18ct yellow gold Asscher cut halo engagement rings, handmade to order by our family workshop in the Cotswolds and set with a diamond you choose yourself. The Asscher cut is a square step-cut diamond with cut corners, much loved in the Art Deco era. A halo surrounds the center diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds for extra sparkle and a bigger look.
The Asscher cut diamond
The Asscher is the square cousin of the emerald cut. Its deep step facets and cut corners draw the eye into the center of the stone, giving a hypnotic, windmill-like pattern. First cut in 1902, it is the classic Art Deco diamond. The halo follows the outline of the Asscher diamond, so the shape reads clearly from across a room.
Why a halo?
A halo frames the center diamond with a ring of small diamonds. The extra sparkle makes the center stone look larger, so it is a good way to get a big look for less. Paired with a diamond-set band, it gives the most sparkle of all.
Why 18ct yellow gold?
18ct yellow gold is 75% pure gold, with the deep, warm color people picture when they think of a gold ring. It is not plated, so the color never fades. Some of our yellow gold designs hold the diamond in a white platinum head, so the stone looks as white as possible while the band stays golden. Yellow gold also flatters a slightly warmer diamond, so a stone in the H to J color range can look just as good as a pricier, whiter one. For a lower price, see our 9ct yellow gold engagement rings.
Choosing your Asscher diamond
Like the emerald cut, the Asscher shows its clarity, so choose VS2 or better. Look for a ratio between 1.00 and 1.05 for a true square. A G or H color keeps the step facets crisp and bright.
Choose your own diamond
Every ring is set with a center diamond you choose yourself, natural or lab-grown, from our live stock. Each stone has its grading report, and the ring page shows the finished price before you buy.
From our workshop to your door
Each ring is made for you in our Cotswolds workshop in 3 to 4 weeks, in 100% recycled metal, and independently hallmarked. We have made fine jewelry since 1969. UK delivery is free, every order comes with a prepaid returns pack, and returns are free within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are step cuts with cut corners. The Asscher is square, with deeper facets that draw the eye to the center; the emerald cut is longer, with a calmer, more open look.
Yes. The ring of small diamonds adds to the spread of the center stone, so it looks noticeably larger than it would on its own.
Yellow gold reflects a little warmth into the diamond, so a near-colorless stone in the H to J range looks just as good as a whiter, more expensive one. If you want an icy white stone, choose a design with a platinum head.
3 to 4 weeks from order, as every ring is made to order in our workshop. If you have a date in mind, contact us and we will do our best to help.