Marquise diamonds stand as a true symbol of luxury, beauty, and individuality. Specifically, the unique shape, pointed at both ends and gently rounded along the sides, futher distinguishes it from other diamond cuts. The Marquise carries a fascinating history that make it an irresistible conversation piece. Originating in 18th-century France, and said to have earned its name from King Louis XIV in honor of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour; King Louis found the diamond’s shape reminiscent of her perfectly shaped lips. These royal roots add a layer of romance and mystery to this classic shape.
How Do You Choose A Marquise Diamond?
Selecting the perfect diamond is a highly personal experience. For Marquise diamonds, the benchmark is typically a G color and VS1 clarity, with a length-to-width ratio between 1.90 and 2.00. While size and sparkle are undoubtedly important, however, finding a Marquise diamond that truly compliments your style and personality is what matters most.
Keep in Mind the 5 C’s: Cost, Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut:
Cost:
- Before you begin your search, it’s important to establish your price range. Keep in mind that natural diamonds are more expensive and offer fewer options compared to lab-grown diamonds, which provide a wider selection at a more accessible price point.
Carat:
- The Marquise diamond’s elongated shape makes your fingers appear longer and slimmer. Additionally, its unique cut allows the stone to look larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.
Shape & Carat Comparison Chart:
Cut:
- Marquise diamonds are considered fancy shaped stones and because of this they are not certified with a cut grade.
- Proportions play a crucial role in determining the overall shape of a diamond. For a marquise-cut diamond, the optimal length-to-width ratio range is 1.75 to 2.20 to maintain balanced proportions.
- If you’re looking for a chunkier appearance, aim for a diamond with a length-to-width ratio (LWR) between 1.75 and 1.80. For a standard look, the ideal ratio should be between 1.90 and 2.00, and a longer or skinnier diamond can be achieved with a ratio between 2.00 and 2.20.
Marquise Length to Width Ratio Chart
Color
- Marquise cut diamonds within the color range from D to F are colorless with no visible warmth. As you move down the scale to H and beyond, a subtle warmth becomes noticeable to the naked eye. At Adiamor, we exclusively offer diamonds with color grades from D to K to ensure our customers receive only the highest quality.
Marquise Color Chart:
Clarity:
- Marquise cut diamonds feature a brilliant cut, which helps to conceal inclusions. Typically, inclusions in marquise diamonds are most noticeable in the center of the stone.
- Diamonds with white inclusions are preferred over those with black inclusions, they tend to be less visible.
- The clarity of diamonds is rated on a scale from flawless to I3 (Included). At Adiamor, we only offer a premium selection of diamonds between the clarity range FL (Flawless) to SI2 (Slightly Included).
Marquise Clarity Comparison
Faceting:
- Diamonds have small flat surfaces called facets that reflect light like tiny mirrors, these facets are what give each diamond it’s own character. Because Marquise diamonds are brilliant cut stones, the facets allow for a stronger sparkle.
- Based on how the facets interact with light it can create a “bow-tie” effect in the center of the diamond: a dark pattern resembling a bow tie across the center of the diamond. This effect is especially notable in fancy shapes like the Marquise. (Diamonds with less or no bow-tie tend to sparkle more consistently and evenly.)
- The Culet is the small, pointed part on the bottom of the diamond where the facets converge.
- Antique style diamonds, including some Marquise stones, often feature a checkerboard pattern on the front of the gem. For a diamond to be considered antique, it must havea flattened culet rather than a sharp point, distinguishing it from modern cuts.
Antique vs. Brilliant Cuts
The Marquise Diamond Ring: A Piece of Art
With just a graceful flick of the wrist or a gesture of the hand, a Marquise diamond makes a statement far beyond simple beauty it becomes a captivating centerpiece. Its remarkable versatility and countless design possibilities make it an irresistible choice for anyone seeking a unique engagement ring. The right setting will make your Marquise diamond engagement ring into a true work of art. Steeped in fascinating regal history and blessed with a breathtaking shape, the Marquise is a must-know for anyone looking for a diamond as unique as they are.
