Marquise diamond engagement rings: everlasting happiness
March 5, 2012 in Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Jewellery, Diamonds
France is known as the nation nestled within Cupid’s bosom. Here is the birthplace of great lovers, exquisite champagne and a timeless diamond cut. Legend has it that Marquise of Pompadour bestowed a precious smile upon the Sun King, Louis XV of France. So enamoured was the King with his lover’s gorgeous grin that he handed his court jeweller a romantic commission. Create a diamond cut to reflect the shape of his beloved’s sultry smile. Thus the Marquise diamond cut was born.
As ardent buyers smile adoringly at wholesale diamonds, Marquise cut stones surely smile back. Resplendent in glorious curved shapeliness. The Marquise cut is a narrow oval with tapered pointed ends at either side. Also known as naivete which is French for “little boat”. Marquise cut diamonds are distinctive in their elegant elongation.
Marquise’s time to shine
Certainly love burned intensely for Marquise diamond shapes in 18th Century France. Here is when Louis XV commissioned this exquisite cut. Diamond lovers do tend to follow ‘celebrity’ trends and royal creations ignite great fascination. Yet our modern Marquise diamond cut is only inspired by King Louis’ jeweller’s handiwork. Marquise cut as we know it now debuted in the 1960s as alluring engagement ring diamonds.
Desire for the Marquise cut soared in 1970s bridal jewellery. Diamond engagement rings of the time sported Marquise diamonds in sparkling abundance. This stunning cut really hit its popularity zenith during the 1980s. While other cuts have trended and embedded themselves in modern diamond desire, Marquise still stands strong. Today it remains within the ‘top four’ favourite cuts together with:
Wholesale diamonds cut with numerous charms
The Marquise cut is most commonly used for stones of slightly less quality and splendour. Such diamonds have a tendency towards the ‘bow tie’ effect – the term given to a blackened spot within the diamond’s centre. No Marquise diamond is without the bow tie effect. So the buyers’ key is to select loose or wholesale stones with minimum blackness.
Such small cons aside, artful craftsmanship ensures Marquise diamonds shine brightly in their own character. Possessing of numerous charms to enthral buyers and delight admirers. Marquise cut stones have much to offer.
Rare or brilliant coloured stones are showcased to their utmost by Marquise cut. These diamonds are so versatile in their ability to pair beautifully with a variety of metals. Platinum, gold, silver – Marquise diamonds remain alluring with all. Thus displaying each stone’s colour in full splendour.
By their shape alone, Marquise diamonds bestow a higher carat weight upon their wearers. Long elegant form exudes the illusion of greater carat than is actually present. Certainly a desirable buyers’ boast. Particularly when Marquise diamonds can be procured for a lower price than their round brilliant counterparts.
Set to make you smile
Marquise cut diamonds make exquisite engagement rings. Stretching extravagantly along the finger this cut is best showcased in classic tiffany or end settings. Marquise diamonds are brilliant centrepieces for cluster rings. Or a premium pairing with other inset diamonds within engagement ring shoulders.
Where Marquise diamonds are prong set, a six pronged approach is best. Two prongs each side securing this precious stone. Meanwhile the remaining two prongs cover each diamond tip, protecting these from chipping or splintering.
Vertical placement along the finger displays Marquise diamonds to their utmost. Though horizontal settings can also yield striking beauty.
Certainly an engagement ring favourite, Marquise cuts also create exquisite diamond pendants and earrings.
‘Celebrity’ Marquise diamonds
Marquise diamonds epitomise extravagance in beauty and scale. So it is not surprising that many of these stunning stones have achieved world renown.
Cullinan VII is one of the best know Marquise diamonds. A fragment of the famous 3,106 Cullinan diamond discovered in 1905. Cullinan VII is one of the stunning sections split from the magnificent ‘mother’ diamond. Weighing in at 8.80 carats, Cullinan VII is now a splendid Marquise pendant. Queen Elizabeth II claims proud ownership after inheriting the piece of Queen Mary.
Other stars of the Marquise cut include:
- Lesotho III - an awe-inspiring 40 carat diamond engagement ring given to Jackie Onassis by Aristotle Onassis in 1968
- Pink Orchid – a delectable 22.84 carat diamond of purple-pink hues owned by Graff Diamonds of London
Marquise cut diamonds offer buyers plenty of reasons to smile. Available in abundance from online stores, wholesalers and upmarket jewellery stores. Whether adorning wearers as the crowning glory in diamond engagement rings. Or simply purchased as dazzling loose diamonds. Marquise stones may be less brilliant in quality yet their numerous virtues keep their pedigree unfettered. Giving the appearance of greater carat weight, elegant fingers and charming light displays. Marquise diamonds symbolise happiness everlasting.
