Marquise Cut Diamonds

Marquise Cut Diamonds

The marquise cut is a very popular diamond cut adopted by high-end jewelry designers to create eye-catching Diamond Jewelry, including drop dangle Earrings and stunning solitaire necklace pendants. Marquise cut diamond is also a popular choice for diamond engagement rings due to its slender and elongated shape; it is commonly considered to beautifully compliment any woman's finger.

The Marquise cut diamond design is credited to King Louis XV of France, also known as the Sun King. It was during the 1700's that Louis XV commissioned his court jeweler to create a new diamond cut in the shape of his mistress' luscious lips. And so the elliptical-like design of the marquise came about and named after the King's mistress, Madam Marquise de Pompadour. It is no wonder, therefore, why the marquise cut often has a royal and affluent feel to it.

Marquise cut diamonds are shaped in a long oval contour, stretched into two pointed ends. The length-to-width aspect ratio of a marquise cut diamond should preferably be 2 to 1, beautifully accentuating the size of any diamond. A Marquise cut diamond should feature 56 facets, proportionally and symmetrically aligned to maximize the brilliance of the diamond. Some might alternatively refer to a Marquise cut as a 'Step Cut' or 'Table Cut' due to the step-like facets it comprises of. In most cases, a poor cut Marquise diamond will usually be the result of a condition known as the Bow Tie Effect. This effect arises from the variations in the pavilion facet angles which are longer than they are wide.

Either as a classic solitaire setting or surrounded by smaller side stones, the marquise cut diamond beautifully stands out in any type of Jewelry. It remains unsurpassed in terms of elegance, style and reputation. The unique elongated shape of marquise cut diamonds will make even smaller carat sized diamonds look larger in appearance, understandably making it an engagement ring favorite.

Many Hollywood couples are opting for marquise cut Diamond Engagement Rings, most probably because the marquise has an air of sophistication and royalty to it. Take for instance Michael Douglas who proposed to the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones with an antique styled 10 carat exquisite marquise cut diamond. A lot of women will find that marquise cut diamonds are simply unbeatable when it comes to flattering their hands, as its elongated shape makes their fingers appear longer and more slender.