Asscher - please help me with my purchase

[frozengirl]

Hello. I am new, but have spent many hours reading about Asschers. The information on this board has been very helpful and I am now ready to take the plunge in seeking advice. So, here is my situation. I am getting an upgrade diamond and have fallen in love with the Asscher. The first one I saw was a Royal Asscher and I just can''t seem to get that stone and setting out of my head. I went and visited the ring today again and am thinking of purchasing. Curious as to what others think about it.

Royal Asscher (GIA rated)
2.11
H
VS1
Excellent polish
Excellent symetry
Faint Florescence
Slightly thick to thick
Table 57%
Depth 65.5%
Culet small
7.31 x 7.32

I don''t have any pictures (and probably wouldn''t know how to post anyhow). Visually, I found the diamond stunning - couldn''t stop staring at it. My hesitation with the ring is the price (28K - includes platnum setting with trap bagettes .5 TW). I know there are less expensive Asschers out there, but I am quite hesitant because I like the look of the 5 steps and think this ring is lovely. As a comparison, the store I was at had a nice 3 step square emerald, but I didn''t think it was nearly as lovely. There was just something about that Royal Asscher. By the way, the setting was very nice and seem to suit the stone quite well.

I also looked at a 5 step non-Royal Asscher at another store. I thought it was a nice-looking stone, but wasn''t blown away by it.

EGL cert.
2.04
G
VS1
Very Good Polish
Very Good Symetry
No Fluor
Medium
Table 69%
Depth 69.6%
No Culet
7 x 6.93

What do you think of these rings? What do you think of the pricing for the Royal Asscher? Should I be looking online for something comparable? Is there anything else I should ask the jeweler?

Thank you so much in advance for any and all advice. This is really a major purchase for us (we have been married almost 10 years).

 

[fanboy]

I recently bought a Royal Asscher in the same price range. Mine is 1.93 carat, D, VVS2. The price was a couple thousand higher than the price you were given--but without a ring. They''re just that expensive.

When I started my hunt for a Royal Asscher, I was advised by people on this board that I should take what I can get that comes near my desired specification when it comes around. Otherwise, you could be waiting who-knows-how-many months. There just aren''t that many in circulation.

As you''ve seen for yourself, it''s a really special diamond, cut to very precise standards. I was told to just look at color and clarity when picking out Royal Asschers. I''d have to agree.

 

[mrssalvo]

hi frozengirl and welcome to pricescope

I know very little about asschers but it is my understanding that with a royal asscher it''s a branded stone cut to specifications and it really can''t lose on cut. similar to a hearts and arrows stone in a round. Anyway, I agree that color and clarity would we what to really look at. i''ve seen most of the fancy stone experts around here say you really can''t judge the stone''s by the numbers anyway, you''ve got to see them, which you have and love it so i''d say go for what makes your heart sing. They do carry a hefty premium but if it''s worth it to you, get your dream ring, you deserve it

i''m sure some of your resident asscher experts will chime in soon..

 

[decodelighted]

You know ... for a Royal Asscher set in platinum .. over 2 carats -- that price seems darn reasonable to me. ESPECIALLY if you love it and it's an upgrade that you need to "make count".

FWIW -- I'm happy with my GIA "H" color 1.5 ct "generic" asscher. Royals looked too busy to me in the size range we could afford ... but in an over 2ct - I'm sure it's STUNNING! Sign me (you) up!??

ETA: I wouldn't "worry" that you'd find something better & cheaper online honestly -- the really nice non-Royal asschers over 2cts have been in the 22-25K range (22 was over a year ago -- 25 is more "now" prices) WITHOUT a setting ... platinum settings are easily 2K these days ... I'd say its looking like a true bargain! Though - it's only a bargain if you're getting EXACTLY what you want. Would you be?

 

[starryeyed]

Hi FrozenGirl and Welcome to Pricescope!

What struck me most about your post is just how enamored you are with the Royal Asscher! For this reason alone, this is the ring you should get! If you are upgrading, I don''t think you should "settle". Get the one that WOW''s you, the one you''ll look at on your finger and SWOON over. To me it''s a no-brainer - it''s worth the extra $$.

But if you must compare the stones you''ve listed in a more practical way, all I can say is there is no comparison! You''ve probably read about EGL - they are not necessarily as reliable as GIA, so keep that in mind. In terms of numbers, the EGL stone faces up significantly smaller than the Royal Asscher (RA). And the table is large by PS standards. It may be fine, but it sounds like you weren''t in love with it.

