7 Fascinating Facts About the Portrait Cut Diamond
It’s the ultimate in understated luxury: A diamond as thin as a shard of glass and as smooth as ice. It’s so discreet and minimalist that some people may not recognize it’s a diamond. But the portrait cut diamond is a perfect stone: Billions of years in the making, it’s precision cut without any visible inclusions. It’s pure magic.
Meet the Expert
- Lorraine Schwartz is renowned for creating custom diamond jewelry for A-list celebrities, including Beyoncé, Blake Lively, and Kim Kardashian.
- She is known for pioneering bold, high-carat designs and reviving interest in unique diamond cuts like the portrait cut.
- She is the trusted red carpet authority with decades of experience, often hand-selecting rare stones and designing statement pieces for major events like the Met Gala and the Oscars.
For style-setters like Kendall Jenner and Blake Lively, who have been spotted in designer Lorraine Schwartz’s signature portrait cut diamond rings, it’s a confident expression of their individuality. Who cares if nobody knows that 12-carat stone on your finger is an exceptional diamond? For the actress Rooney Mara, who wears a demure portrait cut diamond engagement ring, it reflects her understated style.
“It’s old-school but it’s modern and chic,” says Lorraine Schwartz of the portrait cut diamond, which has its roots in ancient India.
“My clients already have traditional diamonds, and the portrait cut is unique, elegant and beautiful,” says Schwartz. “It’s super sophisticated.” It happens to be the designer’s favorite too.
More designers are taking notice of these sleek diamonds and are creating portrait cut diamond jewelry in all shapes, sizes, and prices.
It’s also a new favorite engagement ring for women and men who want a diamond, but don’t want high sparkle. For some, it’s their diamond secret.
Here Are 7 Things to Know About Portrait-Cut Diamonds and Why You Need to Add One to Your Jewelry Wardrobe
1. Portrait Cut Diamonds Are One of the Oldest Diamond Cuts
One of the earliest diamond cuts, the portrait cut was a favorite of the celebrated Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He’s the one who had the legendary Taj Mahal built (1631-1648) in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The emperor was also sentimental about his jewels: He had transparent thin diamonds placed over hand-painted portraits to protect and enhance the wearable miniature art. Hence the name portrait cut.
2. Portrait Cut Diamonds Appeal to Art Lovers
The flat portrait cuts give designers like Vishal Kothari of Vak jewelry the ability to create artistic designs without traditional heavy metal settings. “The diamonds literally look like they are floating on the skin when you wear them,” he says. “It’s a unique and modern interpretation of an old world that appeals to art lovers.”
3. Portrait Cut Diamonds Demand Precision Craftsmanship
The portrait cut requires top-quality rough stones and precision master cutters to achieve the ultra-thin, clean diamond cut. Vak works exclusively with a family of Indian diamond cutters who specialize in portrait cuts. He says, “Because it’s a transparent stone, you need to start with essentially flawless diamonds.”
4. Portrait Cut Diamonds Have a Romantic Legacy
In the 19th century, women and men wore a miniature likeness of their lover’s eye hand-painted on a ring or locket and covered it with a portrait cut diamond. It was a way for secret lovers to feel close even when apart. The Canadian jeweler Kelty Pelechytik continues that tradition in her own style. She enlisted Australian artist Robyn Rich to paint bespoke miniature lovers’ eyes on gold, and the jeweler covers them with a portrait cut diamond set in contemporary gold rings and pendants.
5. Portrait Cut Diamond Engagement Rings Are Perfect for Non-Conformists
Not everyone wants the sparkle of a faceted diamond, but they still want an engagement ring with the tradition and lasting heirloom quality of a diamond. The flat portrait cut is the new alternative engagement ring.
“People want unique, individual diamond rings that represent who they are, and these cuts, which come in odd shapes, are cool and unique,” says Pelechytik. She presents a range of handmade portrait cut engagement rings and wedding bands in off-shapes, starting at just a few thousand dollars.
6. Portrait Cut Diamonds Are for Jewelry Collectors Who Have It All
For Vishal Kothari’s wealthy clients who already own large, faceted diamonds and fancy colored diamonds, the portrait cut is something new and fresh. “My clients are intrigued by the portrait cut because it is beautiful in its simplicity and different,” he explains. The designer’s Art of Heaven pieces combine portrait cuts with rubies and emeralds, which he says enhances the deep colored gems.
7. Portrait Cut Diamonds Are the New Designer Favorite
Designers love the lightweight portrait cuts because they don’t require heavy metal settings. That means designs are light, subtle, and it’s jewelry you live in. Vak’s new Waterfall earrings, for example, feature four rows of draping portrait cuts diamonds. They are light and breezy, just like his new line of bracelets and necklaces made with the appearance of floating diamonds. “These simple pieces with smaller stones are for the younger generation of women,” he explains.
Whether your style is big diamonds (Lorraine Schwartz has several portrait cuts 10 carats and larger) or everyday diamond jewelry, you can expect to see more portrait cut diamonds. They may be discreet, but if you know, you know.
Portrait Cut Diamond FAQ
What is a portrait cut diamond?
A portrait cut diamond is an ultra-thin, flat diamond that resembles a shard of glass. It typically has a smooth, polished surface and no facets, making it incredibly discreet, elegant, and modern. Originally used to cover miniature portraits or artwork, the cut dates back centuries and is now loved for its minimalist appeal.
Are portrait cut diamonds real diamonds?
Yes they are 100% real, natural diamonds. They are simply cut in a different style than traditional faceted diamonds, emphasizing clarity and smoothness over sparkle.
Do portrait cut diamonds sparkle?
Unlike brilliant cuts, portrait cut diamonds have minimal sparkle. Their beauty lies in their transparency and clean lines, making them a favorite among those who prefer understated, modern luxury.
Are portrait cut diamonds durable?
While these diamonds are real diamonds and therefore hard, their ultra-thin shape can make them more prone to chipping if not set properly. Designers often use protective bezel or closed-back settings to enhance durability.
Can portrait cut diamonds be used in engagement rings?
Absolutely. Portrait cut diamonds are becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings, especially among non-traditional couples looking for something unique, artistic, and quietly luxurious.
What’s the best setting for a portrait cut diamond?
Bezel settings and closed-back designs are commonly used to secure and protect the thin, delicate nature of portrait cut diamonds. These settings also enhance the stone’s sleek and modern appearance.
