Ashoka
A Legendary Cut
When legendary diamantaire William Goldberg first encountered the original Ashoka diamond, he was mesmerised. Together with his son, Saul, they spent years perfecting the cut, securing the exclusive patent in 1999. Our family partnership with the Goldbergs, founded on shared values and trust, spans over generations and often sees deals sealed over friendly dinners. “The very essence of diamonds is to bring joy into the lives of people.”—William Goldberg.
Heritage & Craftsmanship
Like many great partnerships, our relationship with Ashoka diamonds took place by chance. During an unscheduled meeting while sourcing stones in New York, seeking out precious stones in New York. Jody Wainwright recalls the moment clearly. “We loved the Ashoka cut from the first time we saw it. And we knew our customers would love it too.” With a shared passion for exceptional diamonds — and a shared sense of family values — Boodles had soon shaken hands with Saul Goldberg on becoming the only European jeweller entrusted to work with Ashoka.
Diamonds are symbols of love and trust. It’s important we never forget that.
From India To The World
The name “Ashoka” originates from a 41.37-carat diamond that was named after the ancient Indian Emperor Ashoka Maurya. Known for bringing joy and dispelling sorrow, this remarkable diamond journeyed through the hands of royalty and collectors. The original stone was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 1988, and the Goldberg family, fortunate enough to study it, used this inspiration to create the Ashoka cut.
There’s something about the Ashoka cut that’s really uplifting. People often speak of diamonds as if they have life. You don’t see it in a photograph, because of course a picture is static. But when you look at an Ashoka close-up, the way the light plays is just spectacular. For me, it’s an emotional response.
The Cutting Process
The Ashoka cut follows the Golden Mean—a perfect ratio cherished by Renaissance artists like Leonardo Da Vinci. Achieving this ratio in a diamond is incredibly challenging, as most rough stones lack the correct proportions, or too many carats would need to be cut away. But in the skilled hands of Master Gem Cutter Willy Lopez (pictured below) at the Goldberg workshop in New York, the Ashoka cut comes to life, transforming rough stones into radiant, mesmerising masterpieces.
The Design
Unique to Boodles in Britain, Ashoka cut diamonds pair the elegance of an emerald cut with the radiance of a brilliant cut. So they sit low on the finger, but sing like a much bigger stone. Very few diamonds can even be cut this way: some estimate the number to be as low as one in thousands. But when one is suitable, you’ll see something that really takes your breath away. And you’ll be reminded of what makes a diamond so special.
A Family Partnership
