Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a difference?

[kellc]

I have a 1 carat asscher solitaire, measuring 6.02 x 5.09 x 3.48. I'm considering upgrading it to a slightly larger stone, but within my budget, I could go to about 1.5ct. I have a jeweler looking for stones to show me (it is taking some time), but since asschers aren't the most popular, I can't walk into a store and easily compare the different carat weights.

In your opinion, will it be a noticeable difference in size? It is a noticeable jump in price, so I'm hoping it will be worth it!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

It depends on the individual asscher and how it is set.

If you go above 6.3mm it will be a good visual difference. If you can get to 6.4 then I would say it's definitely worth it.

How is your current stone set? And how would the new one be set?

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

That's helpful, thanks! Some of the stones I've seen online are at/above what you posted, so I think I'll pursue having the jewelr show me some in person.

My current stone is in a 4-prong setting, with small claw-like prongs. It's a little different because the points of the stone are pointing N/S/E/W, so its orientation is like a diamond rather than a square shape. The only thing I don't like is that the prongs cover the 'points' of the stone completely, so you can't tell that the 'points' are flat - it almost looks like it could be a princess cut beneath the prongs.

I'm hoping that when I have the new stone set, it will be in the same orientation, but either the prongs will be smaller (and the stone will be bigger) to show off the flattened edges of the stone, OR I'll have the prongs come up on the longer edges of the stone. I hope that makes sense- it is hard to describe!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

it makes sense.

your focus should be on the performance of the stone, not it's dimensions. But keep the dimensions in mind.

I'd spend 50 bucks and by an ASET scope and learn to use it: http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=23&ShowAdd=Y

I actually have this set: http://www.ideal-scope.com/cart_zoom_item.asp?Id=21&ShowAdd=Y And I think it's worth the extra 40 bucks.

After you have bought your diamond you can list it for sale on our pre-loved board, and someone will buy it from you: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/[/URL] so you can recoup it.


Here is how to use it: http://www.ideal-scope.com/1.using_ASET_scope.asp


You can look into to tab prongs if you want prongs that show off your corners. It takes a very skilled bench to pull them off well though. many cannot. So it depends on where you are having it done.



Good luck.

 

[MarionC]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I started with a 0.90ct Asscher and recently traded up to a 1.55. In my case I noticed a big difference!

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Ahh thank you so much for the photo- that is a HUGE difference! I've been looking online and couldn't find any side-by-side photos, so I'm really grateful. Congrats on the new ring!

And I will look into the ASET tool!

 

[kenny]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Of course asschers of the same weight can appear to be of different size.
Shallow ones face up bigger than deep ones.

FWIW I also have some pics that may be helpful.

Recently I shopped for an Octavia branded asscher from www.goodoldgold.com .
I gave my partner a 1.34 ct Octavia a few years ago and liked the pattern even better than the superbly-cut 2+ ct generic asscher I had - also purchased at Goodoldgold.

While shopping I considered a 1.06, a 1.2 and a 1.51 carat Octavia.
So I could compare them side by side I ordered two at a time.

Here are some pics for size comparison.
What's nice about comparing these asscher pics is they are all the same branded cut, so they will have similar depths and face-up size for the weight, providing an apples to apples comparison.
FWIW, I ended up keeping the 1.51 and returning the other two.

1.51 ct and 1.06 ct


1.51 ct and 1.2 ct


1.2 ct, 1.34 ct and 1.51 ct


Sadly, the below pic demonstrates how asschers look small for their weight compared to ideal-cut rounds.
Would you believe the asscher on the left is 45% heavier than the round?
The two diamonds look of similar size (weight) but the Solasfera round is 0.83 ct the Octavia Asscher weighs in at 1.2 ct.
This means asscher shoppers may want to go up in carat weight to get the same bang.
Aschers, having larger facets, also show body color more so you may want to go up in color.
Then asschers' larger facets show inclusions more, so you may want to go up in clarity too.
Lastly, well cut asschers are rare and a bitch to find so you may want to go with a branded one like Royal Asscher or Octavia, which cost more.

Yes, asschers are a pain to shop for, but IMO are soooo worth it.

 

[gregchang35]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

octavia...

 

[MonkeysInk]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Awesome comparison photos! We often read here that asschers face up smaller, so it's interesting to see what that actually looks like. Thanks for sharing.

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Wow you all are so helpful with these photos!

I'm actually glad to see the comparison of the 1.5 and 1.2, because I may end up going down on weight (and dimensions) to get a better color grade. Mine doesn't have awesome color grading, but I was able to see it in person and liked the shade anyway.

