Marquise Cut Diamonds
The Marquise Cut is, according to legend, named after the Marquise Madame de Pompadour. Louis XV is said to have ordered a diamond cut into the shape of her mouth.Today the marquise cut is a popular buying choice for solitaire diamond rings, earrings, etc.
What Is The Marquise Cut?
The marquise cut is a modified brilliant diamond cut that resembles an American football when looked at from above - a pointed oval. It's also been described as looking like a boat.There's no specific length:width ratio for the cut. The stones tend to be around twice as long as they are wide, however this varies. Some are longer and thinner, some are shorter and stubbier. In many ways it's a matter of personal taste. However a marquise that's been badly cut or cut too thin can sometimes display an undesirable dark patch called a "bow tie effect".
The marquise is popular because it has the brilliant's sparkle in a shape that can make the stone look bigger than its actual carat weight. The long, thin nature of the finished stone can also help to make fingers look more slender when set lengthwise in a ring. As with all diamonds the marquise needs to be treated with care and respect, especially if set in such a way that the pointed ends are exposed.
In recent years the marquise has been under competition from the oval cut, however it remains a classic, elegant cut for which there are plenty of buyers.