A New Trend?

Asscher-cut stone

      Once I discovered decided our engagement was imminent, I began a quest for a unique, yet elegant engagement ring.  After an extensive search, I finally found the Asscher-cut and absolutely fell in love with it. This origination of Asscher-cut diamonds can be traced back to the 19th century, but they didn't become popular until the 1920s -- one of my favorite eras! Many people think of it as an art-deco piece of jewelry, but I don't think it has to be because there are so many options with side stones and pave diamonds these days.

     As you can see from the picture, an Asscher-cut diamond is a uniquely shaped square, which resembles an octagon, but has cut edges. The second (and, I  think most beautiful) quality is the "hall of mirrors" effect when you peer deeply into the stone.  Some jewelers also call it a "square emerald."  Production of Asscher-cut diamonds was severely cut during the Great Depression and they are only now starting to regain prominence. 

The ring we used to design mine

    I eventually stumbled upon "my" ring (Asscher-cut center stone, two trapezoid side stones and two baguette side stones) on the internet, printed a picture and decided we had to replicate it with a local jeweler. It had exactly the timeless, vintage, sophisticated feel I was hoping for. After working with a jeweler for MANY months, Jim completely surprised me one night after work in August 2009 with a bouquet of roses in the backyard. Of course, once I picked up the roses, the ring was hidden underneath. It was a really special moment and  Jim even thought ahead to make sure Buster was there to 

witness the whole event. I'll never forget it!

    Fast forward about a year to when Chelsea Clinton became engaged and began sporting an Asscher-cut diamond. Then, last month, I was catching up on celebrity gossip when I saw that Nick Lachey proposed to Vanessa Minnillo with an Asscher-cut diamond flanked with trapezoids!!! I later found out that Jessica Alba and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz rock Asscher-cut engagement rings too! I just hope that they don't become too popular :-)