The Ashoka Diamond is one of the most famous gems on the planet. Part myth, part legend, the history of this fiery gemstone is shrouded in the mists of time. Named after an Indian ruler who governed his people with compassion and peace, the story behind the Ashoka legend stretches back to 626 BC. Rumor has it that the diamond was imbued with the characteristics of this famous ruler, and that the diamond carries the power to grant happiness, peace and harmony to all who wear it. The original diamond is a 41-Carat flawless gemstone with a unique and distinctive cut which allows all of the purity, and clarity of the fire within, to shine upon the world. Image by Getty Images via @daylife
The modern Ashoka Diamond refers to a cut diamond that is inspired by the original stone. William Goldberg developed the first modern Ashoka cut and it has become known as one of the finest and most exclusive types of cut diamond across the world. Based on the antique cushion cut, the modern diamond cut stays true to the original brilliance with 62 individual facets which are able to reflect and refract the fire within. The Ashoka cut can be used for all types of jewelry, and each diamond is a work of art in itself.
The cut of an Ashoka piece of fine jewelry is distinctive and immediately recognizable. True diamond lovers will always seek to include a piece of Ashoka cut jewelry in their collection and the beauty of owning an Ashoka diamond is that it is like carrying a fragment of history into the modern age as a fitting tribute to the legend of Ashoka.
Possessing superlative sparkle, exquisite the Ashoka Diamond is cut according to exacting standards that are dictated by expert precision. The facet placement on this precious gem marks the unparalleled beauty of a work of fine art. It is classic, timeless and highly revered the world round. This modified version of the antiquarian cushion cut, bestows a fresh, modern appearance that imparts enduring appeal. The mystery and aura of this diamond are emphasized by the intricate detail of the symmetry and unique angles found on no other cut. The amazing clarity and pure, unadulterated color are unsurpassed, making it among the most prized diamonds on earth. One glance at this splendid jewel will impart a true understanding of why diamonds are an international symbol of love.
The original diamond cut of this type was a magnificent 41.37 carat D that was absolutely flawless. It was named for a Buddhist emperor warrior whose grandfather founded the Mauryan dynasty. After engaging in fierce battle for many years, he came to understand the importance of peace and went on to build many beautiful and ornate temples that symbolized this realization. This diamond is the embodiment of all these things. It has fierce fire that is tempered by serene beauty, instilling an elegant interplay between the two visual sensations. It is an arresting jewel that is, at once, calming and evocative.
The standards, by which these stunning diamonds are exacted, surpass those of even the most famous manufacturers of diamond jewelry. The diamond’s presence is determined by professionally-evaluated, perfect symmetry and polish that offers scintillating light dispersion and brilliance beyond compare. The angle, size and shape of each unique facet is vitally important to the overall geometric objective set by the highly-skilled diamond cutters who laboriously apply their skill and expertise to achieve the perfect cut.
The William Goldberg Corporation, who has recently recreated, brilliant, the Ashoka Diamond cut has plans afoot to include their version in a line of luxury watches that will include six styles priced upward from $200K. Image via Wikipedia
While everyone knows that diamonds are the most exquisite stone to wear in jewelry, many people don’t know exactly how the diamonds are created. Obviously diamonds don’t just appear out of thin air, or you would be able to buy them out of quarter machines in your local market. When people say that diamonds take a long time to be created, they are not exaggerating. Diamonds can take hundreds of millions of years to form. They are formed by intense pressure deep in the earth and eventually forced out by volcanic magma. Being able to cut a diamond well takes quite a lot of experience due to the fact that they are an extremely hard rock. Also, because they are so rare and valued, messing up the cut of a diamond is extremely looked down upon.
Once the diamond is found in some way or another, turning it into The Ashoka Diamond is the trick. The diamond is cut with a steel saw wheel that is lubricated with oil and diamond powder. The look of The Ashoka Diamond comes from delicate cut created from different uses of refracted and reflected light. The different light angles give the especially sparkling look that everyone desires in their diamonds. Who wants a diamond that is dull and lifeless? Nobody! The look that Ashoka has is a look that was initially created for the sole purpose of pleasing people. The goal of these diamonds was to focus on light, love, and joy, all of which are to this day brought out through the beauty of these diamonds.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
