Ashoka’s sparkle
Visibly larger and more brilliant, the much-sought-after Ashoka diamonds are now available at Tomei Gold and Jewellery outlets, writes Kasmiah Mustapha
IT is said that you don’t own a diamond until you own an Ashoka diamond. Inspired by an ancient royal legend, Ashoka diamonds have long been famous for their distinctive and unique cut. The 62-facet cut was created and patented in 1999 by American diamond dealer William Goldberg, who was inspired by the original Ashoka diamond.
The cut resembles an elongated cushion with rounded corners, that makes the diamond appear 30 per cent larger and more brilliant than an emerald-cut diamond of the same weight.
In addition, the precise procedures and production process have also made Ashoka diamonds much sought after by jewellery makers and wearers including Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Connely.
The original Ashoka diamond was a 41.37-carat, perfect D-colour flawless diamond, produced and cut from Golconda, South India in 273 BCE. It was named in honour of King Ashoka Maurya, the Indian emperor who ruled from 273 BCE to 232 BCE.
Since they are deemed as diamonds without equal, only a few jewellery companies are authorised to distribute and sell them by William Goldberg Diamond Corporation.
One such company is Hong Kong-based Lee Heng Diamond Group, the authorised distributor for Ashoka diamonds in Asia.
Lee Heng’s chief executive officer, Lawrence Ma, says Ashoka is a symbol of exclusivity because only a special piece of rough diamond can meet the exacting standards.
“Less than one per cent of rough diamonds, with larger and longer shapes, can meet the standard of cutting for an Ashoka. Also, the polishing has to meet the standards of excellence. The time taken in cutting and polishing Ashoka diamonds is five times longer than that of normal diamonds.
“As such. each Ashoka diamond is undoubtedly a rare treasure, due to the work of William Goldberg who is widely regarded as one of the masters of fancycut diamonds.”
Lee Heng has been the exclusive distributor of Ashoka diamonds since 2006. Through the years, it has created various collections, which are in high demand from jewellery retailers.
Lee Heng has created more than 10 masterpieces and collections comprising rings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces. These include the Royal collection, Beloved, Love’s Legend, Anastasia, Flame and Eternity. There are also individual designs to match customers’ needs.
Through Lee Heng’s collaboration with the Tomei Group, Ashoka’s masterpieces and collections are now available here.
Tomei Group managing director Datuk Ng Yih Pyng says the company has been looking for a specially cut diamond for quite some time and but has not been able to find one as unique and valuable as the Ashoka diamond.
“We are honoured to have the opportunity to sell the collections at our outlets. When customers buy diamonds, they do look for the size. They are excited about Ashoka diamonds as the cut makes them visibly larger and more brilliant.”
The Ashoka collection is available at Tomei Gold and Jewellery outlets in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall and Plaza Penang. Prices range from RM3,000 to more than RM2 million.
Less than one per cent of rough diamonds meet the standard of cutting for an Ashoka.
Lawrence Ma