Asscher Cut (Square Emerald Cut)
The Asscher Cut is the brand name of the Asscher family’s Square Emerald Cut from the early 1900s. The Asscher cut diamond disappeared around the time of the Great Depression and has recently reappeared. Asscher cuts are more brilliant, have a smaller tables and larger crowns, deeper pavilions, and larger step facets than square Emerald cuts. Color and inclusions are not as easily noticeable as in Emerald cuts due to their unique facet layout and alignment. A misaligned table may, however, be more noticeable than an Emerald cut because of its size. The beauty of this cut is derived from how the viewer’s eye can look through the center of the stone in perfect symmetry.
A color grade of at least H and clarity grade of at least VS2 with Good Polish and Very Good Symmetry are recommended.
Square (Length-to-Width Ratio of 1:1)
Table               58-78%
Total Depth    58-80%
For AGS Labs take on Emerald cuts see: http://www.agslab.com/marketingpdfs/CuttingGuideforEmeralds.pdf
Variations: Lecere, Royal Asscher, and Sunflower