So what makes a marquise cut diamond? Basically this shape resembles an oval- in the sense that length and width are not with equal values. Unlike an oval however, the stone terminates into sharp, elegant points on opposing ends.
There is an old legend that's circulated through the gemstone industry for centuries regarding the origins of the marquise cut. It centers around a french monarch called King Louis the 15th, who ruled France during the 1700's. He had asked his royal jewelers to fashion a stunning diamond cut that would reflect upon the beautiful smile of his chief mistress, Jean Antoinette Poisson (the Marquise de Pompadour). They obliged his request, and went to work on it straight away.
Despite the curious relationship between the two characters, the royal jewelers were able to pioneer the creation of France's first marquise cut diamond based off of that commission. It was certainly a marvel to all who set their gaze upon it. The marquise soon became a symbolical shape for feminine beauty across the land. Many also call it the 'navette' cut, which is the french word for 'little boat' or 'little ship'.
Marquise cuts are indeed very beautiful, and can create an impactful visual aesthetic for many jewelry pieces, but their graceful slender often comes at a price. The two sharp points must be well-protected, usually by v-shaped prongs or similar holders. These are the areas most likely to acquire damage should you accidentally knock the stone on something hard.
Well-loved for center-stone purposes, the marquise cut is a favorite choice for large diamond rings and pendants. Many more modern couples also prefer it to the standard round-shaped diamonds on engagement rings, saying that the shape brings out more flair for the proposal's ambience.
