Looking to know which is better between Asscher VS Radiant Cut Diamonds?
You’re at the right place!
This is our comparison of the Asscher VS Radiant Cut Diamonds
In this article, I have reviewed both diamond cuts in-depth and will fully explain to you which one is better.
Let’s get started with an in-depth look at what sets these diamond cuts apart.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What’s The Difference Between Asscher VS Radiant Cut Diamonds?
The Asscher cut diamond is known for its square shape with eight sides. It is a step-cut diamond, meaning that its facets are arranged in a way that creates a high crown and a deep pavilion. Unlike brilliant cuts, the Asscher cut prioritizes clarity over brilliance, resulting in a sophisticated and elegant look. The straight-edged facets of an Asscher cut have the same length and width, and its four corners are beveled, creating an additional four sides that mimic the shape of an emerald cut.
However, it is important to note that the Asscher cut is square-shaped compared to the elongated design of emerald cuts. The Asscher cut was developed by the Asscher brothers in the early 1900s, and they also introduced the Royal Asscher cut, which features 74 facets for enhanced brilliance and sparkle.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
Radiant cut diamonds, on the other hand, boast a brilliant cut and a square or rectangular shape. These diamonds have 70 facets designed to maximize white light return, creating a dazzling and brilliant appearance. One distinguishing feature of radiant cuts is their cropped corners, which are beveled to remove sharp points and instead create diagonal edges on each end.
Radiant cuts were the first diamonds to combine the square shape with a brilliant facet pattern on both the pavilion and the crown. This unique combination was achieved by Henry Grossbard in the 1970s, who blended the techniques used in designing emerald and brilliant cuts. The result is a diamond that maintains an overall shape similar to emerald cuts while exhibiting facets similar to round cuts, delivering a balance of brilliance and elegance.
Comparison of Asscher and Radiant Cuts
1. Shape
One of the key differences between Asscher and radiant cuts lies in their shape. Asscher cuts are square, with a length-to-width ratio typically ranging from 1.00 to greater than 1.08. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) defines any ratio between 1.00 and 1.05 as square, while ratios above 1.05 start to deviate from a perfect square.
On the other hand, radiant cuts offer more flexibility in terms of shape, coming in both square and rectangular variations. For square radiant cuts, the optimal length-to-width ratio is typically between 1.00 and 1.03, where the diamond appears square to the naked eye. To achieve a rectangular radiant cut, a length-to-width ratio of 1.20 to 1.30 is recommended, ensuring a balanced and pleasing shape without excessive elongation.
2. Brilliance and Fire:
When it comes to brilliance and fire, Asscher and radiant cuts exhibit notable differences. Brilliance refers to how well a diamond collects and returns white light to the viewer, while fire is the effect of white light dispersing into a rainbow of colors. Due to their step-cut design, Asscher cuts do not possess strong brilliance compared to other cuts such as ovals, radiants, princess, or round diamonds. The step-cut facets of Asscher diamonds are not specifically designed to maximize brilliance. Similarly, the fire exhibited by Asscher cuts is relatively subdued compared to brilliant cuts, which tend to have more fire due to their multiple facets. However, it’s important to note that Asscher cuts can still appear stunning, especially when set in a halo setting that enhances their overall shine and presence.
On the other hand, radiant cuts are known for their exceptional brilliance. The brilliant cut with its numerous facets maximizes the white light return, resulting in a diamond that sparkles and shines. When you observe a well-cut radiant diamond and rotate it, you can witness the facets appearing to turn on and off, showcasing its brilliance. If you are specifically seeking a diamond that exhibits a vibrant rainbow effect, the radiant cut is a better choice compared to the Asscher cut.
3. Price:
Asscher cuts are generally more affordable compared to radiant cuts due to lower demand in the market. This price difference can be significant when considering diamonds of the same quality. For instance, a one-carat Asscher cut diamond with an H color grade and SI1 clarity from James Allen is priced at an average of $3,013. In contrast, a radiant cut diamond of the same quality is priced at an average of $3,402, representing a 13 percent increase in price for the radiant cut.
It is worth noting that prices can vary across different retailers and depend on factors such as certification, additional features, and market trends. However, as a general trend, Asscher cuts tend to be more budget-friendly compared to radiant cuts.
When choosing an Asscher cut, it is recommended to consider allocating the savings towards a setting with pavé or channel set diamonds. These additional diamond accents can enhance the overall brilliance and sparkle of the ring, compensating for the Asscher cut’s relatively lower brilliance compared to radiant cuts.
4. Clarity
While both Asscher and radiant cuts can have the same clarity grade, radiant diamonds often appear cleaner to the naked eye compared to Asscher cuts. The clarity grade of a diamond is determined by the presence of inclusions and their impact on the diamond’s durability, brilliance, and overall appearance. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a clarity scale that ranges from Flawless (no visible inclusions under 10x magnification) to I3 (inclusions visible to the naked eye).
However, it’s important to note that the brilliance of a diamond can sometimes hide inclusions, making the diamond appear to have a higher clarity. For most radiant and Asscher cuts under two carats, diamonds with a clarity grade of VS2 or higher will typically not have visible inclusions to the naked eye. It is recommended to start the search for radiant or Asscher cuts at the SI1 clarity grade to ensure a good balance between clarity and price.
For instance, a radiant cut diamond with a VS2 clarity grade may exhibit no visible inclusions even under high-resolution viewing. While these diamonds may still have small inclusions such as feathers, twinning wisps, or etch channels, they are often transparent and do not significantly affect the diamond’s overall appearance.
