Princess-Cut Diamonds vs. Asscher-Cut Diamonds: Which is Better?

Diamonds are beautiful and spectacular, and you know that they come in all sorts of different shapes. The way that the stone is shaped makes for a unique piece of jewelry that is going to please its wearer. You’ve likely heard of some of these cuts before, but what is the difference between a princess-cut diamond and an asscher-cut diamond?

A princess-cut diamond is shaped like a square. An asscher-cut diamond is similar visually, but differs because it is actually shaped in an octagon. The reason why this matters is that it can change the look of the piece; depending on the shape of the stone, this changes how many facets are included and how much light is reflected.

There is plenty more to discover on which one is the right cut for you and to figure this out, you can continue reading to reach the perfect conclusion. Diamonds are an investment, and you should be happy with the style that you choose—let’s start with the basics.

What a Princess Cut Looks Like

A princess-cut diamond is considered a fancy shape. It is a modern cut that is continuously gaining popularity, even today. Since it is a well-known cut, princess-cut diamonds are a very popular choice for engagement rings.

Because they are fancier than traditional round-cut diamonds, they tend to make rings and other pieces look even more brilliant. Not only is the princess-cut a favorite for consumers, but it is also a favorite among jewelers because it’s not too far off from the shape of a rough diamond.

With minimal labor involved, princess-cut diamonds can prove to be very affordable. This means that you can get a fancy diamond for a price that you wouldn’t be expecting to pay—that is a great feeling in the jewelry-buying world!

When a jeweler cuts a diamond into a princess shape, they only need to cut the rough piece in two parts down the middle. As compared to a round shape, the jeweler would have to cut much more off of the rough stone. That is a lot of material saved!

What an Asscher Cut Looks Like

The Asscher-cut diamond is actually a mixture between a princess cut and an emerald cut. It contains facets all the way from each corner to its core. This type of cut is very brilliant to look at, but it has also been stated by jewelers that this can hide some inclusions and imperfections.

To some, masking imperfections is not a negative element to buying an asscher-cut diamond. Diamonds are rough and natural, so more often than not, they will have imperfections. They are a clean and balanced cut that can make for a happy medium between choosing a fancy cut and a lower grade stone.

Many people are drawn to this cut because it gives off a vintage type of vibe that is very sought-after these days. Brides love to have rings that look vintage but do not actually come with the vintage price tag. The entire point of an asscher-cut diamond is to showcase high clarity, even if the stone is not of majestic quality.

How Princess and Asscher Cuts Differ

If you are seeking quality, you should go with a princess-cut stone because this is going to be as close to its natural form as possible.

For something that looks just as brilliant but is usually priced lower, you should go with an asscher-cut diamond. Both cuts are sure to be pleasing to the eye, and both usually contain at least 58 facets per stone.

In comparison, a princess-cut diamond will have a depth of around 64-75%, while an asscher-cut diamond will have a depth of 60-70%. If you have concerns about the color of the diamond, a princess cut is going to be true to color, avoiding the yellowish tint that the asscher cut might usually display.

What it all comes down to is personal preference because the price difference is not going to be drastic. You might need to go to a few jewelry stores in person to take a look at the two cuts side-by-side.

The Final Decision

When choosing your diamond cut, you now have a little bit more knowledge about these two styles. A princess cut is more classic and well-known, but an asscher cut can also create the same impact while offering you a stone that might not be quite as high-quality.

There is nothing wrong with opting for something lower-quality that still looks just as brilliant, but it all depends on your own opinion of what looks best. Consult your local jeweler for more information. They will be able to help you pick the best cut for your budget