Marquise Cut Diamonds in Dallas
The marquise diamond, also known at the marquise cut and marquise shape diamond, is for no wallflower – it is for the woman who wants to make a statement. This striking and unique shape isn’t for everyone. This diamond shape is flashier in appearance, while still amazingly elegant. A marquise engagement ring sends the message that the wearer isn’t afraid to take a few chances and doesn’t mind people staring at her gorgeous ring.
What is a Marquise Diamond?
The marquise cut is an elliptical shaped diamond with pointed ends. This is an elongated diamond, usually about two times the length of his width. The brilliant faceting and pointed tips creates the illusion that the diamond larger than it is, because most of the stone is in the center, and the two points, visually, “pull” it larger. Most marquise diamonds feature 56 facets. The ends are pointed, into a v-tip, while the center is brilliant in cut and faceting like a round cut diamond. The shape is often referred to as a “football shape” diamond. The diamond can either be long and narrow or fuller and more rounded. Both shapes are acceptable. The marquise diamond should be completely symmetrical, with the points aligned directly over each other and with the center of the diamond. This diamond shape is cut by expert cutters since the pointed tips can be easily chipped during the cutting process.
The Marquise Cut Diamond’s History
Of all the stones ever cut into this shape, one of most impressive is the Cullinan VII. The 8.8-carat marquise diamond was added as a pendant to the 6.8-carat oval cushion Cullinan VIII brooch by Queen Mary.
Who Likes Marquise Cut Diamonds?
When the “ordinary” round cut just won’t do for the bride-to-be, the marquise cut brings a heightened sense of glamour and allure to the ring. It’s a diamond shape that – with the right diamond in the right setting – creates drama and excitement. This diamond is for the bold bride, the one who isn’t afraid to be herself, the one who doesn’t blend into the woodwork and who doesn’t mind it when people stare at her diamond ring.
The marquise diamond shape is considered an antique and vintage cut. However, we’ve seen renewed interest in this diamond shape as young Hollywood starlets and red carpet celebrities are choosing this distinctive and bold diamond shape. Michael Douglas expressed his love for Catherine Zeta-Jones with a whopping 10-carat engagement ring with a marquise diamond. Another not-afraid-to-flaunt-it celebrity, Victoria Beckham (a.k.a. Posh Spice), favors the football shape diamond as well. She has owned a 3-carat marquise ring, flanked by trillions, for years. Among the plethora of jewels worn by Queen Latifah, one of the most noteworthy was a 100-carat diamond bracelet cuff.
What is the Best Setting for a Marquise Cut Diamond?
There are many beautiful settings for this bold and beautiful diamond. While the marquise diamond can easily be set in a solitaire setting, it is also commonly set with accent stones, in three stone settings such as baguettes cut diamonds. The diamond is most typically set vertically, with the accent stones are placed at the widest part of the diamond. Accent stones can also be oval or round diamonds, as a contrast to the pointed marquise. This shape diamond is also frequently set in diamond halos which can soften the look of the harsher shape, lending itself to a gentler appearance on the finger.
A marquise diamond should always be set with v-tip prongs or a halo to protect the two points (the most likely location for chipping). Because these points were once nearest the outer edge of the rough stone, flaws such as naturals, extra facets, and other inclusions may be located here. Since the points are covered by v-tip prongs, these flaws will be invisible once the diamond is set.
While most marquise diamonds are set vertically, running along the finger, some creative, bold designs place it across the finger going sideways (also known as east/west setting). Setting this diamond shape east/west or horizontal orientations with diamond halos or simple bezel settings creates a fresh contemporary look. It’s an alternative, exciting and unexpected look for this football shaped diamond engagement ring. To make the fingers appear longer and slimmer, though, the vertical setting should be used.
