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My Bottom Line Recommendation
I strongly recommend reading the full Marquise Diamond Guide below; however, if you’re just stopping by for the key points, here’s the scoop on marquise diamonds:
Unique Shape: The marquise diamond has an elongated, pointed shape that maximizes carat weight and enhances brilliance. When picked right, this shape appears larger and creates a slimming effect on the finger.
Cost-Effectiveness: The marquise shape is generally less expensive than round diamonds, offering a budget-friendly option. To maximize your budget even more, consider going with a lab-grown diamond like this one.
Choosing the Right One: For an ideal marquise diamond with high-light performance, look for a diamond with depth(%) 61.5-66.5 and table(%) 57-63.5. The crown angle should be 12.5-16.5 and the pavilion angle 43-45.5. Also make sure to avoid any bowtie effect. The settings are ready for you here with the diamonds filtered.
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Table of Contents
When searching for the perfect engagement ring, marquise diamonds offer a unique, vintage appeal that stands out from the crowd. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century and a distinct elongated shape that maximizes carat weight and enhances brilliance, marquise diamonds are making a modern-day comeback. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the allure of Marquise Diamond, their pros and cons, how to select the perfect marquise engagement ring, and the rising popularity of lab-grown marquise diamonds. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the beauty and charm of this captivating diamond shape.
Marquise Diamonds Explained
What Is A Marquise Diamond?
A marquise diamond is an elongated, pointed diamond shape with 58 facets, also known as the “navette” shape. This unique shape maximizes carat weight, making the diamond appear larger than other shapes of the same weight, while providing a finger-slimming effect when worn as a ring.
In a marquise-cut diamond, symmetry significantly influences the diamond’s overall aesthetic. Marquise cut diamonds captivate with their elongated shape, storied past, and exceptional brilliance. These distinctive marquise diamonds are renowned for their vintage charm, making marquise cut engagement rings a unique choice.
What Is The Origin And History Of Marquise Diamonds?
Marquise diamonds, often set in white gold, have a fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. King Louis XV of France commissioned a jeweler to design a diamond that resembled the lips of his mistress, Jean Antoinette Poisson, also known as Madame de Pompadour.
The marquise diamond’s connection to royalty and luxury has endured over time, and despite fluctuations in popularity, it remains a sought-after choice for those seeking a distinctive and elegant marquise diamond ring as their engagement ring.
Marquise Diamonds: Pros and Cons
Marquise diamonds offer numerous benefits such as a larger appearance, vintage charm, and a finger-slimming effect. However, like any diamond shape, they also have their drawbacks.
The pointed ends of marquise diamonds can be prone to chipping and snagging, and the shape is less popular than round or princess cuts.
Pros
The unique and elegant look of Marquise diamonds distinguishes them from other diamond shapes. The elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger stone, while the vintage charm and historical significance add to their allure.
Additionally, the marquise shape’s finger-slimming effect is an attractive feature for many ring buyers.
Cons
A significant drawback of marquise diamonds is their tendency to chip and snag. The pointed ends can easily become entangled with clothing or other metal objects, resulting in potential damage.
Furthermore, it can be difficult to find a well-cut and symmetrical marquise diamond without a noticeable bowtie region, as the unique shape requires a careful examination for an accurate assessment of the diamond’s cut and quality.
Choosing the Perfect Marquise Engagement Ring
Marquise Diamond Cut Recommendations
To make sure you are picking the best marquise cut diamonds, narrow down your options with the following parameters. This way, you’ll get the highest light performance with the strongest brilliance, fire and sparkles:
Table: 57-63.5
Depth: 61.5-66.5
Crown angle: 12.5-16.5
Pavilion angle: 43-45.5
Carat Weight and Diamond Size
The overall appearance of a marquise diamond is determined by factors like carat weight and diamond size. The elongated shape of a marquise diamond can create the illusion of a larger size compared to other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a larger-looking diamond without breaking the bank.
Ideal Marquise-Cut Length-to-Width Ratio
A balanced and visually appealing shape is ensured when marquise diamonds have a length-to-width ratio ranging from 1.75 to 1.95.
This ratio is essential for maintaining the harmony of the diamond’s proportions and optimizing its overall beauty and fire.
Shorter Marquise vs. Longer Marquise
Personal preference and the desired visual effect determine the choice between a shorter or longer marquise diamond. A shorter marquise diamond offers a more compact look, while a longer marquise diamond creates the illusion of a larger stone due to the carat weight being spread across a larger area. Some may want to opt for a 2.25 ratio, making the shape appear longer, however I personally prefer to maintain a good balance, go with a 1.95 maximum to insure the diamond has a good light performance.
What Is A Bowtie Effect?
