The unique shape of a marquise cut diamond makes it a stunning choice for your ring. Known by different names, including football-shaped diamond, boat-shaped diamond cut or navette the marquise diamond cut is a superb vintage design that stands out on your finger.
While not quite as famous as the round cut or princess cut diamonds, the unique marquise design is a statement that is for the non-traditional couple and should not be overlooked. In fact, this is a very interesting diamond cut.
One of the main benefits of the marquise cut diamond is that it increases the carat weight and makes the diamond appear much larger than it actually is. Having 56 facets, marquise is an elliptical-shaped design that is pointed on either end.
The design and appearance of the marquise cut diamond can vary depending on the length to width ratio. Selecting how narrow or broad you want your marquise cut diamond to be depends completely on your personal preference.
However, finding one that looks superb can take some effort. Here are some tips to buy marquise cut diamonds.
Bow-Tie Effect
When there is a darkened area present that runs across the center of the diamond in the shape of a bow-tie, it is called bow-tie effect. All fancy elongated diamond cuts, like the marquise, pear and oval shapes, are susceptible to having a bow-tie effect.
A bow-tie effect is mainly due to the misaligment of the facets, which causes the light moving out of the pavilion rather than being reflected from the surface. Due to the absence of light reflection, there is presence of dark area. The darkness doesn’t mean that the diamond lacks clarity or that the diamond color is dark.
The bow-tie effect can be very light so you probably don’t need to worry about it. If, however, the bow-tie is the very first thing to consider and it grabs your attention when you look at the diamond, then it is always a good idea to buy another stone.
Avoid Chipping
Due to the unique shape of the marquise diamond cut, its pointed ends can be in risk of chipping. For this reason, you need to choose a ring setting that will protect your diamond cut. A setting that has prongs with a V-end will be your perfect choice in ensuring the exceptional protection for your diamond.
Always remember, it is one of the most important aspects of a marquise cut diamond is the quality of its sharp ends.
Halo settings also provide excpetional protection for your marquise cut diamond, as the tips are surrounded by the diamond halo. This unique setting also adds an exceptional shine to the ring and enhances the glamor factor.
Symmetry
Symmetry is quite important in a marquise cut diamond. The two ends must have perfect alignment with each other while the left and right sides should mirror each other closely. If there is any defect present in the symmetry, however minor, it will surely affect the whole equilibrium of the diamond and the final setting of the ring will not have the perfect balanced look. When chooisng your marquise cut diamond, ensure that the symmetry is in the excellent or very good range for the best appearance.
Color
Picking your diamond’s color is often based on individual preference. The D-F (colorless) diamonds are the most famous choice. Due to the laws of supply and demand, D-F color grades are the priciest as shoppers are prepared to pay a higher price for them.
However, the difference between the grades are often negligible and can hardly be perceived by the naked eye. Because larger marquise cut diamonds can appear darker at the points, you can choose a lower color grade and still have a gorgeous colorless stone.
If your ring metal is yellow colored or rose gold, you can choose a diamond with warm tones as this will not be very noticeable next to the metal. This is a superb way to save on the price of your diamond cut, as the further down the color scale you go, the more the price of the stone drops.
Clarity
When picking the clarity grade of your marquise cut diamond, the most important thing to consider is whether or not the inclusions are visible. If the inclusions are invisible to the naked eye, then the grade is not highly critical. No one will be the wiser and you will save on the price of your stone. However, there is a caveat to this when it comes to marquise shaped diamonds. It is likely that inclusions can be located at the two end points of the diamond, which can weaken these points and compromise their integrity.
This is because these points were the closest to the outer edge of the uncut diamond and the likelihood of there being flaws are high. The points will most likely be covered and protected by the V-shaped prongs which will render any inclusions located there invisible and afford extra protection to the stone.
Final Thoughts
Those looking for a unique engagement ring design should consider the marquise cut diamond. Unlike the round and cushion shape, which you constantly see in engagement rings, a marquise diamond ring turns heads simply because the center stone’s shape is unique. Distinct marquise cut diamond is a unique choice for those who want something different.
