Features of Marquise Diamonds
One important feature of marquise diamonds, which attracts both buyers and collectors, is their shape. The shape can maximise carat weight, thus making them appear much larger than they actually are.
The marquise cut diamond is a fascinating, fancy-shaped ‘brilliant-cut’ diamond that looks lovely set with pear-shaped or round side stones. The length of the magnificent marquise makes the wearer’s fingers look long and slender, adding to their appeal. However, while selecting a colour grade, consider the fact that colour may be only slightly visible in a lower colour marquise diamond’s corners.
The marquise cut is said to have been inspired by the infectious smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. The Sun King, France’s Louis XIV, who wanted a diamond to suit the smile, commissioned it. The marquise was one of the highly popular shapes in the 1960′s up to 1980′s.
Like the emerald cut, it’s a traditional shape. This is perhaps the fourth most popular shape after the round, princess and oval shape. The marquise cut is also known as the ‘navette’ shape. It looks like a long oval, which has been stretched to a point at either end.