What Is an Ashoka Cut Diamond? Your Guide to the Exclusive Gem

If you want your engagement ring to be unique and luxurious, you can't do much better than an Ashoka cut diamond. This beautiful stone is known for being extremely rare and exclusive. It can't be found at just any jewelry store: This is a branded cut that is only authorized to be sold by certain retailers around the world. Ashoka cut diamonds are stunningly sparkly, with many facets that make them appear even larger and more clear than they are. What's not to love? If you're considering this cut for your engagement ring, there are some things you need to know, so read on to find out everything about this diamond.

In this article:

• What Is An Ashoka Cut Diamond?
• The History Of The Ashoka Diamond
• Where To Buy An Ashoka Diamond

What Is An Ashoka Cut Diamond?

The Ashoka cut diamond is a rare and unique diamond cut that is patented and only sold by certain retailers. It's a speciality diamond cut with 62 facets, which sets it apart from other stones. "It holds a similar rectangular shape to an elongated modified cushion cut or emerald cut, but it has softer, more rounded corners," explains Rustin Yasavolian, fine jewelry consultant, GIA diamond graduate, and CEO of Masina Diamonds. "Because of the way it is cut, it typically looks about 30% larger than a traditional emerald cut of the same carat weight."

The many facets of an Ashoka cut diamond not only make it look up to 50% larger than other cuts of the same size, but also makes it appear brighter and whiter. This is truly an exclusive diamond for two reasons: the way it's created and the availability. "This specific diamond shape is actually a patented cut diamond shape, so it is not available to every jeweler," Yasavolian says. "To create a beautiful Ashoka cut, it requires the rough diamond to be larger and longer than the average, which doesn't happen often. Only about 10% or less of rough diamonds hold the potential to be transformed into an Ashoka cut diamond."

That said, it should come as no surprise that these diamonds are pricey and are considered an ultimate luxury item. Actress Reese Witherspoon is one celebrity who notably has an Ashoka cut diamond, and it became so famous that there is now an Ashoka diamond named after her (it's called the Reese Ring, of course).

Ashoka Cut vs. Round Brilliant Cut

The biggest difference between an Ashoka cut diamond and a round brilliant cut diamond is the shape. While Ashoka cut diamonds might have rounded edges, they are not round. According to Yasavolian, they have a more elongated rectangular shape and look similar to an elongated cushion cut. The other difference is the number of facts. "The round brilliant has 57 facets while the Ashoka carries 62 scissor facets, which make the stone appear larger," Yasavolian says.

Ashoka Cut vs. Emerald Cut

Similarly, the difference between Ashoka cut and emerald cut diamonds are both the appearance and the facets. Both have a rectangular shape, but the Ashoka cut has softer edges and round corners, while an emerald has straight edges and cut corners. The facet pattern is also different. The Ashoka has a 62 facet scissor pattern, which shows radiance and brilliance, while the emerald cut has a step cut facet pattern that makes the stone look more modern and transparent, explains Yasavolian. The Ashoka cut will also look 30% larger than an emerald of the same carat weight.

The History Of The Ashoka Diamond

Ashoka cut diamonds have a really interesting history. Diamond dealer William Goldberg introduced the Ashoka cut diamond in 1999. The diamond was originally named after the Buddhist emperor Ahoka Maurya.

"The William Goldberg Ashoka diamond we know today was inspired by a 41.37 carat D color Flawless diamond that was mined out of the Golconda region in southern India," Yasavolian says. "This diamond passed through many famous hands, like Mexican actress Maria Felix and art investor Roberto Polo. William Goldberg was captivated by the diamond and eventually created a cut so unique and exclusive that it was granted a patent in 1999-2000s."

Where To Buy An Ashoka Diamond

According to Yasavolian, only about 25 retailers in the world are authorized to carry authentic Ashoka cut diamonds (unless you buy them secondhand). Here are some places where you can buy one.

William Goldberg

Photo: William Goldberg

William Goldberg is the original creator of the Ashoka cut diamond, so of course the brand sells the cut. They have a bridal collection of engagement rings, as well as other jewelry featuring Ashoka cut diamonds, like necklaces and earrings. Many of their styles are iconic (they carry the Reese Ring) and you can inquire for pricing.

Jacob & Co.

Photo: Jacob & Co.

A jewelry retailer with stores in the U.S., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Turkey, Jacob & Co designs creative and innovative jewelry. You may not find Ashoka cut diamonds in engagement rings from the brand, but you will find them on other pieces of jewelry, such as watches.

Kwiat

Photo: Kwiat

Kwiat is the only other U.S. retailer that is authorized to see Ashoka cut diamonds. The brand was created back in 1907 and specializes in diamonds, which are really the only type of stones they sell. They have a pretty large collection of Ashoka cut diamonds, all in engagement rings.

Boodles

Photo: Boodles

Boodles is based in the United Kingdom (although you can shop from the U.S.) and is the only retailer in the U.K. to sell Ashoka cut diamonds. They offer the stone in a variety of different jewelry, like earrings and necklaces, as well as a few engagement rings. Boodles also sells a lot of other fine jewelry.