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The Portuguese Cut: A Forgotten Diamond Style Making a Comeback

by Winfred Mwakairu
Aug 25, 2025

Introduction

Having been relegated to the annals of gemological history, the Portuguese cut is having its Cinderella moment. It seems like it was years, since this vintage beauty was stolen by the limelight by more popular styles, such as the round brilliant or cushion cut, but as yet, it is slowly sashaying into the light, and it brought with it, a whole lot of bling.

But what is so special then about the Portuguese cut diamond? So why are contemporary romantics going star struck over this artifact of the past? And is it only fashionable or a harkening back? And here we go to understand everything that can be found around the unusual history of the cut to its alteration of modern luxury one aspect at a time.

What exactly is the Portuguese Cut?

Gold ring with a large diamond on a gray background

Let us get the fundamentals straight before we get too deep in the sparkle rabbit hole. A Portuguese cut is a very faceted and symmetrical cut which usually has 161 facets or more - almost twice the facets of a regular round brilliant diamond. It means a lot more light jumping around and yes a lot more fire and brilliance. It is like the glitter bomb of diamonds.

The Portuguese cut gemstone is quite the opposite of the modern minimalist cuts as it is not about simplicity and understatement. It features:

  • The crown has three rows of facets Three rows of facets on the crown

  • At the pavilion there were four rows

  • An overall shape of round or oval (usually interpreted as a Portuguese cut oval diamond)

A Glimpse into History: The Royal Origins

Its name is not mere fictive poetism. The Portuguese cut most probably has its roots in Portugal. To others it was originally done to chandelier royal jewels in the 18th or 19th century.

The cut was wrought through the desire to maximize brilliance in dim-light conditions and thus, it was adored in Europe during the pre-electricity era. Under candles these stones blazed like nothing. Just picture attending a royal ball with such a shine on your finger, complete princess atmosphere.

What Sets the Portuguese Cut Apart?

Close-up of a round diamond with a gray background

1. Facet Count on fire

Most brilliant cuts range around 57 or 58 facets. The Portuguese chiselled stone? Over 160. Not only does that add more shine, it literally makes your finger itself into a display of lights.

2. Old Soul, New Life

The Portuguese diamond ring cut seems like a time capsule to vintage-world luxury. However, with newer artisanship and growing technology in the lab, the once-elusive cut is available more and more readily.

3. Magic optical illusion

A gem cut Portugal can look bigger than it seems just because of the sheer amount of facets. Yea, that kind of contouring in the diamond world.

Why It's Trending Now

Gold ring with a large diamond and smaller diamonds on a soft background

A. Vintage and Antique Cut Rise

The contemporary couples are infatuated with individuality and significance. In comes: the Portuguese cut engagement ring, whose story cannot be as well rivaled by most modern cuts.

B. Style that Sustains

Lab-grown diamonds are trending, and which are not? Lab diamond is now coming to the eco aware 21 st century as the Portuguese cut lab diamond.

C. Instagram-Trademark Beauty

Let us cut to the chase here and admit that this cut is stunning to photograph. All those little aspects? They produce a glitter effect which halts the scroll.

Portuguese Cut Engagement Rings: The New Classic

The decision to use a Portuguese cut diamond engagement ring is something poetic I suppose. It is a non-conventional, but classic design. It talks of royalty, revolution and an exquisite taste.

Be it solitaire, halo, or vintage-like setting, a Portuguese cut engagement ring will virtually ensure that your hand becomes the most glared-at object in a room.

Lab-Grown Love: Portuguese Cut, Sustainably

Eco-minded couples are at the head of the race towards eco-friendly stones and it is lucky that the Portuguese cut diamond lab grown variety has come crashing in.

You have all the glamor, the historical melodrama and no mining guilt. Win-win, right?

The Rise of Colored Stones: Hello, Portuguese Cut Sapphire

In case diamonds are not your soulmate (no shame), the Portuguese cut sapphire may be your soulmate jewel. This cut converts sapphires into the starlets with all the royal vibes and even more color.

And when you feel fancy, why not a pink Portuguese cut diamond, or even a moody Portuguese cut emerald? No colors have any other touch such as these cuts do.

What's the Portuguese Cut Diamond Price Like?

How about the glistening, shiny, elephant in the room: price?

Natural or Lab-grown

  • Portuguese cut natural diamond: High priced, rare and normally vintage or unique cut.

  • Portuguese cut diamond lab grown: much cheaper, costing according to size, clarity and country of origin.

Overall, a Portuguese cut diamond price is more than the traditional cuts because of the complex work detail required. However, when you are pursuing that forever heirloom energy, then it is well worth the money.

Tips for Buying a Portuguese Cut Stone

Diamond with GIA certification on a white background

Asking to be Certified

Whenever purchasing a Portuguese shaped diamond (and particularly online) make sure you get a GIA or IGI certificate.

Seek out Cut Quality

The more aspects, the higher the possibility of defects. Ensure that your stone is well balanced and that the polish is the best.

Look at Lab-Grown

A lab grown diamond that is cut in Portuguese style enables you to make a big show but not even a dent in your bank account, not to mention your carbon footprint.

Portuguese Cut Rings: More Than Just Engagement

There is more to engagement rings! Stemming out of the Portuguese cut ring trend is:

  • Cocktail rings with flashy colored jewels

  • Vintage style anniversary bands

  • Portugal rings as statement ring jewellery

The facets are unique and instantly give that glamour to any event. Believe us, even what you wear everyday will seem slightly more royal.

Diamond Portugal Connection

Have you ever asked why it is called the Portuguese diamond? It is in connection with a well-known rock the Portuguese Diamond, which belonged to some European noble, and now includes at the Smithsonian. That is 127-carats of faceted flair, and evidence that the participation of Portugal on the gem scene is not insignificant.

