Among the countless ways a diamond can be cut, only a handful achieve true distinction. The Ashoka is one of them. Instantly recognisable to those fluent in fine jewellery, this elongated diamond with its softly rounded corners possesses a poise that feels both modern and timeless. Elegant without being austere, it offers the crisp geometry collectors admire in emerald cuts, but with a brilliance that feels far more alive.
That brilliance is no accident. The Ashoka cut features 62 meticulously arranged facets, engineered to amplify light in a way that traditional step cuts rarely achieve. While an emerald-cut diamond is celebrated for its clean architectural lines, it is not typically known for sparkle. The Ashoka changes that equation entirely. Its additional facets create a vibrant play of light, producing a brightness and scintillation that feels noticeably more radiant on the hand.
Achieving that effect is neither quick nor easy. Each Ashoka diamond can take up to six months to cut and polish, a painstaking process requiring extraordinary precision. The stone must be carefully shaped to achieve the cut’s exact proportions, ensuring the facets align perfectly to maximise both brilliance and balance.
Before that process even begins, the odds are already narrow. Fewer than one per cent of rough diamonds possess the clarity, size and elongated crystal structure required to become an Ashoka. The material must be exceptional from the outset. Only then can the cutter begin the long and highly specialised journey toward the finished stone.
The result is a diamond that appears larger than many others of the same carat weight, thanks to its elongated silhouette and distinctive faceting. On the finger, it has a luminous, almost floating quality, the light moving through the stone with a softness and energy that sets it apart from more familiar cuts.
Today, the Ashoka remains one of the few proprietary diamond cuts. Developed
by the renowned William Goldberg Diamond House in New York, after years of research and experimentation, it is produced exclusively by the brand and a tightly controlled group of authorised partners worldwide.
For those who value individuality in fine jewellery, the appeal is obvious. The Ashoka is not simply another diamond cut. It is a connoisseur’s diamond; rare, exacting, and unmistakably brilliant.
ASHOKA® diamonds are available at Partridge Jewellers in New Zealand.