The RA sounds like your stone!

 

[frozengirl]

This is such a wonderful place. It really helped to hear some outside opinions. You know, when you are diamond shopping it is very easy to get caught up in the moment so it is nice to take a breather and get some other views. I am planning to visit the Royal Asscher ring this weekend (it is on hold for me). Are there any other questions I should ask? Is it worthwhile to take a picture? All I have is a decent digital camera - what would be the best way to photograph it?

By the way, my husband also found it helpful to read the responses.

 

[frozengirl]

Decodelighted -
Would this ring be exactly what I wanted? Hmmm. To be honest, I haven''t viewed many Asschers, so I don''t have many comparisons. All I know is that I loved how the ring looked - first one I picked out of the case. When I selected it, I wasn''t looking for an Asscher. After I saw it that was the end of it - knew my new ring would have to be an Asscher. As for size, I think it looks nice on my finger with the setting. When I was at the store tried on a 5+ carat emerald cut for fun - way, way, way to big for me.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 6/8/2007 10:25:48 AM
Author: frozengirl
All I know is that I loved how the ring looked - first one I picked out of the case. When I selected it, I wasn''t looking for an Asscher. After I saw it that was the end of it - knew my new ring would have to be an Asscher.

The fact that you fell in love with the shape *in person* makes me even more confident about this purchase for you. Some folks like the *idea* of asschers, but aren''t used to their arguable "downsides" ..(face-up smaller, different kind of sparkle etc).

When you go in person again....

Take your time with the stone ...see if you can take it into daylight sun. Look at it from all angles -- not just face on ... see if you appreciate the many different looks/faces/sides of the Asscher that you''ll be seeing most often -- when you''re not staring directly into it. Look at it on your hand in a full length mirror ... see what other people are going to see (if that matters to you). Some folks who''ve gotten asschers later trade it in because they couldn''t get used to the different sparkle. I don''t know what shape stone you have now ... but really mentally try on the difference.

Realize that Asschers are harder to keep sparkly clean than other shapes because the open cut just shows grime more -- decide if you''re committed to the maintence to keep it at its best -- or that it doesn''t matter to you.

That''s about all I can think of. I doubt any of this will put you off of a gorgeous 2 ct. Royal Asscher if you''re a true Asscher girl!!

OH ..
To photograph -- there''s usually a little "flower" symbol on cameras that help get super close up shots. Asschers are tricky to photograph though because they only show that "mile-deep" pattern perfectly from one angle.

We LOVES some pictures around here!!!

 

[widget]

I just wanted to pop in and say GO FOR IT!!!

You''ve seen it, you''ve fallen in love, because it''s an RA you can be assured of it''s cut quality.

I suspect that even if you went to the considerable trouble of finding a fine generic asscher of similar size and quality...you might not like it quite as much because it won''t have that special "Royal Asscher" look.

JMO
widget

PS: You''d BETTER figure out how to post pics if you get that baby...we wanna see it!!

 

[Gypsy]

I like the RA better from the numbers... and it is probably a lovely stone to the eye too, although pics would be helpful.

If you weren't blown away from the EGL... given that it's EGL, good symmetry (which is usually BAD)... I wouldn't spend time on this one.

YOu've seen the RA in person and LOVED it? Go for it. POST PICTURES PLEASE!!

 

[strmrdr]

RA's are nice but expensive.
Here is an option id consider:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2028/
its a kicken asscher but not RA style.

 

[frozengirl]

Date: 6/8/2007 6:11:31 PM
Author: strmrdr
RA's are nice but expensive.
Here is an option id consider:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2028/
its a kicken asscher but not RA style.

Looks like a pretty stone as well. What do you mean when you say is isn't RA style?

ETA:
How do you get a picture like that?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 6/8/2007 6:47:06 PM
Author: frozengirl

Date: 6/8/2007 6:11:31 PM
Author: strmrdr
RA''s are nice but expensive.
Here is an option id consider:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/2028/
its a kicken asscher but not RA style.

Looks like a pretty stone as well. What do you mean when you say is isn''t RA style?

RA has a certain look, from the top it looks like it has more steps this can be done with any number of facets but its easier with more of them.
Its all in the angles.