I'm totally with you on the painful reality of shopping for asschers vs. other shapes! I initially didn't want one at all after reading how they face up so much smaller. I was looking for an oval or cushion. In the end, Chris at ERD showed us a bunch of beautiful cushion-cut stones, and had happened to bring in just a couple of asschers since I had been curious to see one. Even though they looked so much smaller than the cushion cuts at the same price and similar weight, I fell for the asscher! I love the windmill pattern and the blunt corners. I still think it's such a special stone even if it doesn't look super blingy.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

What color? I wouldn't recommend a 1.2 most of them face up at 6.1 mm. And you won't see a difference there.

If you are working with ERD for your upgrade you are in great hands.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Kenny, it is good to see you and your gorgeous photos!

kellc...I definitely think 1.5 is well worth it, but I wouldn't go from 1.0 to 1.2. It's just not worth it, in my opinion. What kind of color are you looking at?

 

[MarionC]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

my 2 cents: I'm very sensitive to color and my Asschers, G/VVS, are colorless. I don't know how far you can go down the scale before you start seeing more warmth than you might want.

I worked with an excellent person at JA named Gary. He has a good feel for what makes a great perfomance Asscher and both diamonds he's recommended to me [that I bought], have been outstanding. Just might be worth having a conversation with him while looking at stones online in the 360 videos.

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Glad you mentioned JA. I saw a few options on their site that look good! We worked with Chris at ERD initially, but he's been taking awhile to find some options for us, and JA seems to have some in stock already. So, Chris suggested that he'll keep looking, and I'm going to send my GIA sheet to JA to see what they would come up with. It is super helpful to have a general idea of what kind of size / weight increase will make it worthwhile though, I really appreciate it! I'm sure I'll be back asking for opinions on the specific stones soon enough.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

What is your budget. We can help you look.

And what do you want for clarity? I recommend H and up and VS2.

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I definitely don't want to spend more than 10k, but would prefer around 7-8.5 so there's room for the setting. Possible? Impossible?

My current stone is VVS1, and I believe J color.

So, good clarity - it is very sparkly and catches the light nicely. For the most part I don't mind the color, but in some lights it can look dark, which bugs me a bit. I noticed when I was looking at stones the first time that I tended to be drawn to the ones with lower color gradings. I wouldn't mind staying around the same for color, but probably wouldn't want to go lower. It's so hard to choose color online I think. Some with J color I wouldn't consider at all, and some I think are really nice-looking.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I would love to own an Octavia
Pros...beautiful stone..
Cons..look small for its weight compared to an RB...

 

[kenny]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I would love to own an Octavia
Pros...beautiful stone..
Cons..look small for its weight compared to an RB...

Then just buy a big one, you silly boy.
You don't need 37 bazillion-dollar watches.
Sell one, buy an Octavia and you'll still have 36 watches.

I think your wife needs and Octavia too.
But then you'd have only 35 watches.

No, I don't get a commission; but I should.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I would love to own an Octavia
Pros...beautiful stone..
Cons..look small for its weight compared to an RB...

Then just buy a big one, you silly boy.
You don't need 37 bazillion-dollar watches.
Sell one, buy an Octavia and you'll still have 36 watches.

I think your wife needs and Octavia too.
But then you'd have only 35 watches.

No, I don't get a commission; but I should.

but I would need a 2.75ct Octavia to = a 2ct RB size..

 

[kenny]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I would love to own an Octavia
Pros...beautiful stone..
Cons..look small for its weight compared to an RB...

Then just buy a big one, you silly boy.
You don't need 37 bazillion-dollar watches.
Sell one, buy an Octavia and you'll still have 36 watches.

I think your wife needs and Octavia too.
But then you'd have only 35 watches.

No, I don't get a commission; but I should.

but I would need a 2.75ct Octavia to = a 2ct RB size..

Actually 2.9 ct.

Well, tell Jonathan, Karl and Yoram to start looking for that rough boulder.
I would SO love a 2.9 ct Octavia, preferable in natural Fancy Intense Green, or Fancy Vivid Blue.

I must have put it in the dryer because my 1.5 has shrunk already.
Maybe I'll try soaking it in Viagra.
That would be swell but diamond is already … hum … at Mohs 10.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Kenny, can you loan me $35K for down payment?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Good new and bad news.

Bad news. There is very little selection worth consideration in the size range of asschers you are looking at on JA.

Good news is, I found one that has a lot of potential:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-283960 Bad news is that it is at the very top of your budget.

Good news again, is, you can ask JA to price match: http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/1.77-I-VS2-V.-Good-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-GIA-1152860425/ds-1464375/ Which brings it back under budget


I checked GOG too.

You may have better luck waiting for Chris.

 

[kenny]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Kenny, can you loan me $35K for down payment?

Sure, just unbuckle that ticking collateral …

 

[gregchang35]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Good new and bad news.

Bad news. There is very little selection worth consideration in the size range of asschers you are looking at on JA.

Good news is, I found one that has a lot of potential:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-283960 Bad news is that it is at the very top of your budget.

