The Marquise cut diamond is one of many favorite shapes because it's elegant and versatile. You will find the diamond in an array of colors, from white to fancy yellow and even blue diamonds, with hints of green or purple. The diamond's faceting combines brilliant and step-cutting techniques to maximize the brilliance while maintaining its elongated triangular shape.
Key Takeaways
- The marquise cut diamond has a unique diamond cut compared to other diamond shapes.
- A natural marquise diamond is very lightweight compared to another diamond of the same carat weight.
- The marquise diamond has a wide dispersion of light
- Marquise diamonds can be set in many different settings
- If you're looking for something different for a marquise diamond engagement ring or wedding band, consider using a marquise diamond ring!
If you've heard of a marquise diamond and are asking yourself 'what is a marquise diamond?', this article is for you! Keep reading to learn more:
So, What Is a Marquise Diamond?
Marquise cut diamonds have enormous surface areas compared to any other diamond shape thanks to their distinctive eye-like shape. They come in at least 58 facets on this diamond shape, with 25 on the pavilion and up to 33 on the crown. The facets often come with a French tip that swaps out the significant bezel facets at the diamond's points for upper diamond girdle and star facets.
The marquise cut diamonds, distinguished by their long, narrow pointed shape, are essentially modified magnificent diamonds. In addition, Marquise-shaped diamonds, like the emerald cut, give the wearer's hands and fingers the appearance of being longer and slimmer.
What Are the Different Types of Marquise Diamonds?
There are several types of marquise-cut diamonds, including
Marquise Diamonds
This is the most common type of marquise diamond. It has an open culet on a diamond and a triangular shape with rounded corners. It can be either a slightly rectangular cut or slightly oval. The length-to-width ratio is 2:1.
Super Marquise
This type of Marquise has an elongated shape that's longer than most marquise cuts, with a small point at one end and very little tapering at the other. Its length-to-width ratio is usually between 10:1 and 20:1.
Bow Tie Marquise
The Bow Tie Marquise shape diamond is a rectangular-shaped brilliant-cut diamond with rounded corners. The Bow Tie Marquise got named for its resemblance to a bow tie, with the two long sides being the narrowest points of the diamond. This shape is excellent for those who want to add some edge to their engagement ring or jewelry piece.
The Origin and History of Marquise Diamonds?
Marquise cut diamonds' origins and history is as intriguing and beautiful as the stones themselves. The marquise diamond is a modified version of the emerald cut. A marquise-cut diamond first appeared in France in the 18th century under King Louis XV.
Jewelry authorities claim that the King wanted a diamond-like Marchioness Madame de Pompadour, Jean Antoinette Poisson, his lover's full lips. So he paid a jeweler to create the Marquise cut diamond. The precious stone indicated a higher social standing in the French court. From there, it quickly gained popularity worldwide.
Is A Marquise Diamond a Good Idea?
When choosing a marquise-cut diamond, you first need to ask yourself what you intend to use the diamond for.
A marquise will be excellent if you want a marquise engagement ring. The shape of this stone makes it perfect for creating unique and eye-catching engagement rings that stand out from others. If you have been searching through numerous styles to find something unique, nothing beats a marquise-cut diamond in an engagement ring.
You could also purchase a marquise-shaped diamond pendant when purchasing diamond studs or bracelets made of diamonds.
Pros and Cons Marquise Diamond
The following are the pros and cons of the marquise diamond:
Pros
- Marquise diamonds are very sparkly
- In addition to the classic round shape, marquise diamonds have a high polish and brilliant cut.
- Depending on the carat weight, they're more durable than diamonds' other shapes and cuts.
- The range of colors on offer includes yellow, pink, orange, and brown. That makes it possible to find one that matches your skin tone perfectly (and makes you look more beautiful)
- Because they're relatively small, you can wear your Marquise cut diamond without making it too bulky or heavy on the finger or earlobe—making them perfect for everyday wear.
Cons
- Price: Marquises are relatively more expensive than other shapes of diamonds because of the difficulty in finding and setting them.
- They can also be tough to clean, as you must clean many surfaces separately.
- Setting difficulty: Because of their shape, marquise diamonds are challenging to set. For this reason, they often get mounted on prongs (tiny metal pieces that hold them in place) instead of being set directly into a ring or necklace design.
How To Select a Marquise Cut Diamond
There are five main factors to consider when choosing a marquise-cut diamond:
Diamond Cut Quality
It refers to the quality of the stone's facets and symmetry. Your diamond must have high-quality cuts so it sparkles beautifully in all light settings and reflects the light out at you. The best way to assess cut quality is with the help of top-notch magnifying glasses. These magnifying glasses will help you see your stone's intricate details.
Color Grade
The color grade refers primarily to how grayish or yellowish-white diamonds appear under natural light conditions. Colorless diamonds are highly valued because they are rarer than diamonds with colored tints, but there are still plenty of options for finding a beautifully colored stone within your budget.
Clarity
The diamond clarity grade indicates how many internal blemishes are inside the stone. Internal blemishes do not affect its appearance from the outside since more advanced facets cover them. So diamond clarity is something you can only worry about a little if you're buying an expensive piece.
However, a defect on one side (called "culling") or multiple sides might significantly impact the marquise diamond’s value. However, that also depends on how noticeable those defects are when you put them on.
The Marquise Cut Remains a Popular Choice!
The marquise cut has long been fashionable and remains popular, especially for wedding and engagement rings. It's also a good choice for those who want something different or are looking to save money while still getting a beautiful gemstone. It can be an extravagant decision, too—the marquise cut's elongated shape makes it stand out from diamonds of other cuts.
FAQs
Are Marquise Diamonds More Expensive?
Yes, marquise diamonds are more expensive than most other cuts. It's because the shape of marquise diamonds tend to be more challenging to cut and polish, requiring more time and is, therefore, more costly. However, an experienced diamond cutter can still produce a good quality stone at an affordable price.
Is Marquise a Good Diamond?
Yes, Marquise is a good diamond. It's one of many suitable shapes you can get for engagement rings. You need to ensure that the cut is excellent and that there are no inclusions or blemishes.
Is Marquise Diamond Real?
Yes, Marquise is a natural diamond in different colors, such as white, black, and brownish yellow diamonds. They also come in various shades of color, like fancy yellow or pink.
Are There Fake Marquise Diamonds?
Yes, there are fake marquise diamonds. The most common way to tell is by color. A natural marquise diamond ring will have a yellowish tint to it. Looking at it from the top of the stone, you should see a yellowish tint around the diamond.