Are marquise engagement rings popular?
Marquise cut diamonds have been in and out of fashion in recent years, but lately have experienced a big resurgence. This is not really surprising as the marquise cut diamond makes for truly, elegant, feminine, and unique engagement rings that many brides to be want for their ring. In this article, we’ll be looking what exactly marquise diamonds are and their current popularity in the engagement jewellery market.
What is a marquise cut?
The marquise can be described as an elongated shape, it resembles a pear shape diamond, but with two points rather than one. It’s a stunning cut, with 56 facets that all make up its bright sparkle and depth. It can be thin or squat depending on the length to width ratio you prefer. The marquise is also sometimes referred to as navette, which is French for ‘little ship’, due to its shape. When worn in a ring, a marquise cut diamond can make the wearer’s finger appear slimmer.
The history of marquise
The term “marquise” comes from French and refers to the wife of a nobleman (the marquis), also called a marchioness. A marquise can also be a woman with high social ranking in her own right (a noblewoman). Origins of the marquise cut lie in France in the 18th century, during the reign of King Louis XV. It is said that the kind desired a diamond that resembled the lips of his lover, Marchioness Madame de Pompadour, Jean Antoinette Poisson. The outcome was a stone that represented high social ranking within the French court.
Marquise engagement ring styles
A marquise diamond ring is ideal for brides who want something different and for her engagement ring to stand out from the rest. Most brides generally opt for round and princess cut diamonds, so if you decide on the marquise, you could be the only person you know who has that type of diamond, making it even more special.
Another benefit of a marquise shape is how versatile it is, giving you limitless design options when you buy a bespoke enegagement ring. Below are a few examples of popular ring setting for marquise engagement rings.
Solitaire setting
The classic solitaire setting never goes out of style, oozing class, simplicity, and sophistication. The beauty of the marquise is highlighted nicely in a strategically placed prong setting to show off the curves of the shape. Solitaire settings enable maximum light reflection and the opportunity to see the diamond from nearly every angle.
Halo setting
The halo setting is one of the most popular for marquise diamonds because of the added sparkle and protection it offers. A well-made halo ring is beautifully luxurious, creating the appearance of extra depth to the marquise cut.
Bezel setting
Many people decide on a bezel setting because of the minimalist look and high level of protection it offers the diamond. This setting is very versatile, easily adapting to the preference of the wearer, whether they want vintage or modern, the bezel setting adds a hint of minimalist charm to any ring design. It’s one of the most secure engagement ring options as it has metal surrounding the diamond to act as a buffer.
Choosing a marquise cut ring
Selecting a marquise cut diamond can be tricky, particularly if you aren’t familiar with gemstones. A marquise stone can be very narrow, a bit wider, or much more elongated and broader. In terms of the ratio between length and width, it depends on your personal preference. However, the “classic” shape is thought to be the length to width ratio of between 1.75 and 2.15.
It’s helpful to understand the stone’s symmetry prior to purchasing as irregular angles and unaligned points can potentially ruin a piece of jewellery. This is why a bespoke engagement ring is so beneficial, as you can make sure your design includes the perfect symmetry for your marquise diamond.
Having a professional jeweller hand choose a marquise cut diamond will help you avoid the bowtie effect (a darkening at the core of the diamond that takes away from its brilliant appearance) and ensure your piece is designed to perfection.
Is the marquise cut diamond in style?
If you like to follow trends, it’s worth noting that different diamond cuts go in and out of fashion to reflect the opinions and sensibilities of the time. With a restored interest in a more vintage style, the marquise cut has certainly come back into the spotlight. It is one of the oldest cuts of diamond, making it a classic design that has and continues to withstand the test of time.
Even though the marquise was thought of as old fashioned for a period of time, it’s made an impressive comeback with many celebrities opting for the unconventional cut. It creates a nice balance between vintage charm and modern style, appealing to a number of modern-day brides. Some examples of famous ladies with marquise diamond engagement rings include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Portia de Rossi, and Victoria Beckham.
Whilst other cuts are always at the forefront of engagement ring design, the marquise can fluctuate in popularity at times, but it will always be around for brides who are looking for a unique and elegant ring.
Summary
Overall, marquise engagement rings are definitely a popular choice for a lot of brides who like something a bit different from the more standard princess and round cut diamonds. If you’re looking for a bespoke design engagement ring, Barbara Tipple can help. Barbara is an award-winning designer who can create a fully personalised, one-of-a-kind engagement ring that your bride will treasure forever.
Contact us today by email, phone, or come and see us in the gallery to start an initial discussion about what you’re looking for.