It’s never too late to add the unique marquise-cut diamond to your collection. This bold and brilliant diamond cut is popular, especially among couples, and is known for its unique shape that is both contemporary and edgy. If you need jewelry pieces that’re exquisite and grab attention wherever you go, a marquise-shaped diamond is what you’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this diamond shape, from its fascinating history to reasons why it stands out from other diamond shapes. Here, you’ll also find some incredibly beautiful marquise-cut diamond jewelry recommendations that’ll elevate your style.
What Is a Marquise-Cut Diamond?
A marquise-cut diamond features an elongated shape with two pointed ends. It’s a blend of two different diamond shapes — oval and pear. With 58 facets, the cut allows light to penetrate and reflect easily, giving the diamond its breathtaking brilliance and sparkle. The marquise shape is also known as the ‘navette,’ meaning ‘little boat’ in French.
History of Marquise-Cut Diamonds
The history of the marquise diamond shape can be traced back to 18th century France when it was created by a jeweler hired by King Louis XV. The unique marquise shape was inspired by the shape of his beloved mistress’ lips, declaring them to be the most perfect lips he’d ever laid eyes on. And so, the marquise cut came to be.
Pros of Marquise-Cut Diamonds
- The elongated shape and pointed ends of a marquise diamond, when worn in the form of a ring, give the illusion of slender fingers, which is why marquise diamond rings are extremely popular. This cut also makes the diamond appear bigger than it actually is, so if size is important to you, marquise diamonds are a great choice.
- Featuring a modified brilliant cut, a well-cut marquise diamond will showcase captivating brilliance and sparkle.
- Marquise diamonds are less popular than other cuts, like round brilliant and princess-cut. Therefore, they can be up to 30% cheaper than a round brilliant diamond.
- This cut is exceptionally good at hiding inclusions in diamonds. So, you can cut back on the cost of your stone by opting for a slightly lower clarity and prioritizing other aspects like color or carat.
Cons of Marquise-Cut Diamonds
- A marquise diamond’s signature pointed ends make it prone to snagging and chipping. However, you can prevent this by choosing the right marquise diamond settings to protect the stone.
- The cutting of a marquise diamond can affect its overall appearance. Any faults can result in light leakage, which reduces its sparkle.
- Marquise cut tends to show the natural color of a diamond more than other shapes, so if a diamond has a yellowish or brownish tint, it’ll be evident with a marquise cut. Hence, you have to prioritize color when choosing your diamonds.
Best Settings for Marquise-Cut Diamonds
When choosing the right setting for marquise diamonds, you need to consider your unique style. Here are some of the best setting options for a marquise-cut diamond.
1. Halo Setting
A halo setting features several smaller stones surrounding the marquise center stone. This enhances the sparkle of your jewelry piece, also making the center stone appear bigger than it actually is.
2. Prong Setting
Want a classic setting that’s not only secure but also allows light to easily pass through the diamond for maximum sparkle? Opt for the prong setting that features anywhere between four to six metal prongs holding the stone in place.
3. Bezel Setting
This modern setting is chic and elegant. It’s one where the metal wraps around the sides of the diamond like a collar. While it reduces the stone’s brilliance, it’s the best option to protect your stone from chipping and abrasions.
Marquise Cut vs. Other Shapes
Let’s take a look at what makes marquise different from other diamond cuts and shapes.
1. Marquise vs. Round Brilliant
A round brilliant is the most popular and expensive cut, known for its extraordinary brilliance and sparkle unlike any other cut. While a marquise cut has a facet design similar to the round brilliant, it doesn’t sparkle as brightly. However, it does have a larger surface area compared to a round brilliant diamond of the same size, which makes it appear bigger.
2. Marquise vs. Pear
Both marquise and pear diamonds have similar cutting style and facets, which means they interact with light in the same way. Moreover, they both have a modern appeal and are sure to make you stand out. However, what sets them apart from each other is their unique shape. While the pear is rounded on one end and is pointed on the other, the marquise cut is symmetrical and features two pointed ends.
3. Marquise vs. Oval
The oval cut is a rounded version of the marquise cut with an elongated shape and rounded ends. The significant difference here is that marquise has pointed ends, which are prone to chipping. Whereas, the oval cut is a more durable option in this regard.
5 Stunning Marquise-Cut Jewelry Pieces to Elevate Your Style
On the hunt for marquise diamond jewelry that you can add to your collection? We’ve got you covered! Here are some of our marquise pieces that’ll take your style to the next level.
1. Marquise Diamond Clover Halo Studs
Add a feminine touch to your look with this gorgeous pair. It’s perfect to elevate your everyday fit or enhance your date night ensemble. You can’t go wrong with it!
2. Vintage Inspired Marquise Diamond Ring
Stand out at every occasion with this stunning diamond ring that exudes old-charm. Its intricate details and incredible sparkle will draw attention wherever you go.
3. East-West Marquise Diamond Bolo Bracelet
Give your OOTD the perfect finishing touch with this adjustable diamond bracelet. The halo setting will only add more sparkle and take your look from elegant to glamorous.
4. East-West Marquise Diamond Halo Pendant
Eye-catching and stylish, this pendant will elevate your neckline in an instant. It features a halo of round diamonds to give your look that extra sparkle and brighten up your outfit.
5. Marquise Diamond Olive Leaf Ring
Looking for a jewelry piece that’ll captivate hearts and turn heads? This pretty leaf motif ring will surely put you in the spotlight. It’s a fashion-statement piece that’s missing from your collection!
If you wish to explore more luxury marquise diamond jewelry, check out our collection at Angara. You’ll discover a wide variety of expertly crafted marquise lab-grown diamond rings and many more dazzling diamond pieces.
FAQs
Q1. Are marquise-cut diamonds more expensive?
Quite the opposite! Marquise-cut diamonds are less expensive than other fancy diamond shapes. They’re also up to 20-30% less expensive than popular round brilliant diamonds.
Q2. What is special about a marquise diamond?
Its unique and eye-catching elongated shape featuring two pointed ends is what makes a marquise diamond extremely special.
Q3. What ring setting goes with a marquise cut?
Marquise diamonds look great in different ring settings and your choice should depend on your personal style. Some of the ring settings that best work with a marquise cut are prong, solitaire, halo, split shank, bezel and more.
Q4. How popular is the marquise diamond cut?
Marquise diamonds are not as renowned as other fancy shapes/cuts, but they’re becoming increasingly popular as more people turn to unique diamond shapes. So, if you’re looking for something that stands out, this is a good option.
