Everything You Need to Know About Marquise Diamond Engagement Rings

The marquise cut diamond, also known as the navette cut, has a rich history dating back several centuries, with its origins rooted in European royalty and aristocracy.  As we delve into the world of marquise-cut diamonds and the timeless charm they bring to engagement rings, allow us to introduce you to Morgan & Co Jewellery, the Buderim based jewellery studio in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. With a passion for crafting exceptional pieces, our skilled team are poised to guide you in creating your exquisite marquise engagement ring—a symbol of eternal love created to your vision and crafted with the highest quality materials.

 

 

Origin

The marquise cut's creation is often attributed to King Louis XV of France in the 18th century. Legend has it that the king requested a diamond cut that resembled the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour, hence the name "marquise."

The unique elongated shape with pointed ends was initially designed to maximise the appearance of the stone's size while retaining carat weight.

Popularity and Evolution

The marquise cut gained popularity among the French aristocracy and quickly spread across Europe due to its unique shape and elegance.

During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, marquise-cut diamonds were often used in elaborate jewellery pieces, including rings, necklaces, and tiaras, reflecting the fashion and aesthetic preferences of the times.

In the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s, marquise diamonds were often set in geometric and symmetrical designs, reflecting the era's bold and angular artistic style.

 

 

Symbolism and Royal Connections

The marquise cut's association with royalty and aristocracy contributed to its prestige and desirability. It was favoured by nobility and prominent figures due to its unique and regal appearance.

Over time, the marquise cut became a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and prestige, often adorning the jewellery collections of prominent families and monarchs.

How We See Marquise Diamonds Now

In modern times, the marquise cut remains a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery pieces due to its elongated shape, flattering appearance on the finger, and unique vintage charm. At Morgan & Co, Buderim, we are beginning to see a growing trend for marquise cut diamond engagement rings. You can view our bespoke collection of engagement rings here, including The Carolyn Ring, which is a stunning marquise cut custom made engagement ring with a twisted diamond band.

While it might not be as prevalent as round or princess cuts, the marquise shape continues to be sought after by individuals looking for a distinctive and elegant diamond cut.

The history of the marquise shaped diamond is intertwined with the aesthetics, fashion, and symbolism of different historical periods, contributing to its enduring appeal and timeless elegance in the world of diamonds and jewellery.

Marquise-shaped diamond engagement rings are known for their distinctive and elegant appearance. At Morgan & Co we are here to educate our clients about what is so special about these unique cuts of stone. You can contact our engagement ring specialists, based in Buderim, to book your free consultation. 

When designing an engagement ring featuring marquise stones Morgan & Co take into consideration the below key aspects. These key factors make our designs superior to any other engagement rings found on the Sunshine Coast. 

 

Shape & Characteristics

The marquise shape is an elongated, oval-shaped diamond with pointed ends, resembling a boat or a football. This shape maximises the diamond's surface area, making it appear larger than other cuts of the same carat weight.

Illusion of Length: The elongated shape of the marquise cut can create an illusion of longer, slender fingers, making it a flattering choice for many.

Versatility in Settings: Marquise diamonds can be set in various styles, such as solitaire settings, halo settings, or in combination with other accent stones like pavé diamonds or gemstones.

Vintage Appeal: The marquise cut has a vintage charm and was particularly popular during the Art Deco period, making it a choice for those seeking a vintage or antique-inspired engagement ring.

Bowtie Effect: Morgan & Co consider an anomaly that can be present in  marquise-shaped diamonds. This is the potential presence of a "bowtie effect," a dark area resembling a bowtie across the centre of the stone. Not all marquise diamonds exhibit this, but Morgan & Co are experts in diamond buying and make sure that any marquise diamonds sorted do not exhibit such a bow tie by the naked eye.

Carat Weight Distribution: Morgan & CO consider how the carat weight is distributed in a marquise-shaped diamond. A shallow or deep-cut marquise diamond can affect how the diamond looks and sparkles. We make sure that the carat weight is where it should be, in the table or the top of the stone and not in  the bottom.

Certifications and Quality: All precious stones sourced by Morgan & Co come with independent certifications, verifying its quality, including factors like cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.

When shopping for a marquise-shaped diamond engagement ring, Morgan & Co Jewellery, Sunshine Coast,  are well known for their diverse diamond selections and expertise in various diamond shapes. 

 

 

Design 

Marquise-shaped diamonds can be beautifully combined with other shaped diamonds to create stunning and unique jewellery designs. Combining different diamond shapes in a single setting can add visual interest, complexity, and a touch of creativity to the overall design of a piece of jewellery, especially engagement rings. Here are a few ways marquise diamonds can be set with other diamond shapes.

Halo Settings: Marquise diamonds can be set as a centre stone surrounded by a halo of smaller round brilliant or other shaped diamonds. This arrangement can enhance the brilliance of the centre stone and create a captivating look.

Three-Stone Rings: A marquise-cut diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds of a different shape, such as pear, oval, or emerald-cut, can create a beautiful three-stone ring. This style symbolises the past, present, and future of a relationship.

Side Stones: Marquise diamonds can be used as side stones to complement a larger centre stone of a different shape, like a round or cushion-cut diamond. This setting can add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the ring.

Mixed Shape Bands: For eternity bands or wedding bands, a combination of marquise-cut and other shaped diamonds in an alternating pattern along the band can create a distinctive and eye-catching design.

When combining different diamond shapes in a setting, it's important to consider the proportions, symmetry, and balance to ensure a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look. The contrast between the marquise shape and other diamond shapes can create a beautiful visual effect, adding versatility and character to the jewellery piece. 

At Morgan & Co, we can bring in a range of marquise cut diamonds in both lab grown and natural options to show you. We love allowing our clients to select their very own diamond that will feature in their custom made engagement ring.  Make your in studio or virtual consultation and meet with the bespoke team to individually select your marquise diamond.

If you're considering a marquise-shaped engagement ring, Morgan & Co Jewellery, Sunshine Coast, offers expertise in this area, we provide an excellent opportunity to create a unique and personalised ring that reflects your style and preferences. Don't hesitate to reach out to them directly to explore their offerings and design options for your forever marquise ring.