The Diamond of Legend Has a Unique Story
Since our founding in New York City in 1907, Kwiat has been the source for uncommonly beautiful diamonds. Our fourth-generation, family-owned brand has perfected the art and science of diamond cutting, and is particularly known for its fancy shapes. One of the most iconic is the ASHOKA® diamond, with a graceful, elongated silhouette, rounded corners, and brilliant faceting. And like our family, it has an illustrious history. If you are a diamond history buff, read on.
The First ASHOKA Diamond
The tale of ASHOKA is a cast of ancient royalty, business moguls, and movie stars.
Rahul Kadakia, the international head of jewelry at Christie’s, has called it “a legend in the world of diamonds.”
The first Ashoka, a breathtaking 41.37-carat D flawless diamond, was said to possess the power to “remove sorrow and bring joy.” It was fashioned by an unknown Indian diamond cutter from a rough stone found centuries ago in the Golconda mines of India (in present-day Hyderabad), and named for the emperor Ashoka the Great, originally known as “Ashoka the Fierce.” (As an aside, Golconda diamonds have been known for thousands of years as the purest on Earth, and they remain exceptionally rare because the Golconda mines were exhausted by 1830.) Although Ashoka the Great ruthlessly ruled the subcontinent from 268-232 BCE, he later discovered Buddhism, had a spiritual awakening, and became revered for his compassion and religious tolerance. His benevolent principles were etched on the Pillars of Ashoka that remain throughout India to this day.
A Colorful Journey
As for the original Ashoka diamond, it was acquired by Harry Winston in 1947, who sold and repurchased it numerous times until he sold it in the 1950s to the Mexican actress María Félix. In the early 1980s, she sold the diamond to Roberto Polo, the high-profile art dealer and financier of disrepute. His wife, Rosa, wore it to the world’s most exclusive and extravagant events.
In 1988, at a Sotheby’s auction of precious gems in St. Moritz, an anonymous bidder purchased the original Ashoka diamond for the record-breaking price of $3.85 million. It would never be seen again.
A New Life for ASHOKA
After the auction, a diamond dealer obsessed with the original Ashoka diamond dedicated himself to cutting one just like it. He experimented with different faceting patterns and proportions before finally perfecting the ASHOKA® cut in 1999. Kwiat introduced the diamond that year, and remains the only source for it in the United States, where it has also been granted a federal trademark. The ASHOKA is rare and unique.
Connoisseurs of rare diamonds continue to seek ASHOKA pieces. The stone has been spotted on stars including Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Connelly, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Sophia Loren, and Oprah Winfrey.
How to Buy an ASHOKA Diamond Today
You, too, can wear ASHOKA in dazzling Kwiat engagement rings and jewelry. There are ASHOKA diamond rings to suit every taste, including with pavé bands or halos, set in yellow gold, and positioned horizontally across the finger in an east-west orientation. If you’re not getting engaged, consider a sleek ASHOKA pendant, a minimalist pair of ASHOKA drop earrings, or a piece from our Cobblestone collection that highlights ASHOKA diamonds in modern 18K yellow gold designs, such as this ring or this bangle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the History of the ASHOKA Diamond Cut
What was the original Ashoka diamond?
The first Ashoka diamond was found centuries ago in India’s Golconda mines. It was cut to reveal a spectacular 41.37-carat D flawless diamond and named for India’s last significant emperor of the Mauryan empire.
Who was Emperor Ashoka the Great?
Ashoka the Great ruled the Indian subcontinent from 268-232 BCE. He was originally known as “Ashoka the Fierce” due to his ruthlessness. But once he discovered Buddhism and had a spiritual awakening, he adopted the principles of religious tolerance, nonviolence, and compassion.
What happened to the original Ashoka diamond?
That’s a good question! An anonymous bidder bought it at a Sotheby’s auction in 1988 for a whopping $3.85 million. That was its last known whereabouts after changing hands from jeweler Harry Winston to the iconic Mexican actress María Félix, to the notorious businessman Roberto Polo.
Are all ASHOKA diamonds from the Golconda mines?
No, the Golconda diamond mines haven’t produced diamonds since the 1800s. Today’s ASHOKA diamonds are ethically sourced from known mines, and traced every step of the way to their place of honor in Kwiat jewelry.
Where can I purchase an authentic ASHOKA cut diamond?
There is only one place in the U.S. to buy ASHOKA diamonds, and that is Kwiat or an authorized Kwiat retailer. Our concierge can give you personal assistance and answer any other questions you may have about ASHOKA cuts.