Are Marquise Cut Diamonds Popular?

Every trend comes back into style, and diamond cuts are no different. Fancy, non-traditional diamond cuts are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger buyers who want something more unique than a round or princess cut. Ovals, pears, and other elongated shapes like the marquise have recently surged in popularity. 

What Is a Marquise Cut?

The marquise cut is another elongated shape and is one of the oldest diamond cuts, making it a true classic, and quite possibly the next big thing. A marquise shape can be described as a pointed oval. "Moval" cuts are modified ovals that feature characteristics of the timeless marquise cut, and are also increasingly popular.

What Does a Marquise Cut Look Like?

Also known as a "navette" cut, which means "little boat" in French, the marquise cut is elliptically shaped and resembles an eye with points at both ends. Some refer to this as a football shape or simply as an oval with points at both ends. They don't necessarily look like a pair of lips, but that's what they were supposedly named for. When used for rings, marquise diamonds are traditionally oriented parallel to the finger, or vertically, which can make the finger look longer and slimmer. They can also be set horizontally in an "east to west" position. 

The History Of The Marquise Cut Diamond

The marquise cut was invented specifically for diamonds. As legend has it, King Louis XV commissioned the creation of the marquise style to resemble the lips of his chief mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. Because of the style's royal roots, marquise diamonds became a signature of hereditary rank and a way for courtiers to show off their status in the 18th century. 

Rising Popularity

While round and princess cut diamonds never seem to go out of style, marquise cut diamonds are a true classic that seem to be heading for a renaissance. They've been spotted on the fingers of celebrities like Catherine Zeta Jones, Victoria Beckham, and Portia de Rossi. When celebrities start adorning themselves with classic styles, it's a surefire indicator that a trend is dawning. Many jewelers agree that marquise cuts are an up-and-coming style.

One of the greatest features of marquise cut diamonds is their versatility. While they haven't traditionally been used for engagement rings, that trend is changing. They are also ideal for right-hand, cocktail, and fashion rings.

In a ring worn by Catherine Zeta Jones, a very large marquise diamond is set in the east-west horizontal position. This maximizes one of the most desirable aspects of the marquise cut, which is that the elongated bodies of marquise diamonds appear larger than other rings of the same carat weight. This is due to the size of the surface and length from point to point. Marquise cuts are also one of the more brilliant cuts, even though they are relatively shallow. 

If you're considering whether a marquise cut diamond is right for you, there's much more to know before making a purchase. With marquise cuts, certain things like the presence of inclusions should be taken into consideration. Come see us to find out more about the timeless marquise cut or to see this style of stone in person.

For more information about marquise diamonds, contact us.