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The Appeal of the Portrait Cut Diamond April 04, 2024 (0 comments)
Ramat Gan, Israel--While not as widespread as the pear shape or emerald cut, the portrait cut has charmed a new generation of designers and collectors who are drawn to its discreet, vintage-style appeal — especially amid the growing desire for distinctive engagement rings, reports Rapaport News.
[Artëmer Trine Art ring with a diamond, a bicolor tourmaline, spinels and sapphires from Rapaport News story. Photo credit: Artëmer]
The portrait cut, also called a lasque, is among the oldest forms of diamond cutting. Originating in ancient India, the style was a favorite of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the legendary Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A visionary of jewelry as well as architecture, the emperor would commission thin, transparent diamonds to place over the hand-painted miniature portraits that figured in his jewels, as this helped protect them during wear.
The same technique would later gain traction in Europe as similar portrait jewelry became popular among royals and aristocrats.
Today, modern interpretations of the portrait cut are all the rage thanks to daring designers experimenting with unusual diamond shapes.