1.50ct Antique Asscher Cut Gypsy-Set Ring in 22ct Gold

Director’s Notes

The Asscher cut was designed by Joseph Asscher in 1902 in an attempt to best utilise the natural shape of octahedral rough diamond crystals. The cut is essentially a square shape with the corners cut off quite steeply creating an almost octagonal outline to the stone. The facets are carefully arranged in three rows of straight, step-like faces to the top and bottom of the stone which has a wonderfully elegant and clean appearance with a more subtle sparkle than cuts such as the round brilliant. It became increasingly popular during the early 20th Century, particularly in the Art Deco period when the straight edges and angles of the cut suited the aesthetic perfectly. The Asscher family have been diamond dealers since the mid 19th Century and are probably best known as the company entrusted with the cleaving and cutting of the world famous Cullinan diamond.