Styling Your Portuguese Cut Stone

Wish to maximize the shine of your stone? Here's how:

Gold ring with a large diamond held by a hand against a neutral background

Dress It With Slim Jewelry

and make the star the Portuguese cut diamond ring. It makes it shine with simple earrings or a clean metal band.

Shoot It under Natural Light

In the case of photos, the brain explodes in diffused sunlight of brilliance of the cut.

Do not Forget the Manicure

You have a Portuguese engagement ring? Get ready to get a serious amount of attention in your hands!

Jewelry Care Tips for Portuguese Cut Diamonds

There is a lot of responsibility that goes with so much sparkle.

  • Brush frequently using warm water, a small amount of soap and clean with a gentle toothbrush.

  • Avoid the use of sonic cleaners- there are too many facets that collect debris.

  • Individually wrangled to keep them from getting scratched or dulled.

Sustainable Practices in the Portuguese Cut Revival

When you shop and environmental friendliness is your concern, be green in the following ways:

  • Select Portugal cut grown diamonds in the laboratory

  • Choose jewelers dealing in recycled metals

  • Search ethics-based sourcing certifications

This revival is not only about fashion, it is about intelligent and green luxury.

Perfect for Gifting: Portuguese Cut Ideas

Considering to purchase one as a present? The Portuguese gem cut is a beautiful anniversary or milestone gift or even a simple gift. Customize with:

  • Birthstones (such as a Portuguese cut sapphire or garnet)

  • Heirloom-style settings

  • Jejune carving in (additional) sentiment

Conclusions: So Will the Portuguese Cut Remain?

Thus, is Portuguese cut diamond a fleeting trend in the retro movement? Absolutely not. It is a beautiful amalgamation of the past, skill and contemporary glitz. Be it that you are a vintage-affectionate customer, a green consumer, or a fashion-forward diva, this shape will add flair, beauty, and narrative to your jewels collection.

And let us tell the truth, when you sport something as blingy and exotic as a Portuguese cut engagement ring you are not declaring a statement of fashion. You are breathing life to a legend.

Therefore, do what royalty does- shine.

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About the Author


Winfred Mwakairu

Winfred Mwakairu

Winfred Mwakairu designs jewelry that merges bold creativity with meticulous detail. His work reflects a deep appreciation for form, material, and innovation.

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FAQ's

A cut diamond (Portuguese) is a very fascinating style of diamond that may have 161 or more facet facets in the diamond-many more than the standard 57 facets in a brilliant cut, or 58 facets in a brilliant cut. This complex faceting results in superior brilliance and fire and the Portuguese cut is one of the brightest diamond cut styles on the market.

This cut is called the Portuguese cut after the historical roots of the cut, which is well connected to European--Portuguese specifically--traditions of jewelry. The achievement of this cut was to provide the maximum luster in the low light settings of which the royal courts were dominated by candles, especially so in the area of the diamond Portugal circles.

Both cuts have a round shape but a Portuguese shaped diamond has over twice the number of facets compared to a round brilliant. This creates a darker luster and an antique appearance, very often desired in Portuguese engagement rings or old-fashion-like designs.

Portugal is one of the few countries where the price of a diamond is dependent on its size, clarity and the way it was grown (lab-grown stone or natural). Due to its complexity, it might prove costly compared to the basic cuts. Portuguese cut diamond lab grown can however be much more affordable.

Yes! A Portuguese cut engagement ring fits a person who wants something extraordinary that is vintage looking and at the same time has a brilliance that is without rival. Depending on whether you want a solitaire or halo setting you will find that the Portuguese cut diamond engagement ring is all that and more.

Definitely. The Portuguese cut does not apply only to diamonds. Portuguese cut gemstones that you can find incorporate Portuguese cut sapphire, Portuguese cut topaz, amethyst and many others. This incision brings out the depth and fire of the colored stones splendidly.

Yes, absolutely. Lab-created diamond Portuguese cut has exactly the same sparkle and glamor as the natural one only that its environmental cost is less. The lab grown Portuguese cut diamond stone has found its way to a wide range of jewelers selling the stone with a lesser price tag.

Indeed, when considering the people who would like to have something unique and unusual. An example is a pink Portuguese cut diamond which shows a color intensity and sparkle. Portuguese cut gems are colored gems and are cut in such a way that the faceting is very deep and hence stands out.

Although most antique cuts are said to be endearing, the Portuguese cut stone is however characterized by the highest number of facets and circular face. It is more intricate than most cuts such as the old cut mine or the rose cut and this makes it sparkle brightly.

Absolutely. Most jewelers have Portuguese cut rings as casual or statement rings. The Portuguese cut ring can be used as cocktail rings, anniversary gifts as well as various jewelry collections that will give it a vintage flavor.

Sure, it is very rare, it you are speaking about the well known Portuguese Diamond (a 127-carat diamond which can be found at the Smithsonian). Nevertheless, Portuguese diamond designs and shapes are getting accessible nowadays, equal with lab-grown models.

A Portuguese cut stone would be the most typical cut into round or oval. A Portuguese cut oval diamond has the added elongation of an oval combined with the intense brilliance that the Portuguese faceting style has created.

The Portuguese cut diamond has also re-entered the spotlight due to vintage trends, sustainability, and a craving of becoming unique. Now that the clear upstart, Portuguese cut diamond lab grows can be produced by the modern technology giving it to more people, it is not lost anymore.

Yes, Portuguese rings are becoming more popular with brides who seek a unique identity and favours the past. They combine the historical charm and shimmering brightness, making them a trendy contemporary.