Welcome to our jewelry blog, where we explore all things sparkly and beautiful! Today, we’re going to talk about a diamond cut that’s been around for a long time but is making a comeback in a big way: the marquise diamond.
With its unique elongated shape and pointed ends, this cut is set to reign supreme in current year. Because of its classic good looks and adaptability, it is a well-liked option among enthusiasts of jewelry as well as designers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and characteristics of the marquise diamond. We will also check current trends and future potential in the jewelry industry. So come along and discover the magic of the marquise diamond!
Shaping the Past: The History and Characteristics of Marquise Cut Diamonds
The marquise diamond cut is a shape that’s less common than other diamond shapes for engagement rings. It has many names, such as football cut, boat cut, eye cut, and navette. While the marquise cut diamond has been around for ages, it is not as popular as other shapes like princess or round cuts. This unique cut is oval in shape with pointed ends and has 58 facets.
King Louis XV of France (1710–1774) is credited with creating the marquise cut. He asked a jeweler to create a shape that resembled the pouty lips of his mistress Jean Antoinette Poisson, the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour. The marquise cut was refined over time to its unique form today.
Courtiers often wore marquise diamonds to show off their status, which is why they are called “marquise.” This name refers to a hereditary position above a count but below a duke. Another name for marquise diamonds is “navette” diamonds, which means “little ship” in French. The marquise cut is not only used for diamonds but has also found widespread use for other stones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
What Makes Marquise Diamond Unique
Marquise diamonds are stretched in the shape of an ellipse, yet they taper at both ends. The average number of facets on a Marquise diamond is 58. Their elongated, tapered shape gives the impression that they are larger than they actually are. The extended form is also thought to be attractive since it follows the shape of the wearer’s finger.
Appealing Shape
Select a marquise diamond ring that has excellent form appeal. Diamonds with poor form or asymmetry sometimes have an unnatural look.
The ends of a marquise form are sharp. “Wings” refer to the regions extending out from the ends. These areas are neither too flat nor too swollen. The “belly” region in the center should also have a soft curve without being too flat or round.
Cut Color
When it comes to Marquise Diamonds, color is important because it affects how the diamond looks. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a scale that goes from D to Z to grade the color of diamonds.
D is the most colorless, and Z has a yellow or brown tint that can be seen easily. But seeing the difference between two grades with just your eyes can be hard. That’s why looking at the diamond in person is important or asking an expert for help.
Choose a unique marquise cut diamond ring with a color grade of G or H to achieve the best value without sacrificing its colorless appearance. A G or H-grade Marquise Diamond often looks as colorless as a more expensive F or E-grade diamond. This will help you get the most for your money without compromising on quality.
Consider a stunning H-grade Marquise Diamond set in a 14K white gold pave setting. Its color is not detectable to the naked eye and gives off clear, radiant light reflections. Additionally, it looks perfectly white in relation to its setting, which is an essential factor to consider when selecting any diamond for an engagement or wedding ring. Depending on your choice of metal, you may be able to choose a lower color grade, such as I, J or even K.
Cut Clarity
Diamonds with a marquise cut are exceptionally brilliant and can conceal flaws in their clarity grade. A diamond with an eye-clean SI1 clarity grade will provide the best value for this cut. However, marquise diamonds with inclusions closer to the sides are preferred to those closer to the center. Large, black flaws close to the center will likely be obvious to the naked eye, whereas lesser flaws may or may not be detectable.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, look for an SI2 or I1 marquise diamond. Even though these diamonds might have imperfections, you won’t be able to see them with your eyes, especially if the diamond is less than two carats.
Marquise-Cut Length-to-Width Ratio
The length-to-width ratio (L/W) of a marquise diamond significantly impacts the appearance of the stone but is largely a matter of personal taste. Diamonds with lower ratios are shorter, and very short diamonds can appear to have a plump appearance. Conversely, very long diamonds may not perform as well as shorter ones because cutting a very long marquise shape can be difficult without losing the diamond’s brightness.
