Elizabeth Taylor's Ring: The Asscher-Cut Diamond Icon

Few rings are as legendary as Elizabeth Taylor's. The actress owned some of the most famous diamonds of the 20th century, and her enormous Asscher-cut stone from Richard Burton, later known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, remains a benchmark for old-Hollywood glamour.

Its clean geometry and vintage character are exactly why the Asscher cut has come back into fashion. Here is what it is, why the Asscher cut works so well, and how to capture the look. See more celebrity engagement rings for inspiration.

In short: Elizabeth Taylor's most famous ring is a large Asscher-cut diamond, a stepped, square shape with cropped corners, given to her by Richard Burton. The stone weighed over 30 carats and later sold for millions. Reve has recreated the look, the Elizabeth Taylor Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, available from £2,300.

The ring, in detail

The Asscher cut is a square step cut with deeply cropped corners, giving it an almost octagonal outline and a distinctive hall-of-mirrors depth. Elizabeth Taylor's stone was exceptional in both size and quality, a true collector's diamond, and it has been admired for decades as one of the great Hollywood jewels.

The shape has a strong Art Deco character, which is a large part of why it feels both vintage and thoroughly current again.

• Diamond cut: Asscher (square step cut)
• Character: Art Deco, vintage
• Given by: Richard Burton
• Legacy: Known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond
• Style: Old-Hollywood glamour

What is an Asscher cut?

The Asscher cut is a square step cut with cropped corners and concentric facets that draw the eye inward, creating a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. Developed in the early 20th century, it is closely tied to Art Deco design and rewards a clean, high-quality stone. Our diamond education guide explains how step cuts differ from brilliant cuts.

Why the Asscher cut endures

The Asscher has a timeless, architectural elegance: geometric, symmetrical and calm rather than fiery. It suits anyone drawn to vintage glamour and clean lines, and it looks especially striking set simply so the shape can speak for itself.

How to get the look

Choose an Asscher-cut diamond, set it simply so the step facets are the star, and consider a vintage-inspired or Art Deco band. Because step cuts show clarity, prioritise a clean stone. In a lab-grown diamond you can go large while keeping the clarity this cut demands.

Prefer a ready-made version? Our own recreation captures the look: the Elizabeth Taylor Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, from £2,300.

Is an Asscher cut right for you?

An Asscher cut is elegant, geometric and full of vintage character, which makes it perfect if you love Art Deco style and clean lines. It sparkles with depth rather than fire, and it rewards a clear stone. If old-Hollywood glamour appeals, it is a beautiful choice.

Frequently asked

What kind of ring is Elizabeth Taylor's ring?

Her most famous diamond is a large Asscher-cut stone, a stepped square shape with cropped corners, given to her by Richard Burton and known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.

How much was the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond worth?

The stone later sold at auction for several million dollars. Its exact original value reflected its exceptional size and quality.

What is an Asscher cut?

A square step cut with cropped corners and concentric facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. It has a strong Art Deco character and rewards a high-quality stone.

Can I get a similar ring for less?

Yes. A lab-grown Asscher-cut diamond captures the same look for a fraction of the cost, and lets you go large while keeping clarity high. Reve's own recreation starts from £2,300.

Design your own celebrity-inspired ring. Bring us a photo or just an idea, and our goldsmiths will create a bespoke Asscher-cut ring in lab-grown or natural diamonds, with free lifetime aftercare. Shop the Reve recreation or explore engagement rings.