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

Picking the perfect cut for your diamond ring can be challenging. There are so many pros and cons to each different diamond shape. A particular form can completely change the price and look of your chosen diamond. Cushion and Asscher cut diamonds are incredibly similar and frequently compared with one another as well as occasionally mixed up, but what is the difference between Cushion cut and Asscher cut diamonds?

The most noticeable difference between a Cushion and Asscher cut diamond is the sparkle that the diamond produces when light passes through. A cushion cut sparkles more. There is a big difference when it comes to the price of the two diamonds, Asscher cuts cost more.

Although there are individual differences we can tell you about, these differences are usually spotted by professional gemologists rather than the naked eye. If you and I were staring at both a Cushion and an Asscher cut diamonds, it’s doubtful that we would know the difference unless we were professional gemologists.

What Is a Cushion Cut?

A Cushion cut can be best described as a square cut with the corners rounded; some people often describe the shape as a pillow, which can explain the name of the cut.

There are, however, different types of Cushion cut. They are known as the chunky Cushion and the crushed-ice Cushion.

A chunky Cushion consists of larger facets, and a crushed-ice Cushion has a more intense faceting pattern.

What Is an Asscher Cut?

The best way to describe an Asscher cut is a mixture of both the princess and emerald cuts, a square, emerald cut.

An Asscher cut has X-shaped facets, from the corners of the diamond to the central culet.

 

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How Do Cushion and Asscher Cuts Differ From One Another?

Even though they are often mistaken for each other, there are still many differences between the two types, perhaps not noticeable to the naked eye. The most certain factor is the sparkle difference between the two of them.

Color

If we were to compare both a Cushion and Asscher cut, which are both 2 carats. The Cushion cut diamond would be seen as less yellow in comparison to the Asscher cut. The reason for this is because of the brilliance of the Cushion cut, the sparkle it produces masks the yellowish color.

Summary: Cushion cut diamonds show less yellow in color grade.

Clarity

Asscher cuts don’t sparkle as much as the Cushion cut, because they are step cuts. Asscher cuts tend to show VS2 clarity inclusions. Most inclusions within Asscher cuts are visible, whereas the Cushion cut can easily hide any inclusions because of its sparkle.

Summary: Cushion cuts have better clarity due to their cut.

Sparkle

The shape of a diamond can ultimately determine how much the diamond will sparkle.

As I explained previously that there are two types of Cushion cuts. The crushed-ice Cushion cut enhances the sparkle better than the chunky Cushion cut.

Asscher cut diamonds do sparkle, and it is clear and more likely to show blemishes of the diamond. It, however, is cut in a particular way where it does not enhance the diamond’s sparkle as much as other cuts. If you are looking for a subdued sparkle, this could be the option for you.

Summary: Asscher cuts don’t sparkle as well.

Cost

The Asscher cut is the more expensive of the two cuts. The reason for this is because they are rare cut to get your hands on. A low number of diamonds are cut in an Asscher shape, which means that their price is higher.

Cushion cuts aren’t so expensive; they are more commonly made, which means they’re cheaper to purchase. Out of the two types of Cushion cuts, the chunky Cushion is more expensive because it’s usually cut from a better quality diamond than the crushed-ice Cushion.

Summary: Cushion cuts are more expensive.

Which Sparkles More?

To some people, the sparkle of a diamond is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing. So it is wise that we tell you which type of cut sparkles more, Asscher or the Cushion cut?

Sparkles can entirely depend on the arrangement of the facets within the diamonds. Both of these types of diamonds sparkle, but there is one that sparkles more. Overall, it is known that if you are looking for a diamond with sparkle, then the Cushion cut is the way to go rather than purchasing the Asscher cut. Cushion cuts sparkle more.

How to Choose Between the Asscher and Cushion Cut

The choice of an Asscher and a Cushion cut is entirely down to you. We all have personal tastes, and everyone will have different opinions. You should choose between the two cuts by selecting the cut that you like and stands out most to you.

There might be something you like about the Asscher cut and something you don’t like about the Cushion cut and vice versa.

Weigh out the options…

It would be best if you weighed the different factors up. For example:

• Do you want a subtle sparkle or a prominent sparkle?
• Do you want to spend more money or less?
• Do you want a diamond that has plenty of clarity or one that lacks it?
• Do you want more of a white or a yellow color diamond?