The bowtie effect is a natural occurrence in marquise diamonds, where a dark band appears across the center of the stone due to the faceting pattern. While this effect cannot be completely eliminated, it can be minimized by careful selection of stones and prioritizing sparkle.
Opt for a marquise diamond with a less noticeable bowtie region, ensuring that the midsection of the diamond still appears bright and full of fire.
Caring for Your Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Protecting Pointed Ends
Since the pointed tips and ends of marquise diamonds are vulnerable to chipping and damage, choosing a protective setting and handling the ring with care is crucial. V prong settings and settings with 6 prongs are recommended for providing optimal protection for the tapered points of marquise diamonds.
Be mindful of activities that could cause the diamond to be knocked or jostled, and always store the ring in a safe place when not being worn.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To maintain the best look of your marquise diamond engagement ring, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary. A gentle jewelry cleaning solution or a combination of warm water and mild soap is recommended for cleaning marquise diamonds.
It is advisable to have the ring professionally cleaned at least twice a year to remove any oil residue from finger and skin contact that may cause the diamond to appear dull.
Comparing Marquise Diamonds to Other Diamond Shapes
In terms of visual appearance, clarity, brilliance, and price, marquise diamonds stand out from other diamond shapes. Comparing these factors can help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect diamond shape for your engagement ring.
The marquise diamond has a unique shape that is often described as an eye or a boat
Visual Comparison
Marquise diamonds have a unique elongated shape compared to other popular diamond shapes, such as:
round
princess
oval
pear-shaped diamonds
This distinctive shape can create a range of different aesthetic effects, from a vintage-inspired look to a bold, modern statement, depending on the setting and overall style and design of the engagement ring. These variations are just a few examples of the numerous ring styles available.
Brilliance and Sparkle
The large surface area combined with well structured and many facets enhances the brilliance and sparkle of the full marquise cut diamond shape when compared to other diamond shapes. The elongated shape and unique faceting pattern enable optimal light performance, resulting in a dazzling appearance that is sure to capture attention.
Price Differences
Marquise diamonds tend to cost less than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. Round and princess cut diamonds are usually more expensive. This is due to the larger face-up area and lesser amount of raw material required for production.
The unique shape and vintage allure of marquise diamonds make them an excellent choice for those seeking a distinctive and budget-friendly engagement ring option.
The Rise of Lab-Grown Marquise Diamonds
As an affordable, eco-friendly, and ethical option, lab-grown marquise diamonds are an alternative to natural diamonds. As advanced technology continues to improve, lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular among engagement ring buyers seeking a more sustainable and cost-effective option.
Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Sharing the same qualities and characteristics as their mined counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are about 30% less expensive than natural diamonds. Additionally, they offer an eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, as they are created in a controlled laboratory setting with sustainable methods and do not contribute to deforestation or habitat destruction.
Lab-grown diamonds are a great choice for those looking for an affordable and eco-friendly.
Selecting a Lab-Grown Marquise Diamond
When selecting a lab-grown marquise diamond, consider the same parameters as natural diamonds, such as length-to-width ratio and measurements, to ensure the perfect look for your engagement ring. Additionally, obtaining a diamond grading report can help you make a more informed decision.
This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a lab-grown diamond without compromising on the beauty and quality of your marquise engagement ring.
Conclusion - My Personal Experience
Marquise diamond engagement rings hold a special place in my heart, often chosen by discerning customers seeking a unique flair that’s hard to come by. This distinctive shape is a true reflection of individuality, setting it apart from everyday designs. While some critique its pointed ends as less feminine, I’d counter that its elongated form actually slenderizes the hand, enhancing its femininity. However, selecting the right marquise is crucial; a poor choice can detract from its beauty. That’s why I’m here to guide you in finding the marquise diamond that’s perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are marquise diamonds more expensive?
Marquise cut diamonds are generally less expensive than round cut diamonds, as more of the diamond’s rough can be used to create larger cuts.
Why not to buy a marquise diamond?
Given their thin, pointed cut, marquise diamonds are more vulnerable to breakage than other diamond shapes. For this reason, it is generally not advised to purchase a marquise diamond.
What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for marquise diamonds?
The ideal length-to-width ratio for marquise diamonds is typically between 1.75 and 1.95, making it important to consider the shape of the diamond when selecting a cut.
How can I protect the pointed ends of a marquise diamond?
To protect the pointed ends of a marquise diamond, choose a protective setting such as a V or 6-prong and handle with care.
What are the benefits of lab-grown marquise diamonds?
Lab-grown marquise diamonds offer the same beauty and value as natural diamonds, but at a more affordable price and in an eco-friendly and ethically sourced way.
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