Good news again, is, you can ask JA to price match: http://www.eternitybyyoni.com/1.77-I-VS2-V.-Good-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-GIA-1152860425/ds-1464375/ Which brings it back under budget


I checked GOG too.

You may have better luck waiting for Chris.

Gypsy- how do you do it???? You must have a special tracker on your computer! or you just have a knack for these things... i am just amazed at what you can do.

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I appreciate the good news and the bad news! That stone looks really gorgeous. It IS at the top of my price range, but is definitely a contender anyway.

Do you have any thoughts on this one? One of the online chat people at JA pointed it out, but I don't know about the color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.51-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-212683

They also pointed me to this one. It looks like a nice compromise with color (it has color, but it is warmer tones that I think would look nice in the rose gold setting), but dimension wise, is it going to look the same as what I have?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-239777

 

[MarionC]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I appreciate the good news and the bad news! That stone looks really gorgeous. It IS at the top of my price range, but is definitely a contender anyway.

Do you have any thoughts on this one? One of the online chat people at JA pointed it out, but I don't know about the color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.51-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-212683

They also pointed me to this one. It looks like a nice compromise with color (it has color, but it is warmer tones that I think would look nice in the rose gold setting), but dimension wise, is it going to look the same as what I have?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-239777

If I were you I would call and talk to Gary F. at JA. He gets in at 8am tomorrow, I think, unless they are having some bad snow there.
He was really good to talk to and will only recommend winners. Discuss the various JA Asshers with him and he will let you know if they are what you are looking for.

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Awesome, I will definitely do that! I think I got spoiled living in NYC and being able to visit places like ERD or GOG in person. It seems impossible to choose something based off of online photos, so having someone with a good eye to talk to might be just what I need - especially when looking at stones with color in them. Or I can always narrow it down to a couple options and order them to compare in person.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

I appreciate the good news and the bad news! That stone looks really gorgeous. It IS at the top of my price range, but is definitely a contender anyway.

Do you have any thoughts on this one? One of the online chat people at JA pointed it out, but I don't know about the color.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.51-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-sku-212683

They also pointed me to this one. It looks like a nice compromise with color (it has color, but it is warmer tones that I think would look nice in the rose gold setting), but dimension wise, is it going to look the same as what I have?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/asscher-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-239777

I'll be honest. Both are terrible. They are very poor examples of asshers. On scale of.1-10 the.first one is a 2 .and the second a.0.

 

[kellc]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Yikes! I'm thinking maybe I should stick with only trying to buy something I can see in person. The JA person helping me seemed to think the 2nd one was a great option.

OR honestly maybe my plan moving forward is to forget about upgrading this stone, or think about a different shape like an Old Mine Cut where I can get a much larger face-up for under 10k.

Maybe I just haven't spent enough time on Pricescope because I seriously can't imagine wearing a piece of jewelry all the time that costs more than that! I would be so nervous about it! So so far I'm not tempted to up my budget, but if I stick around here longer, I have a feeling that could change, haha.

 

[MarionC]

Re: Asscher weight - 1ct vs. 1.5 - will I notice a differenc

Yikes! I'm thinking maybe I should stick with only trying to buy something I can see in person. The JA person helping me seemed to think the 2nd one was a great option.

OR honestly maybe my plan moving forward is to forget about upgrading this stone, or think about a different shape like an Old Mine Cut where I can get a much larger face-up for under 10k.

Maybe I just haven't spent enough time on Pricescope because I seriously can't imagine wearing a piece of jewelry all the time that costs more than that! I would be so nervous about it! So so far I'm not tempted to up my budget, but if I stick around here longer, I have a feeling that could change, haha.

Kellc,
Just saw these posts - hadn't visited the thread in a while and anyway, it looks as though you are headed in another direction.
Not only are Asschers tricky, but getting the right person at JA can be too. I was totally happy with a guy named Gary F.
He could only recommend one Asscher when I was looking and it was something that we had to wait to come on the market, so he was very selective and helpful - and it turned out to be all we hoped it would be. He really puts his heart into the search. But some of my conversations with others have been less than satisfactory. There are people there who just say "great choice!"
and one told me the K I was looking at would look yellow, but it was a faint brown. He hadn't even looked at the certificate and just assumed since it was a K that it would be yellow. For some people like Gary, it's a true service and he is really into the diamonds. For others it's just a job.

and by the way, the 1.55 I got seems HUGE to me and kind of gets in the way. I probably could have been happy with a 1.3 or so. Also the insurance is a pain. I'm really soul-searching this week. I'm having the independent appraisal on the stone today, so I may be back searching again. But I sincerely hope not - it's a bit tedious after a while - and as you said - better, easier to buy what you can see.

In any event it will be fun to see what you come up with in your search. I think my next search - when my budget recovers - will be an OEC.