A Moment For The Marquise Cut
Selena Gomez's recent engagement ring reveal has clinched one thing for certain— Marquise Cut rings are so back. With the perfect combination of elegance and drama, the Marquise Cut has a long lineage in engagement and everyday jewelry alike. Our Director of Finance and Operations, Ruhee Rathod shares her knowledge on the history and characteristics of the Marquise Cut.
What Is a Marquise Cut?
The Marquise Cut has French origins. It was commissioned by King Louis XV of France in the 18th century, inspired by the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The marquise-cut diamond is also known as a “navette” — meaning “little boat” in French — and it has four distinct characteristics:
- Shape: The marquise cut features an elliptical outline with pointed ends, resembling a boat or an eye. Its elongated shape creates an illusion of a larger size compared to other diamonds of the same carat weight.
- Facets: Typically, it has 58 facets, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle by reflecting light beautifully.
- Symmetry: Symmetry is crucial; uneven sides or misaligned points can detract from its beauty and durability.
- Elegant and Dramatic: Its unique silhouette gives an elegant and dramatic appearance, making it a standout choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
En Vogue
Marquise diamonds combine historical charm, aesthetic appeal, and exceptional versatility, making them a favored choice among many consumers. Their ability to complement various settings—ranging from solitaire rings to elaborate vintage designs—adds to their allure and adaptability to different tastes.
The Marquise Cut became especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s, often seen in bold engagement ring designs of the time. However, they’ve seen a resurgence recently due to their unique vintage appeal and ability to create a bold, dramatic statement — continuing to be a timeless choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
We’ve long admired this shape and enjoy reimagining it in modern designs, often with client requests during our custom design process. That allows clients to combine diamonds and gemstones of various shapes and sizes for a truly unique and personal piece with the use of marquise cuts. Many of our collection and fine jewelry pieces also incorporate this shape.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in demand for unique and unusual vintage diamond cuts, with marquise diamonds standing out as a symbol of romanticism and opulence, tracing their origins to the French court. High-profile engagements and celebrity jewelry frequently set trends, and the choice of marquise diamonds by many celebrities for their engagement rings has further fueled their popularity. This renewed interest has also led to an increase in customer requests for custom designs featuring marquise diamonds, showcasing their timeless appeal and growing demand.
Things To Consider When Shopping For Marquise Rings
Proper symmetry is crucial for a Marquise diamond, as uneven sides or misaligned points can affect its aesthetic and durability. For instance, a poorly cut marquise diamond could present a bowtie effect, which is undesirable in the diamond shape.
The wearability of Marquise largely depends on the setting. The pointed ends should be protected by prongs or a bezel setting to prevent chipping. Additionally, because the shape is so distinct, it’s important to ensure it aligns with the wearer’s personal style and that it won’t feel too dramatic for everyday wear.
The Marquise Cut offers exceptional light reflection, particularly when expertly cut, enhancing its sparkle and brilliance. Its sharp and elongated form makes it a versatile choice, working beautifully in creative cluster designs or as a striking centerpiece in standout solitaire settings. Additionally, the style is generally more affordable than round brilliant and princess-cut diamonds. Their elongated shape maximizes the perceived size relative to carat weight, offering excellent value for those seeking a bold and distinctive look. However, like all diamonds, Marquise Cut diamonds will range in price depending on the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.