The Romance And Character Of Marquise Diamond Rings

Marquise diamond rings feature a magical design and cut in tribute to a lovely woman’s sultry smile. These are chosen by many couples as a symbol of love and hope at the time of their engagement as they began to plan their life together. The romance with diamonds has lasted for centuries and will continue into the future; a wise investment in these precious and highly valued gems guarantees these brilliant and fiery stones will retain both their looks and value for years to come.

In the 18th century, France’s King Louis XIV was so enthralled with the sultry smile of his beautiful mistress Marquise de Pompadour he commissioned a gem smith to design a special diamond representing that smile to carry with him. The end result is a beautiful Marquise design that contains 56 facets in an oblong shape with pointed ends. This cut results in a small bow tie shape that can be seen in the depths of the diamond; the visibility depends on the exactness of the cut. The ideal proportions for the bow tie effect are the stone is twice as long as it is wide. This may be hard to achieve and many beautiful stones are produced with a ratio between 2.25-1 or 1.75-1. The shape and cuts create the famous shadow deep inside, which is a sign of light leaving the stone instead of being reflected back inward.

Many newly engaged couples choose one of the marquise diamond engagement rings to symbolize the start of their life together. These dazzling diamonds are natural choice as the name diamond came from the Greek word adamas, which means indestructible, unbreakable and unconquerable. These are all things these madly-in-love, hopeful-of-a-long-and-happy-life together people want their promises and vows to each other to be. The very design of a marquise diamond ring makes it look much more expensive than it is. It has a large table that is the top of the stone and creates an image of a larger carat size that it actually has. It is a jeweler’s delight as the accompanying wedding band can be created in many ornate and intricate ways to highlight and support this brilliant pledge of love and commitment.

Sparkling marquise diamond rings add a sophisticated touch to the diamond world and especially to ladies with long, slender fingers. Most of these stones are set parallel on the finger; in the past some of these precious gems were mounted crossways and estate sale treasures with this design are still available. The most popular mounting is the classic prong or tiffany setting where four prongs, two on each side, secure the diamond to the platinum, 14 or 18 karat white gold or yellow gold band. Two additional prongs protect the points of this brilliant sparkling stone from being fractured or chipped. A quality marquise cut diamond ring will rest properly on the band, straight and even; the points in line with stone’s center and both curved sides are uniform. The dazzling stone should be clear in color without any cloudiness or murkiness in center.

The value of a diamond is in the 4 C’s carat, clarity, color and cut. A fine jeweler will be able to explain and show the difference in these stones to an investor. It is the combination of all four that gives the true value to a diamond. The weight is given in carats and the larger the stone the more valuable. Clarity has to do with the blemishes that marred the brilliance and fire of the diamond. These are rated as either internally flawless, very, very slight inclusions or very slight inclusions. Fancies are diamonds of color; these are rare and very expensive. Most people prefer a colorless stone; these are rated from D to W with D being colorless and W being light yellow. By placing diamonds set on their table (top) in a special, lab-like machine, a trained professional can assess the colors. Once mounted in an intricate, creative setting most people will not be able to tell the difference between the D – F (most expensive) diamonds from the G – H and often choose the less expensive G-H stones, saving as much as 50% on the cost of the diamond. It is the cut of the diamond that really sets the value; the brilliance and fire that sparkled in these unique gems is caused from the light moving from one cut another deep inside. A well cut diamond allows the light coming in from the table to bounce back and forth until it finally explodes out where the eye can catch this brilliant flash of light and color. Marquise cut diamond rings have 56 facets or different cuts on each diamond to create this magic.

The magical cut of the marquise diamond rings makes it a favorite with romantic people everywhere and creates a sophisticated look to a stunning engagement ring or any of the other special occasion marquise rings so proudly displayed on every allowable occasion.

What Makes Marquise Rings Special?

The special feature of these marquise rings is the unusual and ornate shape of the diamond. This special cut was developed for a king of France in the 18th century to remind him of the sultry smile of his favorite mistress. Marquise diamond engagement rings are used by many couples as a symbol of long, enduring love. Buying a quality diamond is as easy as one — two — three — four. This marvelous stone of fiery brilliance will thrill the person who wears it proudly and everyone who witnesses its sparkle and dance. It will also retain its value over the years if a quality gemstone is purchased.

Louis XIV, king of France in the 18th century was madly in love with his mistress Marquise de Pompadour. To carry a part of her with him at all times, King Louis XIV commissioned a diamond to be cut in such a way that it represented her special sultry smile. The result is a marquise diamond, a beautiful oblong shape that is ideally twice as long as it is wide and contains a total of 56 cuts. These cuts almost always produce the image of the bow tie deep inside which delights both proud owners and anyone who gazes wondrously at this special treasure. Lovers everywhere rush to purchase a marquise diamond engagement ring representing the devotion of the King for his favorite mistress in hopes that their life will be so blessed with these wonderful feelings of love and bliss.