The majority of individuals favor marquises with an L/W ratio of between 1.7 and 2.2. Examine these stones that have been put in engagement rings to determine which length-to-width ratio appeals to you the most.
Symmetry
A marquise diamond needs to have good symmetry. You can check this by drawing an imaginary line from one tip to the other and ensuring both sides look the same. Then, draw another line across the center of the diamond’s middle part, called the belly, and make sure it’s symmetrical too.
Since marquise diamonds are long, asymmetry is easy to spot. If your marquise diamond is not symmetrical, you’ll see it immediately. Remember that “shape symmetry” differs from “symmetry” on a diamond grading report, which only looks at the symmetry of the diamond’s cuts. A marquise diamond with “Good” or better facet symmetry can still be very pretty.
Bow Tie Effect in Marquise Diamonds
It is challenging to keep a uniform distribution of light within the stone when working with fancy shapes in which the length of the diamond is bigger than its width. A bowtie (black spots) will form across the diamond’s midsection due to this phenomenon.
The bow tie effect is particularly evident in diamonds with shallow depths. It is most obvious when observing the diamond at a 90-degree head-on angle (since the proportions of the pavilion’s main facets largely influence it).
Some bow-tie can be desirable because it enhances the diamond’s scintillation pattern by providing visual contrast. On the other side, an overly prominent bowtie can diminish the diamond’s visual appeal.
Engagement Ring Settings
Marquise diamonds are a trendy choice for engagement and wedding rings, favored by famous people like Jennifer Lopez, Portia de Rossi, and Victoria Beckham. While personal preference is essential when selecting the perfect diamond setting, some options enhance the stone’s natural allure. Marquise diamonds are often admired for their elegance and timelessness, which make them ideal for halo or solitaire settings.
A halo setting, consisting of a circle of smaller stones surrounding a larger one, is a classic choice for marquise diamonds. Pavé diamonds are frequently used in this setting, creating a gorgeous and glamorous look. This option is popular among those shopping for engagement rings since it highlights the marquise diamond’s stunning shape while also giving a ring a larger appearance – all while remaining within budget.
Choosing a solitaire setting for a marquise diamond allows the stunning gemstone to stand out independently without any distractions. This is a great choice for those who want a simple and elegant engagement or wedding ring. The marquise cut diamond’s elongated shape will be the main focus of the ring, making it a classic and timeless choice.
Elegant and Affordable
First of all, compared to round cut diamonds, marquise-shaped diamonds are generally more affordable. This means that you can get a bigger carat size diamond for less money. Plus, the elongated shape of the marquise diamond also makes it appear larger.
For a 1-carat diamond with decent qualities, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $8,000. Of course, the higher the color/clarity grades, the more expensive the diamond will become.
We want to emphasize that a diamond with higher color/clarity grades may not necessarily look better or be visibly different from one with lower grades. For example, most people will not be able to tell the difference between a well-cut G/VS2 diamond and a D/IF diamond. However, the price differences can be significant, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider going down in color or clarity grades to save money.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a marquise cut diamond comes down to personal preference and budget.
A Cut Above the Rest: Why Choose a Marquise Diamond?
Choosing a diamond is more than just about looks. For those who are drawn to the marquise cut, there is something special about its history and the statement it makes. The marquise diamond has a regal and sophisticated appeal, which may suit those who are daring and confident in their style.
People who wear marquise diamond rings often have bold, outgoing personalities and appreciate uniqueness and originality. If you want to stand out and make a statement with your engagement or wedding ring, a marquise diamond may be the perfect choice for you.
Marquise cut diamonds have their pros and cons, especially when it comes to engagement and wedding rings. Despite these challenges, marquise diamonds remain popular for their timeless beauty. The larger crown surface area of this diamond cut is also attractive to those looking for a bigger stone at a lower cost.
How to Choose the Perfect Marquise Cut Diamond for You
If you’re in the market for an engagement or wedding ring and are considering a marquise cut diamond, you’ll want to keep in mind the popular size of 1 carat. Not only is it more affordable than a 2-carat diamond, but the elongated shape offers great finger coverage, making it a favorite among those with larger hands.
