The Story of the Portuguese Diamond

Diamonds have always carried stories within them. Some are remembered for their size, some for their brilliance, and some for the mysteries that surround them. Among the many legendary diamonds in history, the Portuguese Diamond stands out as one of the most fascinating. Known for its size, unusual brilliance, and debated origins, this diamond is today one of the prized possessions in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection in Washington, D.C.

What is the Portuguese Diamond?

The Portuguese Diamond is a 127.01-carat cushion-cut diamond. Its striking appearance comes from its unusual octagonal cushion cut, which is different from the modern brilliant cut. This older style of cutting emphasizes clarity and depth more than sparkle, giving it a softer yet mesmerizing glow.

What makes the Portuguese Diamond particularly special is its clarity and its slight bluish tint under ultraviolet light, a feature known as fluorescence. This property makes it glow beautifully in certain lighting conditions, something that fascinates gemologists and visitors alike.

The Origins – Wrapped in Mystery

One of the most intriguing things about the Portuguese Diamond is that its true origin is still unknown. There are two main stories about where it came from:

1. Brazilian Origin Theory
    Some historians believe the diamond was mined in Brazil in the 18th century, a time when Brazil was one of the major sources of diamonds for the Portuguese crown. According to this version, the stone was once part of the Portuguese Crown Jewels, which is how it got its name.
   

2. South African Origin Theory
   Others argue that the diamond actually came from South Africa in the early 20th century, which was the leading diamond-producing region of that time. The cutting style and quality seem more consistent with South African diamonds, leading many gem experts to support this idea.
   

Because there is no solid documentation of its earliest years, the Portuguese Diamond’s backstory remains a subject of debate, adding to its air of mystery.

Journey Through Owners

The Portuguese Diamond changed hands several times before finding its permanent home:

• In the early 20th century, the diamond was owned by a dealer in South Africa.
  

• It was later sold to a famous gem collector and jeweler, Peggy Hopkins Joyce, who was known for her extravagant jewelry collection.
  

• In 1964, Harry Winston, the legendary American jeweler, acquired the diamond and eventually donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1964.
  
  

Since then, it has been on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where millions of visitors admire it each year.

Why is it called the Portuguese Diamond?

Despite the uncertainty of its origin, the name “Portuguese Diamond” has stuck. The name was likely inspired by the story that it once belonged to the royal family of Portugal. While historians cannot confirm this, the name adds an old-world charm and sense of heritage to the diamond, making it even more intriguing to the public.

Features that Make It Unique

1. Weight – At 127.01 carats, it is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world.
   

2. Cut – Its cushion-shaped cut is less about sparkle and more about depth, giving it a very distinctive character.
   

3. Fluorescence – Under ultraviolet light, the Portuguese Diamond emits a strong bluish glow. This feature sets it apart from many other famous diamonds.
   

4. Clarity – It is exceptionally clear, which enhances its beauty and rarity.
   

Portuguese Diamond vs. Other Famous Diamonds

The Portuguese Diamond often gets compared with other historic gems such as the Hope Diamond and the Koh-i-Noor. While the Hope Diamond is famous for its deep blue color and the Koh-i-Noor for its royal legacy, the Portuguese Diamond is admired for its sheer size, mysterious past, and its striking glow under UV light.

Unlike some other legendary diamonds tied to curses or tragic histories, the Portuguese Diamond carries a reputation of beauty and intrigue without negativity, which makes it stand out in the world of gemstones.

The Portuguese Diamond Today

Today, the Portuguese Diamond remains one of the largest diamonds on public display in the world. Visitors to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. often find themselves mesmerized by its size and brilliance. Beyond its physical beauty, it represents a piece of history, one that bridges stories of royalty, gem traders, and jewelers across continents.

Final Thoughts

The Portuguese Diamond is not just a piece of carbon turned into brilliance by nature; it is a symbol of mystery, heritage, and artistry. Its unclear past only makes it more fascinating, as people continue to wonder whether it once sparkled in the royal courts of Portugal or emerged from the rich mines of South Africa.

What is certain, however, is that the Portuguese Diamond is a masterpiece of nature and craftsmanship, preserved today as a reminder of the incredible journey diamonds can take through history.

At Emori, we celebrate this same spirit of timeless beauty with our very own Portuguese Diamond jewelry collection. Designed with precision and inspired by the legendary stone, our pieces capture the depth, brilliance, and charm that made the Portuguese Diamond world-famous. Explore the collection and discover a diamond that is not only rare but also destined to become part of your story.