If you and your partner are prepared to take the next step in your relationship, then you need the perfect ring to accompany your proposal. While traditional round and oval cut diamonds will always have a place in our hearts, there’s something particularly timeless and romantic about the marquise cut. With a brilliant sparkle and flattering look, marquise cut engagement rings will capture her heart, just like you have!
What is the Marquise Cut?
The marquise cut is easily recognized by its symmetrical, elongated oval shape, resembling a football or a rowboat. These stones are known to maximize light return, resulting in a dazzling sparkling effect. With two pointed ends and a well-balanced faceted pattern, the marquise cut gives the illusion of a much larger stone.
How Many Facets Does a Marquise Cut Diamond Have?
A marquise cut diamond typically has either 56 or 58 expertly placed facets. This intricate arrangement is carefully created with balance in mind, so that every facet is well-proportioned, symmetrical, and allows for a striking play of light. The pointed ends and curved middle of the stone help enhance this light interaction, channeling rays throughout the diamond.
The Fascinating History of the Marquise Cut
Historians trace marquise cut engagement rings all the way back to 18th-century France, when King Louis XV commissioned a diamond resembling the lips of Marquise de Pompadour, his mistress. This secretive and aristocratic origin added a sensuality to an already breathtaking diamond shape, solidifying its use in romantic jewelry for years to come.
Marquise cuts increased in popularity during the Victorian and Art Deco eras. The unique shape was often used to accentuate the intricate floral and geometric designs of these periods. Marquise cut engagement rings trended in the ‘60s and ‘70s, giving them a brief reputation as being your “mom’s ring,” but any modern bride with an interest in vintage style will appreciate the sleek silhouette.
Why Brides Love Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
Marquise cut engagement rings are considered one of the most universally flattering diamond shapes. The surface area makes the stone itself appear larger, while the boat-like shape helps to elongate the finger, giving it a slimmer appearance. Any bride with smaller hands or wider fingers will love the benefit of wearing this diamond shape.
Is the Marquise Cut Durable Enough for Engagement Rings?
When you first hear about the marquise cut’s shape, you may wonder if it’s durable enough for a design intended for everyday wear. While it is true that the pointed ends are more susceptible to chipping and damage compared to other shapes, this problem is easily solved with proper protective ring settings. Don’t worry too much when shopping for an engagement ring—expert jewelers understand this potential issue and design with durability in mind.
Considerations When Shopping for Marquise Cut Engagement Rings
Whether you’re surprising your bride-to-be or browsing together, shopping for diamond marquise cut engagement rings is simple. When you talk to your jeweler, keep these considerations in mind:
Selecting the Right Stone for Your Marquise Cut Engagement Ring
When browsing marquise cut engagement rings, it’s important to keep the 4Cs of diamond quality in mind: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Since symmetry is crucial in this diamond shape, cut matters most. If either end point is misaligned, it could throw off the brilliance within the stone and overall aesthetics of the ring.
Pro tip: Marquise cut stones have a larger surface, which means that inclusions have a good chance of being more visible. Avoid this problem by shopping for stones with higher graded clarity.
Understanding the Bowtie Effect in Marquise Diamonds
Due to how light interacts with the facets, many marquise cut engagement rings have a dark shadow across the center of the stone—this is known as the “bowtie.” While it’s not necessarily thought of as a flaw, an intense presence of a bowtie can negatively impact the overall brilliance of a stone. If you want less of a bowtie in your ring, search for diamonds with near-perfect symmetry and a medium to slightly thick girdle.
Other Gemstones that Look Great in a Marquise Cut
If you’re bride is less traditional, she may not want a diamond ring at all. Luckily, there are plenty of alternative and colorful gemstones that shine in a marquise cut engagement ring, including:
- Sapphires
- Emeralds
- Amethyst
- Citrine
- Opals
Deciding on the Right Marquise Cut Engagement Ring Setting
When it comes to marquise cut engagement ring shopping, selecting the perfect ring setting is just as important as finding the right stone. Since the pointed ends are more prone to chipping, you should always choose a setting designed to protect these delicate tips.
The 3 Best Settings for Marquise Cut Engagement Rings:
- Prong: four or six prongs strategically wrapped around on the sides and tips to secure the stone.
- Bezel: the entire stone encircled with a band of metal for excellent protection – great for wedding ring stacking.
- East-West: the diamonds are set horizontally across the band for a modern twist on a timeless look that reduces the risk of the points snagging on clothing.
Choosing a Flattering Metal for Your Marquise Cut Engagement Ring
Marquise cut stones offer an unbeatable sparkle when set against any metal, so the choice really boils down to personal preference. White gold and platinum are popular options for those seeking a sleek and modern look, while yellow gold lends a warm and rich glow perfect for anyone who desires a traditional style. For a vintage-inspired design, you could even consider romantic rose gold!
Additional Design Details
With a mesmerizing glimmer and unique shape, a marquise cut diamond is beautiful enough to be featured as the sole stone in a ring. But many jewelers add additional, often smaller, stones on either side to enhance the sparkle and size, or, depending on the gemstone, add a bit of color to the design.
Customize Your Marquise Cut Engagement Ring
When shopping, you could also consider creating a one-of-a-kind design with our Custom Design Services. Make your marquise cut engagement ring extra special and engrave the date of your proposal, a sentimental message, or your names on the inside of the band.
Whether you’re searching for an exquisite sapphire and diamond marquise cut ring or a simple, one-stone design is up to you. The important thing is that the engagement ring you choose tells your love story in the best way possible. With a marquise cut engagement ring, you can start your marriage in style.