While a 2-carat diamond may seem like a good choice for its size, the cost difference between a 1-carat and 2-carat diamond is significant – the price of a 2-carat diamond can be four times more expensive than a 1 carat diamond of the same color and clarity. For example, a 1-carat, D color/VS2 clarity diamond can cost $7,200, while a 2-carat, D color/VS2 clarity diamond can cost exponentially more.
A 1-carat marquise diamond measures 10.74 x 5.12 x 3.20 mm, while a 2-carat marquise diamond is 12.82 x 6.52 x 4.14 mm. So, if you’re looking for an affordable yet beautiful option, a 1-carat marquise cut diamond might just be the perfect choice for you.
Marquise Rings Trends
As we usher in the new year, the latest trends in engagement ring for this year are gravitating towards distinctive designs, classic and timeless styles, and custom-made features that reflect individuality. Whether it’s experimenting with vibrant hues of gemstones or unconventional asymmetrical cuts, the choices for creating a captivating look with marquise-cut diamonds are limitless.
1. Colored Stones
An engagement ring doesn’t have to be traditional. Many couples today are choosing a colorful stone instead of a diamond. Famous people like Halle Berry, Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, and Jenny McCarthy have chosen colored stones for their engagement rings.
A color stone can reflect the bride’s personality and style. You can choose from beautiful blues, romantic reds, Eco-friendly greens, or even your birthstone. Color stones can be more affordable than diamonds, which is great if you have a smaller budget or want to spend more on other parts of your wedding.
2. Lab Grown Diamonds
The world is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and ethics. In the jewelry industry, this means that marquise lab-grown diamonds are becoming a popular choice for engagement rings. Not only are they conflict-free, but lab-grown engagement rings also offer high quality and affordability, making them a smart choice for couples in this year.
3. Large Stones
In this year, the trend for engagement rings is moving away from the traditional solitaire setting and instead embracing rings with multiple large stones. Toi et Moi rings, featuring two large stones, are a romantic option popularized by famous couples throughout history. Other variations of this trend include three-stone rings or rings featuring clusters of diamonds and gemstones.
4. Minimalist Engagement Rings
Minimalist engagement rings are a timeless choice for the effortlessly chic bride-to-be. Solitaire rings with a single diamond center stone are perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and versatility. This trending style allows for easy customization over time, making it a smart investment for the future. Whether worn alone or stacked with complementary bands, a minimalist ring is a classic look that will never go out of style.
5. Vintage Engagement Rings
Vintage rings are a rising trend for the year because they offer a unique, one-of-a-kind look that can’t be replicated. The term “vintage” refers to rings at least 20 years old, but more importantly, it refers to their distinct style rather than their age.
This trend has gained popularity because it allows the wearer to express their individuality and add a touch of history and personality to their ring finger. From Art-Deco designs to Edwardian and Victorian-inspired pieces, vintage engagement rings are a great option for those looking for something truly special and timeless.
Future Trends in Jewelry Industry
The jewelry industry is evolving with new materials and design innovations. Sustainability, personalization, and technology are driving future trends that promise to be exciting and transformative.
The jewelry industry is changing. By 2025, it will focus more on branding, digital technology, and sustainability. Branded jewelry will grow faster than the overall market, leading to more competition. Online trading is also growing, and companies need to ensure their digital experiences feel personal and helpful for customers. Companies must also make sure online and offline experiences are connected smoothly.
When it comes to making purchases, sustainability is quickly becoming the deciding factor. In fact, there will be a threefold increase in ecologically conscious spending in the future years. More traceability and transparency in supply chains can provide credibility to a company’s environmental and social goals.
Conclusion
Marquise cut diamonds have certainly made a comeback in current year, but will they continue to reign supreme in the years to come? While trends may come and go, the marquise diamond has proven to be a classic and elegant choice for engagement rings. Its unique shape and ability to elongate the finger make it a standout option among other diamond cuts.
However, it’s important to remember that, ultimately, the choice of an engagement ring should reflect the personal style and taste of the individual. Whether it’s a marquise diamond or another cut, what matters most is the love and commitment it represents.
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