Marquise Cut Diamonds: Ask A Diamond Expert
Kimberly Zerkel | December 23, 2022
Kimberly Zerkel | December 23, 2022
A Marquise cut diamond is a whimsical and romantic diamond shape featured in engagement ring settings. Its elongated form and pointed ends appear long on the finger and maximize carat weight.
VRAI’s diamond expert and GIA graduate gemologist Queena Chang is well-versed in the many details that set this remarkable shape apart. Read on to discover her insights on Marquise cut diamonds — and discover why this VRAI created diamond shape might be right for you. Or book an appointment with a diamond expert for more personalized guidance!
What Is A Marquise Cut Diamond?
“It is essentially a longer oval shape with points on each side, which creates an elegant silhouette. Marquise diamonds tend to face up the largest for their size, so I would recommend trying on a 2ct first before looking any larger in size!”says Queena Chang, GIA graduate gemologist.
The Marquise cut has a total of 58 facets, which are the small, flat planes that are cut into the surface of the diamond to create its shine. The shape of the Marquise cut is created by cutting the diamond in such a way that it has a long, narrow table, or flat surface, and a deep pavilion, or bottom part of the diamond. The Marquise cut is a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry because of its unique and stylish appearance.
Marquise Diamonds And The 4Cs
“I would recommend focusing on color and carat first as a little goes a long way for the Marquise,” explains Queena. “Clarity is much harder to see in this shape! I have generally found my customers to look for Marquise diamonds in a 1.50-2.00ct range, as once it goes past that carat weight, it can be very long and run off the finger.”
Ultimately, it is important to consider all of the 4Cs when choosing a Marquise cut diamond and to find a balance that meets your personal preferences and budget.
1 Carat Vs. 2 Carat Marquise Diamond Rings
The difference between a 1 carat diamond ring and 2 carat diamond ring featuring a Marquise cut diamond is the weight of the diamond, with the 2 carat diamond being twice as heavy as the 1 carat diamond. However, the size difference between the two diamonds may not be as noticeable as you might expect, as the elongated shape of the Marquise cut can make the diamond appear larger than its actual carat weight.
On a finger, a 1 carat Marquise cut diamond will generally appear to be of moderate size, depending on the length-to-width ratio of the diamond and the size of the finger. A 2 carat Marquise cut diamond will generally appear to be larger and more impressive, but again, the actual appearance on the finger will depend on the specific dimensions of the diamond and the size of the finger.
It is worth noting that carat weight is not the only factor that determines the appearance and value of a diamond, as the other three Cs (cut, color, and clarity) also play a role in the overall appearance and value of the diamond.
Marquise Diamond “Bow-Tie” Effect
The "bow-tie effect" refers to a phenomenon that can occur in some Marquise cut diamonds, where a shadow or darker area appears in the shape of a bow tie in the center of the diamond. This effect is caused by the way light reflects off the pavilion, or bottom part, of the diamond, and is more commonly seen in diamonds that have a shallow or poorly cut pavilion. The bow-tie effect can affect the overall appearance of the diamond and may make it appear less bright. To minimize the bow-tie effect, it is important to choose a Marquise cut diamond with a well-cut pavilion, as this will allow the diamond to reflect light more evenly and effectively.
What Is The History Of Marquise Cut Diamonds?
“The Marquise shape is said to have originated from King Louis XV commissioning a jeweler to cut a unique shape that could be matched to the lips of his lover, Marquise de Pompadour,” explains GIA graduate gemologist Queena.
The resulting cut, which was later named the "Marquise cut," became popular in Europe and eventually spread to other parts of the world. The Marquise cut has a long and storied history, and it has been a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry for centuries.
Are Marquise Diamond Engagement Rings Popular?
Marquise cut diamond engagement rings are popular for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the elongated shape of the Marquise cut can make the diamond appear larger and more impressive than a diamond of the same carat weight in a different cut. The marquise cut also has a unique and elegant appearance that sets it apart from other diamond cuts, which can make it an attractive choice for those looking for something a little different. Additionally, the Marquise cut can be flattering on the finger, as it can elongate the appearance of the finger and make it look slimmer and more elegant. Finally, the Marquise cut has a long and storied history, and it has been a popular choice for engagement rings for centuries, which can make it a desirable choice for those who appreciate traditional styles and timeless beauty.
What Are The Best Marquise Diamond Settings?
“Since Marquise diamonds have so much personality to them, I love Solitaire engagement ring settings to let the diamond speak for itself,” says Queena, GIA graduate gemologist. “ If you want a Marquise with a little more finger coverage on the sides, I love the Marquise Three Stone engagement ring with Round sides, as they add a softness to balance with the center diamond. The East-West Signature is also a fun option to consider.”
Solitaire Marquise Engagement Rings
Solitaire Marquise cut engagement rings are simply stunning, with their elongated shape and elegant lines. These rings showcase the beauty and brilliance of the Marquise cut diamond in a timeless and classic way, making them a perfect choice for those looking for a truly special and unique engagement ring.
Three-Stone Marquise Engagement Rings
Three-stone marquise cut diamond engagement rings are a sophisticated and impressive choice, with their combination of elegance and beauty. The three diamonds in these rings, which are typically set in a row with the center diamond being slightly larger, work together to create a truly remarkable and memorable engagement ring.
Vintage-Inspired Marquise Engagement Rings
Vintage-inspired marquise engagement rings are a beautiful and timeless choice, with their intricate and elegant designs. These rings are a great way to add a touch of vintage charm and glamor to any engagement, and they are perfect for those who appreciate the classic and sophisticated styles of the past.
How Can You Purchase A Marquise Diamond Ring?
To purchase a Marquise cut diamond engagement ring from VRAI, you can either browse and shop online or book an appointment with our diamond experts. If you choose to shop online, you can simply browse the selection of Marquise cut diamond engagement rings, narrow down your choices using the available filters, and select the ring you would like to purchase. You can then choose the metal type, ring size, and other customization options that are available, add the ring to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
If you prefer to book an appointment with our diamond experts, you can schedule a consultation at a VRAI showroom or virtually, where you can discuss your preferences and budget with a trained diamond specialist. They can help you select the perfect Marquise cut diamond engagement ring based on your wants and needs.
How Can You Purchase Marquise Loose Diamonds?
Purchasing loose Marquise cut VRAI created diamonds is a straightforward process. First, you will need to browse the selection of loose diamonds on our diamond table using the filters to narrow down your choices based on your preferences and budget. You can select the Marquise cut option to view only Marquise cut diamonds. Once you have found a diamond that you are interested in, you can view more details and photos of the diamond by clicking on the product page. Click “Purchase without a setting” and proceed to checkout.
Are There Marquise Diamond Wedding Bands?
There are two wedding bands that feature Marquise cut VRAI created diamonds: the Five Stone Band and the Tetrad Ring. However, with a variety of metal colors, there are more options to make these wedding rings more uniquely yours.