Asscher Cut
Created in the late 1800's by Joseph Asscher, the Asscher cut is the first square cut developed and the inspiration for the emerald cut. With its appearance of "graduating boxes," the Asscher cut remains one of the most intriguing and sought after cuts in diamonds, very classic and understated.
Cushion Cut / Old Miner
One of the earliest cuts developed, it features 58 facets like todays modern brilliant cut however, the proportions are quite different. Usually squarish or cushiony in appearance, the old mine / cushion cut can range from a very domed, high crown with a small table to an almost oval appearance. Because of the depth of cushion cuts, many were re-cut.
European Cut
Probably the last of the old cuts, the European is the direct predecessor of today's round brilliant cut. Symmetrical in it's roundness, the European maintains the characteristic of the old cuts with it's open culet and higher crown ( the modern round brilliant has a closed culet, a smaller crown and larger table).
Rose Cut
Believed to have been developed in India during the sixteenth century. The rose cut is faceted on the top half (the crown) of the stone and is flat at the bottom. The facets resemble the petals of a rose and range from three, and six facet cuts to more complex facets of 12, 18 and 24 facet patterns.
