Step Cut Diamond Details

[loriken214]

What exactly is a step cut diamond? How does it compare to an emerald cut diamond? Do you have any photos to share with me?

Lori

 

[MqLove]

My understanding is that a step cut is any where the facets are parallel to the girdle. So emerald cuts, and asschers, are the two most common examples of step cut diamonds.

 

[loriken214]

I guess what I'm confused about is the term "square cut emerald" diamond. Is this the term for an Asscher cut diamond? I've seen square cut diamonds that look like squatty emerald cuts....they seem to be antique looking cuts.

Does this make any sense?

Lori

 

[Amys Bling]

I googled it. Asscher seems to be the branded name for a square cut emerald. There doesn't seem to be a difference (according to thediamondbuyingguide.com)

 

[decodelighted]

There is another name for Square Step Cuts that DO NOT have cut corners .... I believe they're called CARRE cuts -- and often used in smaller sizes for channel set applications. Demi Moore's ring is some kind of antique combo of Emerald and Carre cut - like a giant baguette that doesn't have cut corners.

 

[kenny]

GIA avoids legal liability from using cut terms that may legally belong to a business that did not cut the diamond.
The term asscher may be argued to be the possession of the Asscher family or their company Royal Asscher Company.
Hence, GIA uses the term Square Cut Emerald for what almost everyone else now just calls an asscher.

Emerald cut and asschers are both considered step cuts.

 

[iota15]

Asscher is a name brand. Emerald and asscher (square step cuts) are both step cuts.

The term ``radiants`` are also never used in GIA certificates. It`s always known as modified rectangular brilliants, or something to that effect.

 

[decodelighted]

I wonder if there's a bit of a judgement call or some L/W ratio standards -- but I've seen antique "asschers" that are more rectangular than square. Which would either be "squatty Emeralds" or "wonky Asschers"?

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Technically, is an asscher a royal asscher? And anything that isn't a royal asscher is a square emerald cut?

Royal asschers have five steps on the pavillion, which gives it a slightly different look than the generic asschers (thinner steps). They also typically have small tables and high crowns.

 

[MissStepcut]

I wonder if there's a bit of a judgement call or some L/W ratio standards -- but I've seen antique "asschers" that are more rectangular than square. Which would either be "squatty Emeralds" or "wonky Asschers"?

I have noticed some "emeralds" have a culet that comes to a point, whereas more traditional emeralds have a culet that's a line. Maybe that's what you're thinking of when you think of "wonky asscher"?

 

[coati]

What exactly is a step cut diamond? How does it compare to an emerald cut diamond? Do you have any photos to share with me?

Lori

"Step cut" is a general term for a cutting style--4-sided facets in rows that run parallel to the girdle on the crown and pavilion. So, emerald cuts, Royal Asscher Cuts, square emerald cuts, and carré cuts are all step cuts.

I guess what I'm confused about is the term "square cut emerald" diamond. Is this the term for an Asscher cut diamond? I've seen square cut diamonds that look like squatty emerald cuts....they seem to be antique looking cuts.

Does this make any sense?

Lori

You'll hear "asscher" used to refer to square step cuts, but the term originated with Joseph Asscher's design created in 1902. The company based its patented (2001) Royal Asscher Cut on the original but developed it for improved performance. The Royal Asscher has a high crown, 74 facets, 5 steps on the pavilion and 3 on the crown.

Mike Asscher describes the evolution of the Royal Asscher Cut.
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/qa-trade-mike-asscher

Some additional pics of Royal Asscher Cut diamonds:
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/live-jck-2011-royal-asscher

hth!