A marquise (pronounced as ‘mar-keys’) cut stone is a beautiful shape that takes the classic curves of a round or oval cut and elongates it with two pointed ends, creating an eye-like or football shape. With a growing interest in unique engagement rings, although a timeless shape, the marquise has a habit of re-emerging with fresh new designs. If you’re looking for a traditional yet modern cut, the marquise might be for you.
What is a Marquise Cut?
A unique alternative to the more popular elongated shapes, the marquise incorporates the length of an oval shape and the point of a pear shape on both ends. Also known as the navette, meaning “little boat” in French, it features a wide middle that extends to sharp points on either end, resembling the hull of a ship. It’s also known as a “football shaped” stone.
Marquise diamonds feature a timeless eye-like shape that gives the cut one of the largest surface areas of any shape. It’s a modified brilliant cut, which means its 58 facets are shaped similar to those of a round brilliant. Marquise stones can have bezel facets at the points or can be cut with French tips, which are also used on pear and heart shapes.
In French aristocracy, a Marquise is the rank below Duke and above Count. This cut was specifically designed for Jean Antoinette Poisson, also known as Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV (1710-1774) and one of his closest advisors. The king commissioned the special gem to match her perfectly shaped lips and it quickly became a favorite in French court. Almost 250 years later, their great romance lives on.
Why Choose a Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring?
Marquise stones are elegant and softly curved, and due to their long and narrow shape, they create an illusion of greater carat size. As with any elongated shape, the marquise can also make its wearer’s finger seem more long and slim. Because less waste is created when cutting this shape, the marquise is also less expensive than round cut stones.
A common ratio is 2:1, but marquis may be slender and long, or plump and wide depending on personal preference. Like the pear, it’s vulnerable at its points, so choose a setting that protects these areas. A solitaire setting allows the stone to stun without distraction, while a halo will increase its sparkle and maybe give a nod to its vintage, Art Deco heritage. Pavé diamonds are often used in this setting to create a stunning, glamorous look as well.
Most rings feature a vertical placement, set in the more traditional north-south setting. However, a popular trend in marquise diamond ring settings has been to set the stone sideways so it runs parallel with the band. When the stone is set east-west, you can really imagine a pair of pouty lips.Actresses Catherine Zeta-Jones and Portia de Rossi both wear east-west set marquise engagement rings that give a more modern aesthetic to the style.
You can be certain that whatever diamond shape and setting you choose you’ll be admiring for decades to come. Let us help you design the perfect ring. Give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule an appointment!