Lot 160. A 6.42 carats Ashoka-cut diamond single-stone ring, by Boodles. Est: £200,000 - £300,000. Courtesy Bonham's.

The Ashoka-cut diamond, weighing 6.42 carats, between similarly-cut diamond shoulders, mounted in platinum, maker's mark B&D, London hallmark, ring size I, maker's case

Accompanied by a report from GIA stating that the diamond is D colour, Internally Flawless clarity. Report number 16241363, dated 3 July 2019.

Note: The Ashoka-cut lends its name, and was inspired by, the original Ashoka Diamond - a 41.37 carat, D colour, Flawless diamond - from the highly coveted Golconda mine in India, which was purchased by American jeweller Harry Winston.

This original diamond was itself named after Ashoka the Great, who ruled in India during the 3rd Century BC. Ashoka the Great was known initially for his bloodthirsty military conquests, but legend has it after surveying the death and destruction his army had caused in capturing the region of Kalinga, his feeling of remorse was so severe he transformed his ways, becoming a pacifist and promoting the spread of Buddhism - believing the true path of enlightenment could only be achieved through tranquillity, hence the naming of the original diamond.

Based on the Ashoka Diamond, the New York diamantaire William Goldberg developed and patented the Ashoka-cut in 2000, and Boodles are the only British jeweller to offer Ashoka-cut diamonds in their collection. This cut displays an additional five facets to the 57 facets of brilliant-cuts, requiring the rough diamond to be larger and longer than average, and it is known for its typically larger 'spread', enabling the polished diamond to appear larger when viewed face-up.

Bonham's. London Jewels, December 4, 2019 2:00 PM GMT