Diamond World Feature: Q&A with Eve Goldberg

We are excited to have our very own Eve Goldberg featured by Diamond World. 

Below is an excerpt from the article. Click here to read more about William Goldberg, the ASHOKA® diamond and our limited-edition book, The William Goldberg Way

Eve Goldberg of William Goldberg, the eponymously-named company of her father, William Goldberg, reflects on Goldberg’s emphasis on respecting a diamond’s intrinsic beauty, bold innovation, and the power of storytelling in crafting timeless jewellery. Her insights provide lessons for jewellers on mastering craftsmanship, preserving exclusivity, and drawing inspiration from India’s rich jewellery traditions.

For 75 years, William Goldberg has stood as a global leader in the diamond industry, synonymous with excellence, artistry, and innovation. At the heart of the brand’s story lies the Ashoka® diamond cut, a modern-day tribute to Emperor Ashoka — patented by William Goldberg in 1999. In an exclusive interview with Diamond World, Eve Goldberg, principal at the company, and the daughter of its visionary founder, talks about how India has inspired the company, the legacy of her father’s craftsmanship, and how the brand continues to shape the future of diamonds. Excerpts:

Diamond World (DW): How did William Goldberg’s vision transform New York’s Diamond District?

Eve Goldberg (EG): In 1973, my father was elected a three-term President of the Diamond Dealers Club, and his mission was to broaden the mindset of the insular community. He encouraged members to collaborate, and share their knowledge. I am very proud to say that he was responsible for opening membership to women for the first time in a male-dominated industry.

When he moved the headquarters across 5th Avenue, at the corner of 48th Street, the industry definitely noticed, and others followed suit. The move was so significant that the municipality of New York City named the block “William Goldberg Way”. They reserve special street names for individuals who have contributed significantly to the business community.

DW: How do Goldberg’s values continue to shape the company today?

EG: My father’s first entry into the diamond trade was as a cutter, though he quickly realized this was not his true passion or skill. That said, in addition to being a leader, he had the soul of an artist, and was fascinated by the art of cutting.

He built a team of skilled master cutters, and coined the term “The Magic is in the Make” at a time when the industry was obsessed with carats and clarity. While these elements have always been important, he believed the most crucial principle of cutting was to respect and enhance the intrinsic beauty of the diamond.

He was known for his legendary collection of fancy diamonds and admired for bold, sometimes unexpected, decisions when cutting rough stones. And, of course, his biggest innovation came with the re-creation of the Ashoka®, which required a decade to perfect to his standards.

DW: What inspired the creation of the book, The William Goldberg Way?

EG: My family has been wanting to honour my father with the tribute he deserves. The stories the book tells are timeless, and the two milestone anniversaries — 75 years of family business, and 25 years since the creation of the Ashoka® — seemed like the perfect time to celebrate.

There is a historical element to the book, as it narrates the progression of his career, but we were absolutely determined to capture my father’s voice. One of the compliments I frequently receive from people who have read it is that it reads like a novel, which is exactly what we hoped for. We worked with the super talented writers Jill Newman and Jackie Caradonio, and I think we achieved our goal.