compared to the round brilliant. Yet, it’s possible that your choice will be a higher clarity and color grade. More so, their likelihood to reveal color and inclusions rather easily will take the price beyond whatever amount you were originally expecting.
The Patency Difference Between The Emerald Shape And The Asscher Shape
This remains the biggest difference between these two cuts. For the Asscher shape, you have a patented shape belonging to the Royal Asscher Company. Hence, only the Royal Asscher company holds the privilege to create original Royal Asscher shaped diamonds.
For the emerald shape, such a right of patency is not available. This shape doesn’t enjoy such a prestigious status. However, the shape does carry an extended history and broader acceptance.
Comparative Benefits Of These Two Shapes Of Diamonds For Your Engagement Rings
These two shapes come with their distinctive charm and comparative benefits. When it comes to price, the difference between an Asscher or an emerald of same details is negligible. However, you can consider these comparative benefits below:
Go for the emerald shape if the following are vital to you:
- A diamond with a bigger look
- An older shape with an extensive history
- Lovely hall of mirrors influence from the interchange with light
- Additional choices for ring layouts. For instance, to get a distinct east-to-west image, position the emerald diamond horizontally on your engagement ring.
- A neat and open looking diamond
- Relaxed light rendition
- Gives the fingers that elongated look
Go for the asscher shape if the following are vital to you:
- Additional grandness and light performance
- A modern cut with a contemporary appearance
- A diamond with a deeper look
- Terrific impact when trying out Art Deco ring designs
- A better octagonal looking gem with nearly proportional sized edges
Conclusion
The distinctions between an emerald shape and an Asscher shape may be subtle but they exist. The Asscher shape comes in to make the most of its light performance. As for the emerald shape, it exhibits a relaxed radiance. Ultimately, your choice of diamonds for your engagement rings is a product of your preference in style.