All You Need to Know About Marquise Cut Diamonds

The marquise cut diamond has a rich history of romance and even a connection to French royalty. King Louis XV authorized a diamond cut to resemble the charming smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. This regal heritage continues to lend an air of style and beauty to the marquise, making it the best choice for those seeking a diamond with a rich past.

This guide will cover everything from the history and key features to expert tips for buying and caring for these elegant gems.

What is a Marquise Cut Diamond?

The marquise cut diamond is a beautiful and unique option for anyone looking for an elegant gemstone. Its long, football-like shape with pointed ends and curved sides makes it look bigger and more sparkly. This cut also makes the diamond appear larger than a round diamond of the same weight.

The marquise cut has a special shape that can be tricky to set. But when done right, it looks amazing and becomes the highlight of any jewelry, whether it’s an engagement ring or a pendant.

History of Marquise Cut Diamonds

The story takes place in 18th-century France, during the rule of King Louis XV (1715-1774). According to legend, the king asked his jeweler to cut a diamond in the shape of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour’s, smile. This long, elegant shape with pointed ends was named the "marquise" cut in her honor.

Although the story is well-known and adds charm to the history of the marquise cut, some historians think it may have existed in a simpler form even earlier. However, it was in the 18th century that the shape became popular and started to develop into the design we see today.

Evolution Over Time:

Early marquise cuts were shallower and less shiny than modern ones. Over time, diamond cutting improved, making the shape brighter and more sparkly. 

• Early Cuts (1700s-1800s): These had fewer details and fewer facets, so they didn’t sparkle much. 

• Old Mine Cuts & Early Brilliant Cuts (Late 1800s-Early 1900s): Cutting techniques got better, adding more facets and improving how they reflected light, though they were still different from today's style. 

• Modern Marquise Cut (Mid-1900s-Present): Modern marquise cuts have 58 facets and are designed to reflect lots of light. They are symmetrical and much more brilliant.

The marquise cut is still a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Its long shape makes the finger look longer and slimmer. It also makes the diamond look bigger than other shapes of the same weight because of its larger surface.

Key Features of Marquise Cut Diamonds

The marquise cut diamond is a beautiful choice for anyone looking for a unique and classy gemstone. Its long oval shape, similar to a football or rugby ball, gives it a special look that stands out from round or square cuts. Here are some of its main features:

• Exceptional Brilliance and Fire: The marquise cut has many angles that reflect light beautifully. This makes it sparkle and shine, making it a great choice for engagement rings, necklaces, and other jewelry.

• Elongating Effect: The long shape of the marquise cut can make fingers look longer and thinner. It’s a great choice for people with short fingers or small hands.

• Versatility:- The marquise cut works well with many jewelry designs, from classic to modern. It looks great in both simple and fancy settings, giving you lots of ways to customize.

• Unique and Eye-Catching: The marquise cut has a unique shape that stands out. It grabs attention and shows your individuality.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Marquise Cut Diamond

With its long shape and pointed ends, a marquise cut diamond is a beautiful choice for anyone looking for something unique and stylish. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a good quality diamond.

Symmetry

Symmetry is very important in a marquise cut. The two points should line up perfectly, and the curves on each side should match. Even small unevenness can stand out and make the stone less beautiful. A well-shaped marquise will shine brightly and look its best.

Clarity

Diamond clarity grades go from flawless (FL) to included (I3). Flawless diamonds are rare and costly, but inclusions in a marquise cut can stand out because of their large surface. Choosing a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade means any flaws are too small to see, giving you good quality for the price.

Color

Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For marquise cuts, a near-colorless grade (G-J) is often a good choice. Since this shape can show color more easily than round diamonds, setting it in platinum or white gold can make it look whiter.

Carat Weight

The marquise cut makes a diamond look bigger than other shapes of the same weight, which is why many people like it. But be careful with the length and width. If it’s too long and thin, it can look fragile, and if it’s too short and wide, it might not look as elegant. A good balance is a ratio of 1.85:1 to 2.15:1.

