Marquise diamonds feature a curving, elongated shape that makes them flattering and distinctive. This is a regal shape that originated in the court of King Louis XIV of France. This shape is also known as “navette,” which means “little boat.” Marquise cut diamonds have stood the test of time and have gained so much popularity in recent years. This cut is also widely used for gems such as rubies and sapphires.
MARQUISE CUT DIAMONDS
Marquise diamonds have the largest crown surface of any diamond, carat for carat. Their long and narrow shape creates the illusion of considerable size. So, you can choose a marquise cut diamond if you want to make your diamond look bigger. One of the great things about these diamonds is that they can make fingers look slender.
If you compare a marquise cut diamond with other brilliant cuts, you’ll see that marquise diamonds make a diamond’s color more vivid. Be aware that inclusions in marquise diamonds are more visible as compared to round diamonds, all else being equal.
The origins of marquise cut diamonds date back to the 18th century France. It is said that King Louis XV commissioned a royal jeweller to design a diamond that would resemble the lips of the woman who had stolen his heart. This was the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour, Jean Antoinette Poisson. Those with the title often chose a marquise cut diamond to wear.
Marquise cut diamonds are among the most romantic and unique diamond shapes for engagement ring centre stones today. Because of their rare shape, many marquise diamond rings are still custom designed.
Marquise diamonds were extremely popular in the 1980s and early 90s, and have exploded in popularity over the last few years due to the boom in popularity of vintage jewellery design. Marquise cut diamonds are so much desirable thanks to their one-of-a-kind design and vintage, throw-back appeal, and are adaptable to the wearer’s personality and fashion style.
CHOOSING A MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND
A marquise diamond has a shallow cut, so most of the carat weight in a marquise stone is in the visible portion of the crown. Since a marquise cut makes even smaller carat diamonds look larger, you shouldn’t necessarily look for a massive carat size. Marquise cut diamonds also boast a particularly sparkly brilliance. With marquise cut diamond engagement rings, you can get the brilliance and fire you’ve been dreaming of.
So, if you’re on a budget, marquise cut diamond jewellery is right for you. With a lower carat weight and a clarity grade far less pricey than flawless, the marquise diamond will definitely be a more affordable option to choose.
When choosing a marquise cut diamond, look for the one that is mounted in a setting that provides excellent protection for the stone’s vulnerable pointed ends. The v-prong setting is one of the most suitable settings for a marquise cut because it wraps the sharp edges of a stone in metal and protects them.
Marquise diamonds looks astonishing in many settings. Below you can find several settings for a marquise diamond:
A MARQUISE DIAMOND IN A BEZEL SETTING
The bezel setting is a contemporary setting for a ring. It can make your diamond jewellery piece a symbol of either chic, contemporary trends or vintage designs. Though a bezel setting is famous for being chic and elegant, it blocks light and reduces the stone’s brilliance.
A bezel setting has a low profile, which, combined with the shallowness of the marquise shape, creates a perfect combination for those who live a very active life. The metal of the setting completely protects the diamond, and the setting sits very low on the finger.
Though a bezel setting is more typical of a round brilliant diamond, the setting magnificently morphs when used with a marquise diamond. A horizontal marquise in a bezel boasts avant-garde appeal.
A MARQUISE DIAMOND IN A PRONG SETTING
Choose a setting with 6 prongs to keep the stone protected. A setting that offers a v-prong can completely cover and provide maximum protection for your diamond. This may eliminate some ring style options such as tension settings. A setting featuring 4 standard type prongs will give your marquise cut diamond a protective elegance.
A MARQUISE DIAMOND WITH A SOLITAIRE DESIGN
A marquise diamond can also look exceptional in a classic solitaire setting since this setting displays the glory of the marquise cut diamond. To showcase your diamond, you can choose a setting with a diamond encrusted band or other types of side stone adornments.
Thanks to a solitaire setting, the unique shape of the marquise cut will really shine. For a chic, contemporary design, choose an inset diamond band. Its sleek design will complement the lines and curves of the marquise cut.
A MARQUISE DIAMOND WITH A HALO DESIGN
A halo setting is ideal for enhancing the classic, vintage look of the diamond. Choose a pave halo if you want to maximize the sparkle and increase the appearance of the size of the centre diamond.
If you prefer the vintage style, go with an Art Deco halo or a halo setting with sapphire accents to give the ring a distinctly Victorian feel. When the stone is set in a traditional, vertical orientation, the halo will also help the ring fill the space on the finger without making the marquise cut look too narrow.
A MARQUISE DIAMOND IN A SPLIT SHANK SETTING
If you want to make your marquise diamond look extremely romantic and elegant, a split shank band can an ideal choice. Thanks to a traditional split shank, the cut will look really regal. This setting will make the diamond the centerpiece in a design that almost resembles a miniature tiara for your finger.
If you’re looking for stunning marquise cut diamond jewellery pieces, including diamond engagement rings, turn to Bella Diamonds UK. Bella Diamonds offers striking jewellery at a fraction of the prices that retail and other online jewellery stores just cannot match.
Marquise diamonds are the embodiment of regal grandeur and feminine appeal. Choose setting styles that will showcase the marquise diamond’s extraordinary appeal and unique shape. Thanks to its individuality and a regal grace, the marquise cut diamond stands out from the crowd and serves as a stunning jewellery piece for those who value elegance and chic.
