Asscher Cut Interview
From LoveToKnow EngagementRings
Asscher cut engagement rings are stunning beauties that are growing more popular in every price range. LoveToKnow Engagement Rings was pleased to speak with David Levy of David Levy Diamonds & Fine Jewels, Inc. about these unique stones and how they can best be displayed in a gorgeous ring.
About David Levy
David Levy is a third generation jeweler with extensive experience in fine diamonds, particularly with Asscher and other unique cuts. David has been working with Asscher cut stones since the early 1990s, and his previous experience with emerald cut diamonds helped him refine his techniques to create extraordinary Asscher shapes. David also specializes in finding and creating perfectly matched diamonds for unparalleled jewelry design and beautifully balanced pieces.
The Interview
Asscher cut diamonds are unique beauties and deserve the utmost in special attention.
How does an Asscher differ from princess or emerald cuts?
It differs greatly from a princess cut and if cut properly, its cousin the emerald cut will resemble it in everything but the square vs. rectangular shape. Unfortunately too many emerald cuts are poor, resulting in consumers getting turned off.
How can a couple tell a quality Asscher cut?
Ask to see a selection of loose Asscher cuts in your budget, but in different sizes and qualities. After you see several diamonds you can determine with your own eye whether one stands out as more beautiful than the other. I can’t stress this too much: do not buy an Asscher cut diamond without seeing it in person next to other loose diamonds. There are several ways to cut one and no two diamonds will look the same. After 18 years of manufacturing and importing all shapes and sizes of diamonds, I would never buy a diamond sight unseen!
A well cut Asscher cut has a feel to it. You can see the well defined steps that come from properly angled steps. Its outline is symmetrical, its corners are well pronounced and its girdle is not too thick. The reflection you see from the steps is like a house of mirrors, endless.
What is the best setting to show off the unique shape?
A setting that is open, not too busy. The Asscher should shine, not be over-powered. I believe the best way to show off the Asscher cut is in a three-stone setting with either Asscher cuts on the sides or tapered baguettes or bullets. These rings are classics and will never look dated.
A good amount of manufacturers set Asscher cuts in settings that have small Rounds that are micro-pave` set in the bands and sometimes around the center too. I make these rings as well, but it’s not my first choice. I feel there’s too much going on with most of those designs. We suggest designs to our clients, but the client always makes the final decision.
Are there any poor setting choices for Asscher shapes?
Two things to definitely stay away from are setting an engagement ring with the Asscher cut in a bezel setting and setting trilliant shape diamonds on the sides. These two ways kill the beauty of an Asscher.
How can a couple offset the expense of an Asscher cut?
An Asscher will cost more than most other diamonds and will look smaller than many other shapes. But the bonus is that people will look at the diamond and saw "Wow! I've never seen that before, what is it?” and “look at the way it sparkles.”
Personally, I don't believe a consumer has to buy a colorless diamond. If you get a properly cut Asscher you can drop to a VS1 or VS2 clarity and G-H color. I rarely meet people that think their diamond is big enough. I recommend buying a quality diamond and asking about the seller’s trade-up policy. Most stores have one and it will allow you to get a larger diamond down the road, but always keeping the quality high enough.
Why are matched diamonds critical to a well designed ring?
Because of the unique brilliance of an Asscher cut, when you position other Asscher cuts next to it, it is essential the diamonds are cut the same way - table size, corner size, angles of steps. Also, the color of the diamonds has to match perfectly as well the actual dimensions. Otherwise you'll destroy the beauty of the whole piece if even just 1 out of 20 diamonds are off because you will lose the whole symmetrical feel that makes the Asscher cut beautiful.
How has the popularity of Asscher cut diamonds changed?
The Asscher cut had a huge growth spurt from 2000-2005. Many more consumers are aware of them and ask for them when they shop. I think it will stay popular for many years to come. It won’t unseat the rounds as the number one selling diamond, but is a beautiful alternative to the emerald cut.
What other types of jewelry use Asscher cut stones?
Because we cut Asscher cuts from .10 carat to 7.00 ct, we design and manufacture hundreds of different jewelry designs. We sell a large amount of eternity and partial-way bands with small Asscher cuts (.10-.20 carat each diamond) as well as larger (3/4-1 ct each). Then earrings - both studs and drops or hoops, then necklaces.
Thank You, David Levy!
LoveToKnow Engagement Rings thanks David Levy for his insights about this popular diamond cut. For more information about David Levy Diamonds & Fine Jewels, Inc., visit www.diamondmatchmaker.com.
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