The Hall Of Mirrors…
Asscher, Baguette, Trapezoid, and Emerald Cut Diamonds.
Every diamond has sparkle and shine, but some cuts like The Asscher, Emerald, Baguette, and even trapezoid cuts have brilliance that surpass all others. Most shapes, including round cut, princess cut, oval cut, cushion cut, radiant cut, pear shape, and marquise all possess so much scintillation. They catch light from their surroundings and bounce the rays in so many different directions giving you that fire and scintillation that other cutting styles cannot possible replicate.
The Emerald cut and the Asscher cut are two shapes in the step cut family that are used mainly used as center stones for engagement rings. They can also be used to create stunning wedding rings and eternity bands. The trapezoid and baguette cut diamonds are also in the step cut family, but are used in the most part as accents or side stones for engagement rings.
The step cut diamond features eight facets running down all four sides to draw the viewer’s attention to the center of the stone. They also have stepped facets running along its length and width in parallel lines, reminiscent of the steps of an Aztec temple or Egyptian pyramids. The diamond facets are arranged to look like steps, hence the name. Step cut diamonds are known for their dazzling hall of mirrors effect.
Step cut diamonds can be used in earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Our personal favorites are the eternity bands. An eternity band, also known as an infinity ring, is a ring of precious metal (gold or platinum) set with a continuous line of identically cut gemstones to symbolize never-ending love.
2.50CT 950 PLATINUM 5 EMERALD CUT WEDDING BAND WITH AIRLINE SETTING 019502
What Guarantees That A Diamond Gets The Classification Of a Step Cut?
Step cut diamonds have two defining characteristics.
- The loose diamond’s facets need to be rectangular–made up of straight lines–and run parallel to the stone’s girdle.
- Step cut diamonds must have a rectangular or square shape.
If you’re getting a step cut diamond as your engagement ring there are a few settings we can have them set into.
1.The first is a solitaire. The solitaire allows the beauty of the reflective properties of the step cut to be showcased all on its own. Not a single distraction. All the attention is focused on its brilliance.
2. The second would naturally be the Pave band. Why do I say naturally? Because the pave band is the replica of the solitaire in of it that it allows the diamond to be showcased on a pedestal…a pedestal of diamonds, that is. Again, it doesn’t detract from the brilliance of the step cut, but allows for a slight more pizazz on the finger of the person wearing it.
3. The third would be a halo setting. Now the halo settings are probably the least popular of the bunch because many people are not fond of the mix of brilliance and scintillation. Halos are normally made with round cut diamonds and the round diamonds reflect very differently from the step cut. Conversely, there are those that absolutely love the contrast in the cuts. It’s said that the round diamonds are the perfect frame for the masterpiece of the step cut diamond. The round cut halo allows for the perfect contrast of fire and brilliance.
1.75CT 950 PLATINUM EMERALD CUT 7 STONE WEDDING BAND 019270
4. The fourth is a favorite of mine. This would be the three stone look. The three stone look is comprised of the center diamond, being the step cut (either Emerald cut or Asscher) and two side diamonds. Normally the side diamonds for the step cut faceting style should also be step cut. Either baguette cut diamonds or the step cut trapezoids.
We have seen a step cut diamond set with two side diamonds that are not step cut, but it’s not always a top recommendation. The step cut is desirable because of its sleek lines and hall of mirrors effect, which is what makes them so desirable. To pair them with diamonds that are freer in their faceting style is almost a mismatch.