Bow-Tie Effect

The bow-tie effect is a dark shadow that looks like a bow tie across the center of a marquise diamond. While a small bow tie is normal, a very dark one can make the diamond less shiny. Choose diamonds with a light or faint bow tie for better sparkle.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a marquise cut diamond that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Marquise Cut Diamond Ideal Proportion Ranges

Proportion Feature	Ideal Range
Length to Width Ratio	1.75 to 2.25
Crown Height	9% to 16%
Table Percentage	53% to 63%
Pavilion Depth	42% to 45%
Girdle Thickness	Thin to Medium
Crown Angle	34° to 37°
Pavilion Angle	40° to 42°

Marquise Cut Length-to-Width Ratios and Visual Effects

Length-to-Width Ratio	Visual Effect
1.5 to 1.7	Shorter, more rounded appearance with a fuller shape.
1.7 to 1.9	Balanced look with a classic marquise shape, neither too elongated nor too rounded.
1.9 to 2.0	Long and slender appearance, adding a sense of elegance and elongation to the finger.
2.0 to 2.25	Very elongated look, often considered the most glamorous and dramatic ratio.
2.25 to 2.5	Extremely elongated appearance, may appear narrow and less traditional.

Popular Settings for Marquise Cut Diamonds

The marquise cut diamond, with its long, football-shaped design, is a beautiful and unique choice for jewelry. But how do you pick the best setting to show off its beauty? Here are some popular ideas:

• Solitaire Setting: A classic style that highlights the marquise diamond's shape. This setting makes the diamond shine brightly. 

• Bezel Setting: A modern and secure option where the metal surrounds the diamond, keeping it safe and adding a stylish touch. 

• Pave Setting: A sparkling design with tiny diamonds around the marquise, creating extra shine and brilliance. 

• East-West Setting: A trendy design where the marquise diamond is set sideways across the finger. 

• Three Stone Setting: A romantic style with two smaller diamonds next to the marquise, symbolizing the past, present, and future.

When choosing a setting, think about the style, the size of the marquise, and what you like. The right setting will keep the diamond safe, make it look better, and show off your style.

Pros and Cons of Marquise Cut Diamonds

The marquise cut, with its elongated oval shape and pointed ends, is a truly unique and eye-catching diamond shape. Here's a breakdown of its pros and cons:

Pros

1. Elegant and Unique Shape: The marquise cut has a boat-like shape, giving it a unique and elegant look.

2. Enhances Carat Size: Its long shape makes the diamond look bigger than other cuts of the same weight.

3. Excellent Sparkle: The cut's 58 sides make the diamond shine brightly, bringing out its sparkle.

4. Finger-Flattering Effect: Its shape can make fingers look longer and thinner, which is why many people choose it for engagement rings.

5. Versatility in Setting: The marquise cut pairs well with various settings, from classic solitaires to intricate halo designs.

Cons

1. Fragile Points: The pointed ends are prone to chipping and require protective settings.

2. Bow-Tie Effect: Marquise diamonds can show a bow-tie effect, where a dark shadow appears in the middle of the diamond and is not cut properly.

3. Visible Inclusions: Because the cut has a large surface, flaws and marks may be easier to see compared to round cuts.

4. Outdated Perception: Some people think the marquise cut looks outdated, which may not suit those who want a modern style.

Caring for Marquise Cut Diamonds

To keep your marquise shaped diamond looking its best, proper care and maintenance are essential:

1. Clean Regularly: Wash your diamond with a soft toothbrush, warm water, and mild soap to keep it shiny and remove dirt. 

2. Check by a Pro: Visit a jeweler once a year to make sure the diamond is secure and there’s no damage. 

3. Store Safely: Keep your diamond jewelry in its spot or wrap it in a soft cloth to avoid scratches. 

4. Avoid Chemicals: Take off your ring before swimming, cleaning, or using strong products that could harm the setting.

Conclusion

A marquise cut diamond is more than just a gemstone; it's a statement of elegance, history, and individuality. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or an addition to your jewelry collection, the marquise shape stands out in both beauty and style.

Looking to choose the perfect marquise diamond or need help with selecting the right setting? Explore a variety of shapes and sizes at CaratBee today.