What are Marquise Diamonds: Learn about their Strengths

If you are reading this first time you might be wondering why we didn’t follow the term ‘Marquise’ with the term ‘cut’. A word that often accompanies terms like a halo, princess and of course round. For interestingly enough marquise falls into the same category as well.

So what are marquise diamonds? Are they a shape or cut, or something in between? These are some of the points that we will engage in the course of this Education page, followed by discussing some important points when it comes to purchasing them for use in fine jewellery like engagement rings.

What are Marquise Diamonds?

Let's start by getting the basics out of the way. Marquise diamonds refer to the specific shape of diamonds that are used in the making of fine jewellery or are sometimes sold as individual stones based on buyer preferences.

The term shape is a keyword here. As we are not talking about the ‘cut’ of the gemstone. For that would refer to the specific kind of faceting that the gemstone is subjected to. When it comes to the shape of the stone, the kind of faceting in question also exerts some effect, however here we are considering the overall shape: the Marquise shape.

The marquise shape is an old one. Its origins go back hundreds of years to the midpoint of the 18th century to the reign of King Louis XV. The French monarch was so captivated by his mistress Madam Antoinette Poisson de Pompadour’s smile that he wanted to be captured in an artfully crafted gemstone that captured that shape. Also known as the ‘navette’ cut, in terms of its end product, the marquise diamond looks less like a woman’s lips and more like a finely shaped American football with sharp edges.

Despite its somewhat uncanny look, the marquise diamond shape has risen in polarity to be among the better-received diamond shapes today. As a somewhat historical diamond shape that has been around for quite some time, the popularity of marquise-cut diamonds in terms of widespread adoption has fluctuated.

However, the rise in demand for diamonds, with the growing market for cut diamonds led by the market for fine jewellery like engagement rings led a diamond and fine jewellery makers to look for new designs. Here the marquise diamond became a new stylistic addition.

Unique Features of Marquise Diamonds

When it comes marquise diamonds potential new buyers will no doubt have questions given that it is not among the more popular diamond shapes: such as halo, oval, and even certain fancy shapes like the emerald, which have become popular in the diamond world, and also with other gemstones.

The first thing to consider when it comes to the marquise diamond is its shape. Which we have already mentioned. The distinct boat-like shape actually features a rather sophisticated look: as a cut diamond that features 56 facets (or 57 in some cases) and at its core features the look of the round brilliant, but with somewhat elongated ends.

This is an important feature of the marquise diamond owing to the similarities it shares with round brilliant cut diamonds, which are the brightest and most expensive in the diamond market. This adds a key advantage to the marquise diamond as it is able to showcase a high level of sparkle that is characteristic of round-cut diamonds. But with the advantage that the marquise diamond has a much greater physical presence. Simply put, the marquise diamond looks bigger on your ring finger, presuming you want to use it on an engagement ring. 

This is a great cost-saving opportunity. As diamond prices correlate positively with the carat or size of the stone, top diamond cuts like round cuts when they hit the 1.00-carat mark command significantly higher prices in contrast to the rest. Here the marquise diamond which shares stylistic similarities with a round cut, but owing to its distinct shape it generates the perception of greater presence on the ring finger. In many ways akin to the halo diamond shape, the marquise is a greater option to produce a larger look.

Factors to Look out for when Purchasing Marquise Diamonds 

When it comes to marquise-cut diamonds it is always important to start with the fundamentals. In the diamond world that is 4Cs. The 4Cs of diamonds, which we have dealt with extensively in our Education pages. When it comes to buying a marquise diamond it is important to pay attention to these factors. Most notably the Cut of the gemstone. Now, we are aware that certain sources online have sought to break down how these factors independently relate to the marquise cut. Our approach however is to focus critically on the fundamentals of the individual stone.

So if you are going for a marquise diamond engagement ring it is best that you lock down a solid diamond that scores high in clarity, colour and especially the cut. Arguably the most important factor that affects the stone’s brilliance, are scintillation, and fire. Given that marquise diamonds features a wider and hence greater surface in the crown area of the diamond these positives are further enhanced. However, they also come with certain downsides.

When it comes to marquise diamonds one of the distinct features is their sharp edges. Unlike halo diamonds, the diamond shape that marquise is often compared to, the latter variant owing to the sharper edges, which whilst adding a unique stylistic element, also leaves the gemstone more vulnerable to chips and even cracks. Thus those opting for marquise diamonds ought to look for band styles that allow full/and greater coverage of the edges of the main gemstones.

A possible downside when it comes to purchasing marquise diamonds is the presence of the bow-tie effect. This refers to a darkened area often at the centre of the cut that undermines its clarity and is generally viewed as a negative when it comes to diamond quality. However this negative is predominant in emerald cut diamonds, with its hall of mirrors effect, it is made more prominent when it is present. With marquise diamonds, the prevalence of this effect is less so. But it is there. And buyers ought to be aware of it. 

Buying a Marquise Diamond for Engagement Rings 

So if you have decided to go ahead with a marquise diamond for your engagement ring, there are a few more factors to know. The first point is that you know what is bargaining for. The marquise diamond is an intricate shape with a carefully shaped middle and sharp edges,

On the safety front, that is to protect the sharp edges of the marquise diamond, customers could consider a bezel setting for their ring. As it provides solid protection for the centre stone. Or any other ring setting that provides adequate coverage for the centre should be considered. If you are opting for a three-stone ring, for example, and the side stones also feature this then it is worth considering the same for those stones as well.

Symmetry is a key factor when it comes to marquise diamonds. Since a key selling point is the distinct shape of the diamond, a poorly shaped diamond will be quite visible and will rob the value of the stone. Here it is important that you find the ring fine jewellery online company when seeking a solid marquise diamond engagement ring. Companies that are not just good with putting out various numbers on ring design and type, but are able to listen to customer requests and provide a solid ring design to suit your demands.