It’s important to consider that as carat weight increases, the likelihood of visible inclusions also increases. Therefore, when selecting higher carat weight diamonds, it is crucial to carefully assess the clarity and ensure that any inclusions are not overly noticeable to the naked eye.
5. Color
Diamonds are graded on a color scale that ranges from colorless to light, based on the presence of yellow or brown hues. Colorless diamonds are generally considered more valuable.
Both radiant cuts and Asscher cuts have tendencies to show color, although for different reasons. Radiant cuts can exhibit color due to their shallow corners and the way they distribute significant weight below the pavilion. If you desire a radiant diamond that appears colorless to the naked eye, it is recommended not to go below an H color grade on the GIA color scale.
Asscher cuts, being step-cut diamonds, also have a propensity to show color. They are not specifically designed to maximize brilliance, which could help hide color. Asscher cuts with color grades above I are often considered colorless when viewed without magnification. However, if you choose a larger Asscher diamond, it may require a color grade of H or higher to minimize the presence of noticeable color.
It’s important to consider personal preferences when it comes to diamond color. While some individuals prefer the classic colorless appearance, others may appreciate a hint of warmth in their diamond. Ultimately, the choice of color grade depends on individual preferences and the desired overall aesthetic.
6. Popularity
Radiant cuts are more popular in the diamond market compared to Asscher cuts. According to industry estimates, radiant cuts hold the eighth position in terms of popularity among diamond cuts, while Asscher cuts are ranked at number eleven. Radiant cuts make up approximately two to three percent of the market share.
In contrast, Asscher cuts have a lower demand and account for less than one percent of the market. This lower demand is reflected in the inventory of diamond retailers. Most retailers tend to have a larger selection of radiant cuts compared to Asscher cuts. For instance, Brilliance, a diamond retailer, offers 4,400 radiant cuts in their inventory, while they have 2,000 Asscher cuts available. Similarly, James Allen, another popular retailer, provides a wider range of choices with 4,000 radiant cuts compared to 1,800 Asscher cuts.
If you prefer a diamond cut that is more popular and offers a greater variety of options, a radiant cut would be the suitable choice. Radiant cuts have a wider presence in the market and are readily available from various retailers. However, it’s important to note that both Asscher and radiant cuts offer an alternative to the traditional round cut, making them appealing for those seeking a diamond that stands out from the most popular styles. Whether you choose an Asscher or radiant cut, you can enjoy the uniqueness and distinctive beauty that these cuts offer.
7. Size
When it comes to size, the carat weight of a diamond determines its size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight, such as one carat each, are considered to be the same size. However, many buyers are concerned with how large a diamond appears, even if it has the same weight as others. In this regard, Asscher cuts have an advantage over radiant cuts.
Asscher cuts have a larger table size, which is the flat top facet of the diamond. The straight facets of an Asscher cut create the illusion of a wider surface area, making it appear bigger compared to a radiant cut. On the other hand, radiant cuts hide a significant portion of their weight beneath the table, which can give them a smaller surface area. However, the elongated shape of a radiant cut can help counterbalance this trait.
For example, if you were to place a two-carat Asscher cut diamond next to a two-carat radiant cut diamond, the Asscher cut would likely appear larger due to its wider surface area.
8. Durability
In terms of durability, both Asscher and radiant cuts are considered to be more durable than cuts with sharp corners such as baguette, princess, or trilliant cuts. Sharp corners can weaken the structure of a diamond and make it more susceptible to chipping or damage. However, neither Asscher cuts nor radiant cuts have sharp corners. Instead, their corners are cropped to avoid sharp points, contributing to their durability.
Both Asscher and radiant cuts are unlikely to chip when subjected to impact or dropped on a hard surface. However, to further enhance their durability, it is recommended to choose a strong setting for these cuts. A bezel setting, which features a metal ring surrounding the diamond’s crown, can provide added protection against impact. Although bezel settings may slightly diminish the diamond’s brilliance, they offer improved durability.
9. Settings
The setting of an engagement ring plays a significant role in its overall appeal, complementing the center diamond. Both Asscher and radiant cuts can be paired with various settings, providing flexibility in design options. Some popular settings that work well with both cuts include prongs, bezel, tension, and cathedral settings.
Online jewelry stores often offer the option to visualize how a diamond fits in different settings, allowing you to explore the aesthetics of both radiant and Asscher cuts. Take the time to examine the cuts in various settings to find the combination that best suits your style and preferences. For example, you might find that a radiant cut held in place by flat prongs or an Asscher cut with pave diamonds along the shank enhances the overall look of the ring.
If you want the focus to be solely on the center diamond, a solitaire setting where no other elements distract from it can be a great choice. However, it’s important to consider the color of the setting as it can impact the appearance of the Asscher or radiant cut. Avoid settings that bring out yellow tones in the diamond, as it may detract from its beauty.
How to Decide Between Asscher and Radiant Cuts
When deciding between an Asscher and radiant cut, consider the following tips. Choose an Asscher cut if you are not overly concerned with maximizing brilliance, prefer a square-shaped diamond without sharp corners, and are looking for a more budget-friendly option in terms of price per carat. On the other hand, opt for a radiant cut if you desire a brilliant cut that is different from the traditional round or princess cuts, prioritize durability while still wanting a square or rectangular diamond, and seek a brilliant cut that is relatively less expensive compared to other options in its category.
To find the perfect radiant or Asscher cut for your engagement ring, explore different settings and consider your personal style and preferences. By combining the right cut with a suitable setting, you can create a ring that is unique and reflects your individual taste.