 

[frozengirl]

Date: 6/8/2007 10:40:42 AM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 6/8/2007 10:25:48 AM
Author: frozengirl
All I know is that I loved how the ring looked - first one I picked out of the case. When I selected it, I wasn''t looking for an Asscher. After I saw it that was the end of it - knew my new ring would have to be an Asscher.

The fact that you fell in love with the shape *in person* makes me even more confident about this purchase for you. Some folks like the *idea* of asschers, but aren''t used to their arguable ''downsides'' ..(face-up smaller, different kind of sparkle etc).

When you go in person again....

Take your time with the stone ...see if you can take it into daylight sun. Look at it from all angles -- not just face on ... see if you appreciate the many different looks/faces/sides of the Asscher that you''ll be seeing most often -- when you''re not staring directly into it. Look at it on your hand in a full length mirror ... see what other people are going to see (if that matters to you). Some folks who''ve gotten asschers later trade it in because they couldn''t get used to the different sparkle. I don''t know what shape stone you have now ... but really mentally try on the difference.

Realize that Asschers are harder to keep sparkly clean than other shapes because the open cut just shows grime more -- decide if you''re committed to the maintence to keep it at its best -- or that it doesn''t matter to you.

That''s about all I can think of. I doubt any of this will put you off of a gorgeous 2 ct. Royal Asscher if you''re a true Asscher girl!!

OH ..
To photograph -- there''s usually a little ''flower'' symbol on cameras that help get super close up shots. Asschers are tricky to photograph though because they only show that ''mile-deep'' pattern perfectly from one angle.

We LOVES some pictures around here!!!

Thank you for all the suggestions. Right now I have a 1 c round brilliant. I actually prefer the Asscher because the sparkle seems more organized, subtle, and personal (I think the ring wearer has the best view of the ring).

I tried to take pictures today to post but was totally unsuccessful. I''ll try the flower symbol and/or look for my camera directions.

Maintanence. Hmmm. I think my husband would be very scared with the thought that I would be making regular visits to the jewelry store to have it cleaned. Any other suggestions for how to clean. From years ago I seem to remember sudsy ammonia (how could I forget the smell).

 

[widget]

Date: 6/8/2007 6:54:46 PM
Author: frozengirl

Maintanence. Hmmm. I think my husband would be very scared with the thought that I would be making regular visits to the jewelry store to have it cleaned. Any other suggestions for how to clean. From years ago I seem to remember sudsy ammonia (how could I forget the smell).

My goodness....don't worry about that!! Most of the nuts around here clean their rings at home everyday, regardless of the stone's cut! LOL I only take mine into a jeweler every 6 months or so to double check that the setting is still secure.

I have a very untechnical response to your question to Storm: RAs have more facets than most generic asschers...so they are a wee bit more sparkly.

The angles on a Royal Asscher? They'll be just fine.

widget

 

[widget]

Here''s a picture of the stone Storm found next to Tierhog''s RA.

As you can see, the RA is a bit "busier".

If you do a search on this site for "Royal Asscher" you''ll find more information than you probably want to know!

widget

 

[Gypsy]

I do like that one storm found. At 22 K (bankwire) even if you spent 3000 on a setting (doubtful if you want a baguette setting-- probably closer to 2000) you come out 3K ahead. It's entirely your choice. But if it were me, I'd wire wire the money to GOG get that one in my hands, and see if I liked it as much as the RA. They have a great return policy so it's not an issue. You could even have it sent to an appraiser near you and just pay for that.

I think GOG is now offering upgrades on it's hand selected, although some would have to confirm that. But if it were me, I'd want the upgrade option.


On the other hand... the RA has better spread than that one. So really... it's just a matter of what you could do with that 3K.

 

[frozengirl]

Date: 6/8/2007 10:40:42 AM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 6/8/2007 10:25:48 AM
Author: frozengirl
All I know is that I loved how the ring looked - first one I picked out of the case. When I selected it, I wasn''t looking for an Asscher. After I saw it that was the end of it - knew my new ring would have to be an Asscher.

The fact that you fell in love with the shape *in person* makes me even more confident about this purchase for you. Some folks like the *idea* of asschers, but aren''t used to their arguable ''downsides'' ..(face-up smaller, different kind of sparkle etc).

When you go in person again....

Take your time with the stone ...see if you can take it into daylight sun. Look at it from all angles -- not just face on ... see if you appreciate the many different looks/faces/sides of the Asscher that you''ll be seeing most often -- when you''re not staring directly into it. Look at it on your hand in a full length mirror ... see what other people are going to see (if that matters to you). Some folks who''ve gotten asschers later trade it in because they couldn''t get used to the different sparkle. I don''t know what shape stone you have now ... but really mentally try on the difference.

