What are step cut diamonds?

Step cut diamonds are one of the oldest diamond cuts that are still worn today. Step cut diamonds are instantly recognisable by their narrow table, which descends in ‘step cuts’ towards a larger pavilion. These facets look like steps - which gives step cut diamonds their name. Step cut diamonds usually come in square or rectangular shapes. Step cut diamonds are known for being incredibly shiny and sparkly, as the step cuts create a ‘mirror’ effect.

What is the difference between step cut and brilliant cut?

The main difference between brilliant cut and step cut diamonds is the type of sparkle that each cut produces. The facets of a brilliant diamond create a very intense sparkle effect, however step cut diamonds produce a subtle glow. Step cut diamonds are very popular as engagement rings, as their subtle vintage beauty appeals to many.

Is step cut the same as emerald cut?

The term ‘step cut diamond’ refers to a family of different diamond shapes. Many different forms of diamond could be considered ‘step cut,’ including Asscher, Emerald and Baguette cut. Emerald cut is one of the many different types of step cut diamond. Emerald cut is also one of the oldest types of step cut diamond, tracing back to the 16th Century.

Which are the most popular step-cut diamond shapes?

Step cut diamonds have been incredibly popular since the 1500s. One of the oldest and most popular types of step cut diamond could be the emerald cut. Emerald step cut diamonds were very popular during the 1920s, as their geometric shape fit perfectly with the Art Deco aesthetic. Asscher step cut diamonds were invented by legendary diamond cutter Joseph Asscher in 1902, and was also very popular during the Art Deco movement. Step cut diamonds have been popular, especially as engagement rings, for centuries.

How to determine the value of vintage step cut diamond rings?

Here at Berganza, there are many things we take into consideration when evaluating our antique step cut diamond rings. They are often very valuable, so we take great care in the process of evaluation. First of all, we pay close attention to the step cut diamond in order to determine its value. If you have any authentication (such as proof of purchase, proof of designer) this can increase the value of your vintage step cut diamond jewellery. Antique step cut diamond jewellery is incredibly valuable, and we are committed to conducting accurate assessments on each piece that passes through our doors.

Antique Step Cut Diamond Rings

Step cut diamonds have a rich and interesting history. Many different forms of diamond could be considered ‘step cut,’ including Asscher, Emerald and Baguette cut.

Step cut diamonds are one of the oldest diamond formations that we still wear today, tracing back to the 1500s. When you hear the term ‘step cut diamond’, it is usually referring to a family of diamond shapes.

Step cut diamonds can be recognised by their narrow table, which descends in ‘step cuts’ towards a larger pavilion. These progressing facets often look like steps - which is where the step cut diamond got its name. These diamonds are usually square or rectangular in shape, and the facets are arranged as parallel lines on all four sides of the stone. This cut usually creates a ‘mirrored’ effect, making the stone look dynamic and bright.

When choosing step cut diamond jewellery, it’s important to look at the colour and clarity of the stone. Step cut diamonds have a larger table and fewer facets than other diamond cuts, which means it is easier to see inclusions. A lot of step cut diamond jewellery uses diamonds of extremely high quality.

Throughout history, step cut diamonds have been popular as engagement rings, although they have recently grown in popularity. The oldest step cut diamonds can be traced back to the 1500s. However, names such as the ‘Emerald’ and ‘Asscher’ cut were coined in the 1920s.

Step cut diamond jewellery was incredibly popular during the 1920s. The 1920s was a time of artistic and aesthetic revolution, reflecting the incredible social change that happened at the time. After the First World War, society wanted a change from the old style of the Victorian and Edwardian jewellery era. The art deco movement of the 1920s popularised clean lines and geometric shapes. Step cut diamonds are often fashioned into squares of rectangles, meaning they were often used in Art Deco engagement rings.

After the Second World War, people wanted more traditional diamond cuts, and the step cut diamond began to decline in popularity. However, in recent years, step cut diamond jewellery has been making a huge comeback. The elegance and beauty of step cut diamond jewellery is hard to ignore, and they are now one of the most popular styles for modern engagement rings.

Here at Berganza, we are proud to present the finest step cut diamond jewellery in our collection, which is steeped in history. If any of our step cut diamond rings or other jewellery pieces catches your eye, please be in touch with us here online. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit us at our showroom at the heart of Hatton Garden.