Marquise-Cut Diamonds: A Guide to Elegance and Brilliance

Marquise-Cut Diamonds: A Guide to Elegance and Brilliance

The marquise-cut diamond is a unique and sophisticated shape, known for its elongated, pointed ends and regal history. Its distinctive design creates a dramatic, elegant look while maximizing carat weight and finger coverage. Marquise diamonds have been cherished for centuries, and their popularity remains strong among those who appreciate vintage glamour and modern refinement.

History and Origin of the Marquise Cut

The marquise-cut diamond dates back to 18th-century France, when King Louis XV commissioned a diamond shape that resembled the lips of his mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Over time, the cut evolved into its iconic elongated shape with pointed ends, favored for its regal and dramatic appearance.

What is a Marquise-Cut Diamond?

A marquise-cut diamond features an elongated shape with pointed tips, designed to maximize brilliance and create a larger appearance compared to other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. Its curved sides and sharp ends give it a distinctive, elegant look that has remained a favorite among those seeking a bold yet timeless engagement ring.

Key Features of a Marquise Diamond:

✔ Elongated shape – Provides a larger face-up appearance, making the diamond look bigger than its carat weight.
✔ Brilliant-cut facets – Enhances sparkle while maintaining a sleek, elegant profile.
✔ Slimming effect – The length of the marquise cut elongates the finger, making it a flattering choice.
✔ Vintage and modern appeal – Works beautifully in both classic solitaire and intricate vintage settings.

Why Are Marquise Diamonds So Popular?

Marquise-cut diamonds have remained a timeless choice for engagement rings, loved for their bold yet refined look.

Reasons for Its Popularity:

  • Maximizes carat weight – Due to its elongated shape, a marquise diamond looks larger than round or cushion-cut diamonds of the same weight.

  • Flattering on the hand – The tapered ends create an illusion of longer, more slender fingers.

  • Unique and regal – The marquise cut stands out from traditional round and oval shapes, offering a distinctive, royal-inspired look.

  • Favored in vintage and Art Deco designs – Marquise diamonds are commonly seen in antique-style rings, enhancing their charm.

Celebrities with Marquise-Cut Engagement Rings

The marquise-cut diamond has adorned the hands of many celebrities and royals, adding to its timeless appeal. Notable figures with marquise engagement rings include:

  • Selena Gomez: Engaged to music producer Benny Blanco, Selena's ring features a stunning 8-carat marquise diamond set on a yellow gold pavé band. The choice of the marquise cut is particularly meaningful, as it references her 2015 song "Good For You," where she describes herself as a "marquise diamond."

  • Victoria Beckham: One of her multiple engagement rings from David Beckham showcases a marquise-cut diamond, reflecting her sophisticated style.

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones: Received a 10-carat marquise-cut diamond ring from Michael Douglas, set in an east-west orientation, adding a unique twist to the classic cut.

  • Portia de Rossi: Her engagement ring features a marquise-cut diamond set horizontally, offering a contemporary take on the traditional vertical setting.

Choosing the Best Marquise-Cut Diamond

When selecting a marquise-cut diamond, it’s important to consider cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, as well as length-to-width ratio and symmetry.

1. Cut Quality for Maximum Brilliance

Unlike round diamonds, marquise-cut diamonds do not have a strict "ideal cut" standard. However, a well-cut marquise should have:
✔ A length-to-width ratio of 1.75 to 2.25 for a balanced shape.
✔ Symmetrically aligned points to maintain visual balance.

2. Color Recommendations

Marquise diamonds can show slightly more color at the tips due to their cut. However, they still hide color better than round diamonds.

  • Lab-grown diamonds – D-F provides an icier, colorless look.

  • Natural diamonds – I-J color can still look beautiful, especially in yellow or rose gold settings, while D-H remains a safe near-colorless choice.

3. Clarity Considerations

Because marquise diamonds have brilliant-cut facets, they hide inclusions well, especially near the center.
✔ VS1-VS2 clarity is ideal for a balance of quality and value.
✔ SI1-SI2 clarity can still appear flawless if carefully selected (like in Benz & Co’s ready-to-ship collection).

4. Best Carat Size for a Marquise Diamond

Due to its elongated shape, a 1.50-carat marquise-cut diamond may appear as large as a 2-carat round diamond, offering excellent size without additional weight.

Best Settings for Marquise Engagement Rings

Marquise-cut diamonds look stunning in various settings, including:

✔ Solitaire – Highlights the shape with a clean, elegant look.
✔ Halo – Adds extra sparkle while maintaining a sleek design.
✔ Three-Stone – Enhances the beauty of the marquise shape with complementary side stones.
✔ East-West Setting – A modern twist, setting the marquise diamond horizontally.
✔ Bezel – A protective setting that enhances durability.

Why Choose a Marquise-Cut Diamond from Benz & Co Diamonds?

At Benz & Co Diamonds, we offer an exclusive collection of marquise-cut engagement rings featuring:
✔ Top-quality natural and lab-grown diamonds with unmatched brilliance.
✔ The largest selection of ready-to-ship engagement rings, so you don’t have to wait.
✔ Competitive pricing, ensuring the best value without compromising quality.
✔ Easy financing options with Affirm, choose up to 36 monthly payments with rates as low as 0% APR.
✔ Fast delivery, receive your ring within 7 days, including complimentary resizing.

Final Thoughts

The marquise-cut diamond is a perfect choice for those who want timeless elegance with a unique, elongated shape. With its dramatic brilliance, regal history, and bold appearance, it remains a top choice for engagement rings. Whether you're drawn to its vintage charm, larger face-up appearance, or celebrity appeal, a marquise-cut diamond is sure to make a statement.

Now, explore Benz & Co Diamonds' marquise-cut engagement rings, where timeless beauty meets exceptional craftsmanship.

 

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