The Ashoka cut is one of the most unique and recognizable diamond cuts. It combines the elegance of a classic emerald cut with gently rounded corners and a larger number of facets, giving the stone depth and exceptional brilliance. The cut has been registered and trademarked by William Goldberg and has gained fame as a rare and luxurious choice among lovers of fine jewelry. It is perfect as the center stone in an engagement ring, earrings, or pendant.
The Ashoka's distinctive feature is its elongated, rectangular shape with rounded corners and 62 facets, significantly more than a standard emerald cut. These facets create a unique play of light that makes the stone appear larger and more brilliant.
The Ashoka cut is based on the legendary 41.37-carat Ashoka Diamond from India, known for its exceptional purity and history dating back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. Today's interpretation of this cut honors its history while also meeting modern aesthetic requirements.
The Ashoka cut is created only from large, virtually flawless rough diamonds—it's estimated that fewer than 10% are of the right shape, size, and quality to even be considered for the Ashoka cut. This cut requires extremely pure, large, and symmetrical raw materials. Consequently, it is very rare, and its production is time-consuming and selective, resulting in exclusivity and a high price in the jewelry market.
When comparing the Ashoka to the emerald cut, the key difference lies in the number of facets and their visual impact. The emerald cut is known for its elegant simplicity and classic lines, but it has fewer facets—usually 57—which makes its brilliance more subdued and subtle. Thanks to its unique structure, the Ashoka combines this classic shape with a more dynamic play of light and a larger visual volume. However, each of these two cuts imparts extraordinary charm to an engagement ring; each has its own unique character.
The Ashoka cut is a registered trademark, which means that not every jewelry studio has the right to offer it in their collection – this further increases its exclusivity.
Sources:
https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/historic-diamonds/ashoka-diamond-cut/
https://www.williamgoldberg.com
https://www.meisterdrucke.ie/fine-art-prints/Ross-Gordon/1400662/Ashoka,-died-232-BC,-aka-Ashoka-the-Great.-Indian-emperor-of-the-Maurya-Dynasty.-Illustration-by-Gordon-Ross,-American-artist-and-illustrator-%281873-1946%29,-from-Living-Biographies-of-Famous-Rulers.html
