How to Choose Between Asscher Cut and Cushion Cut?

Your diamond should be an expression of your unique style. If you're drawn to vintage inspired glamour, the Asscher and Cushion cuts are likely on your radar. But which one truly reflects your personality? Are you captivated by the Asscher's sophisticated geometry or the cushion's timeless romance?

This guide will walk you through both styles, their key differences, and how to pick the one that suits you best.

Understanding the Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut, first made in 1902 by the Asscher brothers in Holland, is a square version of the emerald cut. It has big, rectangular steps inside that look like squares, creating a "hall of mirrors" effect that draws your eyes into the stone. Unlike super sparkly cuts like the round brilliant, the Asscher cut highlights the stone's clarity and depth. The result? A simple, timeless shine.

Key Features of the Asscher Cut:

• Square Shape: The Asscher cut is a square shape with trimmed corners. This makes it different from the longer emerald cut. 
• Step Facets: Large, flat facets give the Asscher cut a special sparkle with light and shadow, showing off the diamond's clarity. 
• High Crown and Deep Pavilion: The top and bottom parts of the diamond are taller and deeper, which adds to its shine and beauty. 
• Trimmed Corners: The trimmed corners make the diamond look like an octagon and help protect it from chipping.

When choosing an Asscher cut diamond, clarity is very important. Its big facets can show flaws more easily, so it's best to pick one with a clarity grade of VS2 or higher. Color also matters—while lower grades might still look nice, higher color grades (D-F) will make the diamond shine brighter. 

The Asscher cut is simple, elegant, and perfect for those who love a classic, vintage look. Its clean lines and unique sparkle make it stand out from other cuts. Next, we’ll look at the Cushion cut and compare it with the Asscher so you can find the right match for you.

Understanding the Cushion Cut

The cushion cut is exactly what it sounds like—it looks like a small, soft pillow! This timeless design has been around for over 200 years and is still a go to choice for brides. With its rounded corners and larger facets, it gives off a soft, romantic vibe. Its 58 facets create a beautiful sparkle, making it a classic favorite that never goes out of style.

The cushion cut has been around long before the modern round and actually evolved from the "old mine" cut. It’s got that timeless, vintage vibe, but today’s cushion cuts are even better—modern cutting techniques have made them more symmetrical and brilliantly sparkly!

Key Features of the Cushion Cut:

• Shape: Square or rectangle with rounded edges, like a pillow. 
• Facets: 58 small flat surfaces, but this can vary. 
• Sparkle: Known for its bright sparkle and shine. 
• Color: The shape helps hide color better than some other cuts. 
• Clarity: Small flaws are harder to see compared to round cuts.

Key Differences Between Asscher and Cushion Cuts

The Asscher cut is a vintage style diamond cut with a square shape and cropped corners. When you look at it from above, you can see an "X" pattern, often called the "hall of mirrors" effect. This comes from its large, flat steps that reflect light in flashes instead of a sparkly rainbow effect. Asscher cuts focus on clarity, so any flaws in the diamond are easier to see because of the big facets.

The cushion cut, named because it looks like a pillow, has rounded corners and bigger facets. It’s a softer, more romantic shape that can be square or rectangular. Cushion cuts can shine differently depending on the style. Modern cushion cuts are made to sparkle a lot, while antique cushion cuts have a chunkier look with less shine.

The biggest difference is how they handle light. Asscher cuts focus on clarity and have a soft, elegant shine, while cushion cuts are brighter and more sparkly. This happens because of the way their shapes and angles reflect light. Asscher cuts create bold contrasts between light and dark, while cushion cuts give a gentler, more even sparkle.

Another big difference is the look of the two cuts. The Asscher cut has a classic, vintage style that feels elegant and timeless. The cushion cut, however, is seen as more romantic and flexible, working well with both modern and vintage designs.

To summarize the key differences, here’s a handy comparison table:

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Choosing between an Asscher cut and a cushion cut diamond can be tough! They’re both gorgeous, but they each have their own unique look and sparkle. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you decide:

Sparkle and Brilliance

• Asscher: Known for its clear look and sharp, square shape. It creates a beautiful mirrored effect that reflects light in a stunning way. 
• Cushion: Has a soft, romantic shape. Its rounded edges make it shine warmly with a mix of sparkle and glow.

Appearance

• Asscher: A bold, modern design with sharp angles and a square shape with cut corners, giving it a unique, stylish look. 
• Cushion: A classic choice with soft, rounded edges. It can be almost square or slightly longer, making it flexible for different styles.

Color

• Asscher: The straight cut sides of the Asscher can make small color differences easier to see. 
• Cushion: The rounded sides of the Cushion shape help hide small color differences better.

Size and Shape

• Asscher: A square shaped design that looks neat and defined, perfect for those who like a clean and precise style. 
• Cushion: Can be almost square or more stretched out, giving you more options to match your personal style and finger shape.

Personal Style

• Asscher: Perfect for anyone who loves modern, square designs and a bold, eye-catching look. 
• Cushion: A timeless and flexible option that works well with both old-fashioned and modern styles.

Budget

Asscher: Can sometimes cost more than a cushion cut of the same size and quality because of the detailed work needed for its design.

By thinking about these things, you can choose a diamond that matches your style and makes you happy for years to come.

Which Cut Is Right for You?

There is no right or wrong choice when we are going to select a diamond between the two options. The most important thing is that it will be right and represent your unique style.

If you are drawn to a vintage, art deco aesthetic and appreciate a unique geometric look then the Asscher cut diamond is the best and most beautiful choice. Its sharp, angular facets create maximum sparkle and fire.

And if you are drawn to a more classic and romantic feel, the cushion cut is also the best option. Its soft, pillow-like shape offers a balance of brilliance and sparkle, making it a beautiful choice.

Conclusion

Now you are equipped with the knowledge of Asscher and cushion cuts so it is time to make your selection between Asscher or Cushion diamond. So it is the right time to examine your personal preferences, try on different styles, and explore various settings. If you still need help to select the best option out there in the market then consult our expert and get the right guidance from our expert.

Find the diamond cut that speaks to you and make your engagement ring as special as your love story!