Ashoka Cut

William Goldberg Diamond Corp. has re-created a classic diamond cut, the Ashoka, based on the famous diamond of the same name. The original Ashoka diamond, a 41.37carat D flawless named after the Buddhist warrior-emperor Ashoka Maurya, was mined in the Golconda region of southern India. Due to its unique cut and exceptional beauty, it has attained legendary status as it has passed through the hands of countless buyers through the years.

The William Goldberg Ashoka is trademarked by William Goldberg Corp. and was patented in 2000.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUES
The William Goldberg Ashoka is a modified version of the antique cushion cut, with a rectangular girdle outline and rounded corners that capture and disperse light to create a strong brilliance.

The cut, re-created by Saul Goldberg and William Goldberg's gemologists, displays 62 facets. The rough needed to cut the stones is extra long, and weight loss varies according to the specific piece. The scarcity of extra-long rough on the market today makes it difficult to widely distribute the cut at this time.

MARKETS AND MARKETING
Currently, the company is selling the Ashoka through select, high-end retailers such as the Four Seasons Jewelry Salon and other high-end stores. William Goldberg provides clients with brochures and counter cards.Eve Goldberg, vice president of marketing and sales for William Goldberg, comments that the meaning of the Ashoka is its greatest sales tool. The English translation of the word is "the act of removal of sorrow."

"We saw that there was a real need in the market for this type of product. People are looking for something understated that has an old feel to it something different. When we found out the meaning, we jumped on it. There is now strong demand for the Ashoka Cut, although it's limited in production."


PRICING AND SUPPLY
The cut is available in rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Stone quality ranges from D to K, flawless to SI2, and prices range on the spectrum depending on the quality.

WHAT BUYERS SHOULD LOOK FOR
The romance associated with this classic cut, coupled with the name identity of William Goldberg Diamond Corp., attracts a wide range of interest.