Although it was first introduced in 1902, the Asscher cut did not become popular until the 1920s.

It was created by the Asscher Brothers of Holland’s Asscher Diamond Company (now the Royal Asscher Diamond Company), who, at the time, were famous for cutting a 3,106 carat rough diamond. For decades after the Great Depression, Asscher cuts were primarily found in vintage jewelry stores, but the shape surged in popularity again during the early 2000s.

Asscher cuts look similar to emerald cuts with the most obvious difference being that they are square, as opposed to rectangular. This cut features large step facets and a high crown that produces a brilliance unlike any other diamond shape. In fact, diamond experts often refer to the shine and sparkle of an Asscher cut diamond as an endless hallway with reflective mirrors. Although the Asscher cut is known as a square shape, it is actually somewhat octagonal since all four corners are cropped. However, these cropped corners are not noticeable once the diamond is mounted into a four-prong setting, unlike a true octagon.

In longer (more rectangular) radiant cut diamonds, a bow-tie effect is more likely. Although, not as common as in oval, marquise, and pear cuts), varying from near invisible to severe.

In addition, the visibility of a bow-tie effect cannot be ascertained by reviewing the diamond certificate or dimensions, but only upon visual inspection. The square radiant looks very similar to a princess cut, but with cropped corners. Once set, a square radiant and a princess look virtually identical, since the prongs cover the corners.

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