When selecting the perfect diamond, the cut choice rests above everything else. While the round, oval, and pear-cut diamonds have a strong hold over the diamond industry, marquise diamonds have recently been a preferred choice among many due to their unique look and timeless appeal.
First originated in the eighteenth century, when King Luis XV ordered that a diamond be cut in such a way that it resembles the lips of Marquise de Pompadour, his lover. The diamond born out of this request is referred to as a Marquise cut or a Navette cut diamond. With its elongated shape and pointed ends, the diamond is known for giving the wearer’s finger a long, elongated look, which is perfect for individuals with smaller hands and stout fingers. Whether you’re looking to purchase a marquise-cut diamond ring or a special gift or want to add one to your collection, this comprehensive buyer’s guide will equip you with the needed knowledge. From the key characteristics that define the quality of a marquise cut diamond to essential tips while choosing the right setting for your ring, this guide caters to all your queries.
What is a marquise diamond?
Marquise cut diamond a.ka. A navette cut diamond is a diamond shape with two pointed ends on both sides, resembling a canoe or a football. This shape typically has 56 facets, which ensures the brilliance of the diamond and caters to its elongated shape when worn on the fingers. Due to its proportions, a marquise-cut diamond appears larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. While the diamond may exhibit a bow-tie effect, a well-cut marquise diamond can easily conceal its shadow. Marquise cut diamonds best suit solitaire diamond rings, vintage designs, and wedding bands.
Marquise diamond engagement ring
Marquise diamond is quite versatile when used in diamond rings. Therefore, marquise engagement rings have become very popular over the years. If you are considering this shape for your big day, here are a few ring settings that you cannot overlook:
Solitaire Setting
The solitaire setting puts your centerstone in the spotlight, allowing the marquise diamond to shine through. The minimalism of this ring setting will ensure that the beauty of the stone is emphasized without any distractions.
Halo Settings
If you are opting for a marquise cut diamond, given that it will appear larger on your finger, pairing it with a halo diamond can work immensely in your favor. The diamond will appear bigger than the other diamonds of the same carat weight, and you will be getting a flawless diamond ring with a massive gemstone for the world to see without shredding extra bucks from your pockets.
Three-Stone Setting
Marquise diamond fits beautifully in a three-stone setting. The slender shape of your center stone will ensure that your ring does not look out of proportion when you add more diamonds to your ring apart from the center stone. Use inverted marquise side stones or round diamonds to achieve a harmonious look.
Cathedral Setting
A cathedral setting is another perfect setting for a marquise diamond ring. This setting elevates the centerstone above the ring with metal arches. This ring setting adds height and volume to the ring, offering a more dramatic and regal look that highlights the marquise diamond on your ring.
Bezel Setting
If you are opting for a marquise-cut diamond and want a ring that protects it well, a bezel is your choice of setting. It will not only keep your ring safe while you are involved in different activities but also give it a contemporary aesthetic.
Marquise Diamond In Your Wedding Band
While some associate the shape of the diamond with just an engagement ring, it does not necessarily end there. The cut of a diamond plays an equally important role when choosing a wedding band. While people usually lean on round diamond bands because they are the classic choice, you don’t have to. You can easily opt for a marquise wedding band if it fits your overall aesthetic. Below are a few wedding band styles we would recommend with a marquise-cut diamond:
Classic Eternity Band
This is a basic but elegant option for a band. The marquise diamond is scattered throughout the perimeter of the band making sure that the brilliance and fire of the diamond is not harmed.
Contoured or curled band
If you’ve decided to get an engagement ring with a marquise diamond and are seeking a ring that blends with it, then a curved band can be a boon for you. It will permit your diamond to rest in its place without causing discomfort on your finger. It will also ensure that your engagement ring fits comfortably against the wedding band.
Open Wedding Band
Open wedding bands are a fantastic choice for marquise-cut diamonds. The sharp edges of a marquise-cut diamond will easily slide into the space between the wedding band and make the perfect ring stack that can be worn every day.
Choosing Your Perfect Marquise Diamond
A high-quality, marquise-cut diamond involves several crucial considerations in selecting a beautiful stone that is within your budget. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in this decision:
Understand the 4 Cs
Four main standards, cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, are used to assess the quality of diamonds and their worth.
Cut: While “cut” usually refers to the quality of the diamond’s proportions and facets, it is also important to consider its shape and symmetry when evaluating marquise-cut diamonds. A well-cut diamond has balanced proportions. The ratio can be from 1.75:1 to 2.25:1 based on your individual preferences. This can play an integral role in brilliance and shadowing around the stone’s center, which could cause it to have a “bow-tie effect.”
Color: Marquise-cut diamonds are prone to exhibit color more strongly than other forms, so selecting a diamond with a greater quality of color could be the key to locating a colorless diamond. G and H color grades will likely serve this purpose well, and for colorless stones, you should choose D, F, E, or F as your best choices.
Clarity: Because of its large and long shape, inclusions could appear more prominent when using marquise cuts compared to other designs. Try to get a clarity level of VS1 or higher for the best results so that any visible inclusions do not affect their visual appeal.
Carat Weight: The marquise cut makes an optimal impression regarding carat weight due to its elongated shape, which creates the illusion of increased size over other shapes of comparable weight. Choose a carat weight according to both budget constraints and desired aesthetic appeal.
2. Evaluate Length-to-Width Ratio
The length-to-width ratio can significantly change the look and style of marquise diamonds. An optimal range is 1.75:1 to 2.25:1, although personal preferences will play a part. A higher ratio often produces longer diamonds; lower ones create wider, rounder ones.
3. Be Aware of Bow-Tie Effect
Bow-tie effect refers to any shadow that forms across the center of a diamond’s facet edges and center stone surface, typically caused by marquise cut diamonds with marquise shapes. Though some bow-tie is expected, opt for stones where this effect is minimal so as not to detract from overall brilliance of diamond.
4. Choose a Setting That Protects the Pointed Ends
Since marquise cut diamond tips can easily chip, look for settings which offer protection such as six-prong settings where two prongs secure each end, or bezel settings which completely surround it in metal rim.
5. Select an Appropriate Band
Select a band style to complement the marquise-cut diamond, such as one featuring pave stones for extra shimmer, contoured bands with snug fitting options, or vintage-inspired styles with intricate detailing.
Shop Your Dream Ring At Jewelevina
If you want to try your hand at this beautiful diamond cut, we have the best options for you. From engagement rings to wedding bands, you will find a wide variety of marquise cuts as well as other diamond shapes at our showroom. If you can’t find one, don’t worry—we have a custom design specialist who can design the perfect ring according to your preference.
Explore our off-the-shelf marquise diamond ring or contact us to speak with our jewelry designers about a custom order. You’ll have the perfect marquise diamond ring on your hand in a matter of weeks.