Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) / Portuguese-Cut Gems

What is a Portuguese Cut Gemstone? How is it different from other types of gemstone cuts?

The Portuguese-Cut refers to a particular type of fancy gemstone cut. Portuguese cut gems feature faceting technique where the gem is cut with two rows of rhomboidal and three rows of triangular facets above and below the girdle (the girdle is the line that divides the top or crown of the stone from the bottom or pavilion). The Portuguese cut thus exhibits an extra row of facets on the crown, and this unique style enhances the brilliance of the gemstone. The Portuguese cut is one of the most popular fancy cuts in the market and you'll find many varieties of gems cut in this style. You'll notice in the image below how Portuguese-cut stones have a smaller table due to the extra row of facets on the crown.

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