Navneet Gems Introduces Portrait-Cut Rubies
The geometric collection is on view now at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong Show.

The gemstones, which the Thailand-based manufacturer unveiled at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong show happening now, are fashioned into portrait cuts weighing between 0.5 carats and 2 carats.
The portrait cut, seen most commonly in diamonds, is also called a lasque. It’s a thin, flat cut with a large table and slight facets on the side. In rubies, the red hue is seen through the table.
“Just as red diamonds are exceptionally rare, high-quality rubies with intense red color are also relatively scarce. Opting for an unheated ruby portrait-cut can be an excellent choice for those who appreciate something rare and distinctive,” said Navneet Agarwal, marketing manager of Navneet Gems & Minerals.
The rough rubies are hand-selected from Mozambique ruby mining company Fura Gems. The gemstones are later cut and polished in Thailand.
Agarwal said the cutting process, which requires specialized skills and high levels of precision, has taken years to master. It’s part of why portrait cuts in rubies and other gem categories are still relatively niche, he said.
“Gem cutters must meticulously plan and execute each cut, while minimizing wastage of the valuable material. Unheated rubies can have inclusions and imperfections within them [which] can make the cutting process highly challenging. Gem cutters must carefully work around them to avoid damaging the stone or compromising its structural integrity,” Agarwal said.
“The process of preforming, cutting and polishing a portrait cut involves removing significant portions of the gem's material, which can increase the risk of fractures or breakage, especially if there are internal stress points within the stone.”
Portrait-cut diamonds boast a long history rooted in ancient Indian jewelry making. They were sometimes used to enhance and protect miniature paintings.
“There’s an old-world feel which takes us back to the native cutting style from the Maharajas era, when they used to use a lot of portrait cuts,” said Agarwal.
He cites rising demand for “individualistic jewelry and more economical choices” as part of his motivation for developing the new collection.
“One has to adapt to changing consumer preferences by offering fresh options that go beyond traditional cuts. Portrait cuts are a creative and artistic way of shaping gemstones, including rubies, to create unique and intricate designs,” said Agarwal.
Part of the cut’s appeal is also that its large surface area gives the illusion of a bigger gem, Agarwal said.
“Portrait cuts give the impression of a bigger gemstone and promise a great value for money in terms of visual impact.”
The Latest

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.


From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

The store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.





















