Step Cut

The emerald cut is the most famous step cut, named after the gem it was originally designed for. Its large, open table and step facets reveal inclusions easily but also showcase fine color and exceptional clarity. The Asscher cut is a square step cut with deeper pavilion angles and cropped corners. Step cuts produce a distinctive 'hall of mirrors' effect — broad flashes of light and dark rather than the sparkle of brilliant cuts. They are preferred for highly saturated colored stones like fine emeralds and sapphires where color, not brilliance, is the priority.