The Asscher Cut, although not well-defined, is generally described as a forerunner of the emerald cut. The Asscher Cut was developed prior to 1910, when the rotary diamond saw revolutionized modern diamond cutting.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUES
It is a square cut characterized by a smaller table and larger steps than an emerald. It features dramatic, cut corners. It usually has a higher crown and a deeper pavilion than today's emerald cuts. There are no "ideal" proportions for an Asscher Cut and they are not common. Most of what is in the marketplace is found in estate and antique venues. These stones tend to be large - often in the 6-carat range.
A well-cut Asscher diamond delivers more brilliance and dispersion than most fine-cut modern cuts. However, many beautiful Asschers have been recut into modern, flat emerald or radiant cuts because these more contemporary cuts offer more liquidity in today's diamond market.