Asscher Guidance for a PS Newcomer?

[zinzilove]

Hi PSers,

I've been looking at this forum for a couple of months, but this is my first post. My BF and I are planning on getting engaged in a few months, and because I'm a particular gal who knows what she likes, I'l be involved in some of the selection process - up to a point. Once we select the stone, my fella will take over with the details of getting the ring made, designing the specific setting, etc. 

So far I know that we’re looking for an Asscher cut stone (I’ve decided I’m an Asscher girl!!) between 1.8 and 2.01 carats, H or better color, and VS2 or better.

But, I have a few questions for all of you experienced diamond hunters and sellers out there and was wondering if you could help guide me through this often confusing process. Here are my questions.

-I know that everyone here is a proponent of buying online, and that Good Old Gold is a great resource for Asschers, but where else would you suggest looking? Luckily we’re in the NY area, so we can take a trip out to GOG sometime and see stones in person, but is there anywhere else (online or around NY) you’d suggest going? Places you trust?

-Why is it that in discussions of Asschers that no one speaks of spread? People often just mention carat, but I’ve seen stones that are nearly the same weight as one another, yet vary greatly in their cuts, and therefore in the spread of the stone. I’m not by any means a size queen (if you’ll pardon the phrase!). For instance, everything around 3 carats and above looks too big on my finger in my opinion. And I think that most stones below 1.3 carats look too small on me. For our budget and what I like on my hand, it seems that 1.8-2 is about the range we’re comfortable in. But of course, I’m still a girl, and in all of this talk about crown angles, and depth, windmills, and halls of mirrors, etc. No one ever mentions spread. Am I way off or being totally uncouth to think about that? Or am I missing something?

-Also, because I’ve seen so much variation in price of stones, I’m having a hard time knowing what’s a crazy price for a stone, and what’s reasonable. There isn’t a lot of chat about price here on Pricescope – or at least not too much regarding Asschers. I’m wondering if there’s any sort of guage for newbies to help navigate. Are specific prices something that we’re not allowed to discuss openly? Hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries here.

In any case, those are my big questions for now. If you’ve gotten this far, thanks for taking the time to read!

Z

 

[mommy2nk]

I am not an expert but I will chime in about your question regarding spead. Asschers do face up smaller then Rounds. They have a greater depth% vs. table% except in my case. I have an asscher that has a larger table percentage and it faces up larger then it's actual carat weight. Numbers wise that generally is not what you want but mine ended up being beautiful despite that.

I don't think it is "uncouth" to consider spread. When my husband bought my diamond we knew nothing about diamonds, all I knew was that I wanted an asscher. It wasn't until after I had my ring that I noticed that my diamond didn't look as larger as others the same size carat or sometimes even smaller I think had I know this going in, it would not have been such a shock for me. Not sure whether I would have gone with the asscher knowing this, but maybe I would have. It is smart to go in know what you like as well as all the pros and cons of each different diamond shape.
I hope this helps some. There are some pretty amazing experts on here that will have much more help.

 

[stone-cold11]

I will just stick with GOG and ask them to source some candidates for you as they know asscher well. Other vendors might also be able to do the same but they will probably not be able to provide as much tests as GOG.

There is not much talk about spread because a well cut stone is the most important thing, spread is not a good correlation to performance, good spread might or might not mean good performance.

Since you are in NYC definitely go down and talk to GOG and see the Octavia Asscher with other available asschers. Octavia is only sold by GOG so if you want a 2c, you will have to commission GOG to cut one for you as I think none is being cut at the moment until next year and the largest available is a 1.4c.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7263/

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI Z,
Regarding price, you can use the PS database.
Go to the homepage- on top is a section called "Search and Compare". Select "Asscher cut, put in a size range, color and clarity to get comparable prices for stones in a given grade and size range- if there's not a lot of Asschers, you can use emerald cuts- which will have basically the same type of pricing.
If you post a stones' size, color and clarity, along with the price, it's permissible for folks to comment.
If you want participating professionals to comment, don't mention who the seller is- as tradespeople are not allowed to comment on stones or prices of competitors.

Spread
Personally I feel spread is a vital component of "Performance".
After all, people buying two carat stones want something that looks large.

In terms of "testing"- my feeling is that your eyes are the ultimate test- and you already know how to use them! By looking at actual stones in personal you'll be able to get a feel for what you like, and how large you may expect to see in a given size range.

Happy hunting!

 

[risingsun]

I have read numerous comments on the dimensions of asschers, which include the spread. This type of cut faces up smaller than most other cuts. I'm going to attach a link, which may be helpful.

ETA: The chart to which I was referring, did not have information about asschers. Do a search for asscher and take a look at the diameter of the stone. This will help you to decide on the size that is right for you. Making a comparison to RB's might be a useful exercise, as well.

 

[stone-cold11]

If you want participating professionals to comment, don't mention who the seller is- as tradespeople are not allowed to comment on stones or prices of competitors.

Schematic. Asscher requires images to tell anything about performance, without that it is useless. Anyone on PS for a while will recognize a vendor's photographic setup that it is as good as saying who that stone is from.

 

[Rockdiamond]

IMO , if an individual is looking for a stone generalizations don't really work.
Not all Asscher Cuts face up small for their weight.
I'd agree that many Asscher do face up smaller than some other cuts, however that's no reason not to try and find others that have good spread- they are out there.

Good point Stone!
In addition to not mentioning the vendor, if you want professionals to comment on price, do not post photos that may be easily related to a particular seller.

 

[zinzilove]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks a lot for the input. I'll continue to come back and ask additional questions I'm sure as our search heats up.
I especially appreciate the additional background on spread with regard to Asschers.

One additional question for Stone Cold. What is it about GOG that makes them so special? Is it just the sheer number of quality stones that they are able to get in? We'll definitely try to head out there in the next few weeks to take a look at what they have to offer.

While it will be interesting to see the Octavia in person, I'm not sure if they're for me. I think one of things that I love about classic Asschers and square emeralds is how orderly the cuts are. More chaotic and fiery stones just don't seem to light me up as much. But I'll have to look in person of course and see how I feel then. I may be a new Octavia convert. Who knows?

Thanks again!

 

[yssie]

I'm not SC, but I'm guessing it's mostly that you're there, they're there, and they have good selections and trustworthy customer service so why complicate things

 

[slg47]

zinzi-It may be worth calling GOG before you go so that they can get some things in house for you to look at (I have no idea how many stones they have in your specs, but it wouldn't hurt to call ahead!)

Also I think the reason that many people like GOG is that they give you ALL of the information on the diamonds. They will make videos for you that compare them, and they have all of the images. They are providing a different level of customer service than other vendors and many feel that a small premium is worth it to be ensured they are getting a beautiful stone with a lifetime policy.

 

[zinzilove]

Thanks for the additional insight SLG. It's very helpful. I'll definitely plan ahead before heading there.