The marquise diamond cut is also known as the football shaped cut, the eye shaped cut, or the boat shaped cut. It is one of the rarely seen cuts among the diamond engagement rings, which makes it famous for offering a unique appeal.
A marquise diamond has 58 facets and has a characteristic elliptical shape that is pointed at the ends. Although it does not have a similar reputation as the round cut or the princess cut, it makes an elegant looking ring that matches the ring finger quite well. Below is a look into the history of the marquise cut diamonds and some basic tips you need to know before you buy a marquise diamond engagement ring.
History of the Marquise Cut Diamond
The origin of the Marquise cut can be traced back to the 18th Century. The King Louis XV of France (1710-1774) assigned his jeweler to create a ring that resembled the lips of his mistress, Jean Antoinette Poisson. This was the inception of this unique diamond design.
The term “marquise” also has a deep history. It refers to rank below a duke but higher than a count. Hence, those who wore a marquise diamond were deemed to belonged to a certain rank and the ring began to be identified with the rank. Furthermore, as their shape resembles a ship, they are also known as navette, which means “little ship” in French.
Even though the marquise cut was initially used for diamonds, it was gradually adopted for other gemstones too, such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.
Tips for Buying a Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Marquise cut diamonds are long and narrow. Hence, the wearer’s finger looks longer when worn. Keep this in mind before you purchase one. Yet remember that they might be prone to chipping because of their pointed edges. Therefore, make sure you examine your ring carefully before you buy one. The best way to protect your ring is by providing a “V-tip” or “V-end” prong. This will guarantee that the pointed edges are safe and secure.
The points of the marquise diamond have to align perfectly with each other. Even the slightest of defects in alignment will adversely affect the visual appeal of the diamond. As these diamonds are narrow shaped, they sometimes reveal a dark portion inside the diamond. This is known as the bowtie effect. Well-shaped diamonds hide this effect, so be careful of this while you buy a marquise cut diamond ring.