Why a Marquise Diamonds Color Really Matters
While diamond cut is always the most important factor of the Four Cs, a very close second factor is color when considering a marquise cut diamond. This diamond shape may show more color than other brilliant cuts. In larger marquise diamonds (over 1.00 carat), the color may appear slightly darker at the points. For this reason, buyers may choose to move up one color grade as compared to other diamond shapes. Additionally, this fancy diamond shape may have a prominent bow tie area. A bow tie is a dark area across the center width of many fancy shapes. This is a result of varying pavilion angles. Bow ties show as light return that is blocked by the head of the viewer. Fancy shapes like oval cuts, heart shapes, and pear shapes will have bow ties of varying degrees. In these fancy shapes, it is best to avoid excessively deep or shallow stones. Marquise shapes, like all diamonds, can be found in a wide array of proportions, and they are best judged in person.
Why Buy the Marquise Shape Diamond?
Carat for carat, the marquise diamond has one of the largest crown surface areas of any diamond shape – especially when comparing carat for carat. The long and narrow shape of this diamond shape can essentially create the illusion that the diamond is larger than it really is. This makes the marquise shape diamond a good choice when trying to maximize the visual and perceived size of a diamond. This diamond’s elongated shape can make the finger of the wearer appear longer and slimmer. This diamond generally looks much larger from the “face up” position than other fancy shapes of the same carat weight. A 1.00 carat marquise diamond generally measures approximately 10.00mm x 6.00mm. Most 1.00 carat round diamonds generally measure 6.50mm. As you can imagine, this diamond will look substantially larger on the finger of the wearer. Additionally, the marquise shape diamond will be less expensive per carat for equal quality than a round cut diamond. Likewise, similar to with other similar shapes like the oval diamond, emerald diamond and the pear diamond, the marquise cut can also make the finger of its wearer appear to look both longer and more slim.
The Ideal Marquise Shape Diamond
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) does not give a Cut Grade to Marquise cut diamonds the way it does with round cut diamonds, so our own personal preference should dictate to some degree which diamond shape you like best. However, when selecting your ideal diamond, symmetry becomes extremely important. This is because the two end points on the diamond should ideally be aligned with each other – with the left and right sides forming a near mirror image. Here, even the slightest misalignment in the stone’s points will give the diamond an off kilter appearance once it is placed in its setting.
Marquise cut diamonds come in wide range of shapes, varying from long and narrow to wide and rounded. Personal preference should dictate how narrow or fat of a football shaped diamond you choose, although a length to width ratio of 1.75 -2.15 is considered the classic shape for this stone. Shapiro Diamonds discusses with every client the precise measurements, as well as the length to width ratio, so you know the exact shape of the diamond you are considering.
Considering a Marquise Diamond’s Cut
Diamonds come in a variety of differing shapes and sizes. One of the key attributes in determining the overall look and sparkle of a diamond is the cut. This, in conjunction with the gem’s clarity, color, and carat weight, essentially completes the stone’s beauty.
While a diamond’s shape and cut may initially appear to mean the same thing, this is actually not the case. The shape of a diamond refers to the outline of the stone itself. This can be round, oval, pear, heart, or a number of other outlines. The cut of the diamond, however, refers to the actual arrangement of the stone’s facets.
Properly cut diamonds will allow light to seep through the top and then bounce around from facet to facet, eventually shooting out. This is what gives a diamond its sparkle effect. The cut of a diamond can be extremely important, as when done improperly, light will leak out from the bottom of the stone, leaving the diamond with a more dull or shallow appearance. Visit our Diamond Cut page to learn more.
Where to Find the Best Marquise Shape Diamond in Dallas
When searching for the perfect diamond, it should be expected that the dealer you choose will not just walk you through the purchase, but will also help you to stay within your planned budget. If you’re seeking both high quality and value in your diamond purchase, consider Shapiro Diamonds in Dallas.
Shapiro Diamonds provides buyers with a wide selection of diamond shapes, qualities and setting styles to choose from. This, coupled with personal attention from an expert in the diamond industry, will move you towards the best cut, shape, and style for this once in a lifetime purchase.