Why Marquise Cut Engagement Rings Are the Perfect Choice for Bold Brides

Unlike a regular ring cut into a circular or square shape, Marquise Cut Engagement Ring acquire the form of an elongated body with its strict constriction narrowed to end in pointed tips, thereby creating the illusion on the hand of the wearer, giving an impression that these diamonds are more extensive than any other diamond of an equal carat size. It can be called the "navette" cut also. This is a French word meaning "little boat." Its form is as it were in the shape of a little ship. The shape of this was initially only for diamond cuts, but soon became so popular with other gemstones such as ruby and sapphires and emeralds.

Although a marquise diamond does not shine any brighter than other cuts of diamonds, it's sure to catch eyes because of its unique shape. It gives the diamond world a new level of sophistication in sparkling style. A marquise-cut diamond engagement ring is quite flattering because this shape makes the wearer's fingers appear long and slender. However, it does tend to be more prone to chipping at the pointed edges.

The marquise cut diamond got its royal origin as it actually hails back to King Louis XV in the 18th century. A commissioned diamond from him led to a shape that mimicked the shape of his mistress's lips. The name "marquise" also refers to regality as it referred to being a rank between a count and a duke. Of course, such courtiers flaunted marquise diamonds to display one's rank in society. Therefore, the modern bride is fascinatingly appealing at least, as observed with the high number of celebrities proudly sporting a marquise engagement ring in the left hand. Due to the fact that the history of the ring goes as far back as time itself, most people wish to add a bit of color instead of buying the standard colorless diamond.

When purchasing a marquise diamond engagement ring, Cut still stands out as the most paramount among the Four C's; Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. The customer should be very wary of the bowtie cut, as this cut is a slightly broader body than that of the marquise cut and it causes large dark spots in the middle of the stone, resembling that of a bowtie. The customer is also warned to avoid the football cut as this is a body cut which is too narrow to be called a marquise as well as the radiance is highly reduced. The marquise cut that is perfect will have an adequate surface area for the reflection of light, eliminating the bowtie effect.

History of Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

The marquise cut is unique in history, different from any other form of diamond cut. In the 18th century, King Louis XV ruled over France. He, however, did not spend most of his time with Marie Leszinska. Instead, most of the king's time was spent with Jeanne Antionette Poisson, a historically known figure referred to as the Marquise de Pompadour. She was the Chief's mistress and wenton to rule France for an extensive period - 20 years, to be precise.

She had such a big impact in so many different aspects of French style in those 20 years. The arts, fashion, entertainment, architecture and even politics were all awakened by her. She was the very last Chief Mistress that a French King had.

Her mind and artistic abilities first caught the King's eye, but then captured his heart. Apart from her mind and heart, the King was fond of her smile too. It is this alone that inspired the beautiful marquise cut gemstone, that was what gave to the Marquise cut the royal status. It is also very feminine; it makes for a natural reason as it was inspired by the woman's lips.

In French, the term marquise is feminine for the word marquess. Some use the term "navette" to refer to a marquise cut in French-speaking countries. Navette is the French word, which means "little ship."

The Top Settings for Marquise Cut Engagement Rings

The Marquise cut can be set in many different styles depending on personal preference. However, when choosing a setting you have to take into account the stone itself, due to its pointed tips. If you're not careful with the stone, the setting you choose could make it difficult to preserve and protect the Marquise cut diamond. Here are some popular setting options that take into consideration the safety of the stone:

V-Tip Prongs

Settings that have a V-prong are extremely protective of the diamond. It covers both the tips of the diamond completely, thereby giving full protection. However, not all types can have V-Tip Prongs. For instance, a tension setting cannot have. Two v-prongs or four standard-type prongs will be sufficient for protection.

Bezel Settings

These are just some of the reasons why bezel settings are just amazing-they really do the best job in highlighting the interesting and elegant shape and style of the diamond. The bezel essentially offers a halo of the metal that surrounds the whole diamond, thus giving full protection to not only the ends but the sides of the diamond as well. Even though bezel settings have been historically used for other diamonds, particularly round brilliant ones, it appears to be ideally suited to a marquise diamond. The setting works for horizontally or vertically cut marquise diamonds.

Solitaire Settings

The classic solitaire setting will never go out of style. You can even pair up the solitaire setting with a bezel setting around the diamond in order to further add the elegance and protection of this particular set.

Accent diamonds on the solitaire ring may also be added in order to amplify the drama that comes with it.

Halo Settings

We cannot forget the beautiful halo setting. Halo settings do have the precise frame for the marquise cut diamond. It is such a gorgeous way of giving the ring more protection and at the same time elegance and beauty. Diamond halos add more sparkle, and they might really give the ring a vintage-inspired look if that is what you want.

Common Metals for Marquise Engagement Rings

Platinum and white gold are the two most common kindsof metals that are used for marquise cut engagement rings. These two metals really highlight magnification for the glorious color of diamonds. This is especially true if the marquise cut is actually a colored gemstone like sapphire.

However, if your marquise cut diamond does not grade as high, you may instead find that yellow or rose gold metals are better suited for it. That's because the yellow colors serve to neutralize any yellow undertones that lesser quality marquise cut diamonds may possess.