Realize that Asschers are harder to keep sparkly clean than other shapes because the open cut just shows grime more -- decide if you''re committed to the maintence to keep it at its best -- or that it doesn''t matter to you.

That''s about all I can think of. I doubt any of this will put you off of a gorgeous 2 ct. Royal Asscher if you''re a true Asscher girl!!

OH ..
To photograph -- there''s usually a little ''flower'' symbol on cameras that help get super close up shots. Asschers are tricky to photograph though because they only show that ''mile-deep'' pattern perfectly from one angle.

We LOVES some pictures around here!!!

Thank you for all the quick responses. I now have a plan. Tomorrow I am going to the jeweler to take some pictures using the little "flower" symbol (macro) on my digital. Very cool - never knew this function existed! My husband agreed to help me upload the pictures so I''ll try to post tomorrow as well. Decodelighted mentioned that Asschers can be challenging to photograph so I''ll do what I can. I guess I''ll try different angles?

Are there any requests for specifc pictures?

 

[frozengirl]

Date: 6/8/2007 7:18:43 PM
Author: widget
Here''s a picture of the stone Storm found next to Tierhog''s RA.

As you can see, the RA is a bit ''busier''.

If you do a search on this site for ''Royal Asscher'' you''ll find more information than you probably want to know!

widget

This was very helpful. As they say, a picture is worth...

 

[Gypsy]

Any lovely or unusual settings, especially for asschers would be fabulous! We always love different settings especially for fancy shapes. If they have any one carat asscher there that catch your eye... can you snap a couple of set ones for me? I'm always looking for setting ideas for mine.

 

[iheartscience]

I love Royal Asschers! I can''t wait to see the pictures!

 

[frozengirl]

Date: 6/8/2007 10:47:45 PM
Author: thing2of2
I love Royal Asschers! I can''t wait to see the pictures!

Still trying to work out the kinks with taking diamond pictures. I was practicing with my round stone and didn''t have too much success - couldn''t get much detail or definition even when I used the macro without flash. Very frustrating.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 6/8/2007 11:05:15 PM
Author: frozengirl

Date: 6/8/2007 10:47:45 PM
Author: thing2of2
I love Royal Asschers! I can''t wait to see the pictures!

Still trying to work out the kinks with taking diamond pictures. I was practicing with my round stone and didn''t have too much success - couldn''t get much detail or definition even when I used the macro without flash. Very frustrating.

It is isn''t it. Take your time, set the stone so light is behind it. You have to take a lot of pics just to get a few good ones. Steady hands help too. Use different props, can''t wait to see the pics. I have been following this thread with great interest!!!

 

[frozengirl]

Date: 6/8/2007 11:11:47 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 6/8/2007 11:05:15 PM
Author: frozengirl

Date: 6/8/2007 10:47:45 PM
Author: thing2of2
I love Royal Asschers! I can''t wait to see the pictures!

Still trying to work out the kinks with taking diamond pictures. I was practicing with my round stone and didn''t have too much success - couldn''t get much detail or definition even when I used the macro without flash. Very frustrating.

It is isn''t it. Take your time, set the stone so light is behind it. You have to take a lot of pics just to get a few good ones. Steady hands help too. Use different props, can''t wait to see the pics. I have been following this thread with great interest!!!

Would you recommend taking the picture outside or inside? What type of background?
What do you mean by props?

 

[widget]

Some of the best pictures I''ve gotten were outside, but out of direct sunlight.

The steadier the camera, and the ring...the better. Put the ring on something...table, deck railing, whatever. Or if you want to take a pic on your finger (or held in hand) rest elbows on table or whatever so there''s as little movement as possible.

The GREAT thing about digital is that you can take a zillion pics, try all different lighting situations and eventually figure out what works best.

widget

 

[frozengirl]

Hello Everyone. Visited the ring today and took some pictures. My husband is having problems uploading pictures (file size is too big). He''s working on it so I am hoping to have pictures up tonight.

 

[frozengirl]

BTW, the crown is 12% (I didn't have this measurement earlier).

 

[decodelighted]

Maybe this will help ... PRETTY RING!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Bit further back ...

 

[decodelighted]

On the hand ...

What did you think this time around?? Did you love it??? I DO!!