These brilliant stones are formed by intense heat and high-pressure deep inside the earth; most are believed to be the result of volcanic action with a few created by meteorites hitting the earth. This is only the start of the traveling of the diamonds. The majority of quality diamonds are found in Australia, about 90% are shipped to India where they are precut. From there they are transported to Antwerp, Belgium, called the diamond capital of the world. There, professional craftsman called sightholders, carefully using the sophisticated technology of today turn these into creations of beauty and great value. Marquise engagement rings are carefully cut in their oblong shapes to maximize the stones and minimize any impurities or flaws, which would reduce the value.

Before purchasing a marquise diamond ring, the purchasers should educate themselves on how these exquisite stones are valued. Values are based on four Cs, which include the carat (the size), the clarity (the perfection), the color (of the stone) and the cut (the brilliance). Although these all contribute to the value, the cut is what gives sparkle and brings the stone to life. A professional jeweler will be able to show very clearly the differences in these stones and how the value is arrived at; to these professionals, the diamonds are a living, dancing and entertaining priceless object that looked best displayed in an intricate setting on the finger of a worshiping female.

A person selecting one of the marquise diamond rings has many choices. These rings give the appearance of a larger carat size making them a perfect first ring for a young and struggling couple starting out. A carat weighs 200 mg, which is given the value of 100 points. A stone with 150 points is 1 1/2 carats. All natural stones have imperfections; the more valuable ones have very small and undetectable flaws. The color should be clear and not cloudy or milky. These two items comprise the clarity class. In diamonds unusual colors of greens, blues and pink are called fancies; these are very rare and expensive. Most diamonds purchased today are clear to a light yellow or brown. These stones are set on their tables (tops) and are graded very carefully by a trained technician under strict circumstances. Clear colorless stones are the most expensive; the next step down is about half the price. The differences between the two classes are undetectable to most eyes once they are mounted in an intricate, ornate setting. Many people purchase a ring from this second-tier diamond class; the glitter and sparkle is still there but the investment is only about 50%. The cut creates the shine and sparkle; the many facets keep the light dancing back and forth inside the diamond, moving from one edge to the other until it burst out pleasing the eyes with its brilliance and depth.

These marquise diamond rings are usually mounted with two prongs on each side holding this precious gem securely to the platinum, white or yellow gold band. Two additional prongs cover the ends of this exquisite stone to protect it from being chipped or fractured by normal activity. The oval-shape makes a great engagement ring or a ring for any special occasion as fine jewelers can create unique and spectacular accompanying rings.

These marquise rings offer exquisite cuts bringing the diamond to life and puts sparkle and romance in the lives of the people who wisely invest in these precious objects.

The Marquise Ring Essentials

A marquise ring provides a simple but sophisticated appearance that makes it one of the most common types of jewelry on the market today. The diamond marquise ring is a special shape can greatly affect the characteristics of your jewelry style. Usually it is used in solitaire rings, but it can also be found in cluster formations.

The original marquise shape was believed to have come from France in the 18th century during the rule of Louis XIV. Supposedly, the king commissioned a new diamond style to mimic the shape of his mistress’s

smile. The resulting stone was an oval stone with pointed, tapered ends. The style was then named after his mistress, Marquise de Pompadour. In modern times, this diamond style is a classic design for customers who want a stunning stone but not in a traditional shape. Round diamonds are the most popular shape so many people want a different shape for variety. Square is too large and gaudy for most people, but marquise is small, poise, and elegant.

A marquise diamond ring has a curious optical illusion effect. Because the majority of the stone is concentrated on the top surface faucet, the overall shape appears much larger than it actually is. This can be especially attractive for customers who have a limited budget but want to get a diamond that appears large. Many of these rings are accentuated with additional diamonds along the sides or prongs of the band, making them appear larger than their actual carat weight.

The best proportion for a marquise stone is a length to width ratio of 2-to-1. This means that a perfect marquise example (according to jewelers and gemologists) will be twice the length as it is wide.

However, there is a lot of variability in that ratio, so customers can select from a range of stones that have slightly different proportions to find the best match for their design ideas and preferences. Some other experts recommend ratios of 2.25-to-1 and 1.75-to-1.

If the proportions of the stone changes, it also affects the “bow tie” proportion in its depths. Marquise is a fancy cut and does not follow the natural crystal patterns, so intersecting curves can generate a deep shaped shadow that resembles a bow tie across the center of the ring. Although some people see this as a flaw in the jewelry, others consider it part of the distinction and beauty of the cut. A “bow tie” is actually the evidence of light leaking from the stone instead of being completely reflected by it. This tie should not be too large or it can affect the sparkle of the stone. If your stone has been cut properly, this effect is minimal, but customers should always thoroughly investigate the stone before purchasing. A close inspection of the ring with magnifying tools can help to ascertain the precision of the cut. Most people do not have a trained eye for this, so you may need to consult a jeweler.

Marquise stones are often the perfect choice for engagements and weddings. A marquise diamond ring has a soft, feminine shape is perfect for women with long and slender fingers. This style will accentuate the fingers but not obscure them. It is also well suited for couples who are on a lower budget. Marquise diamond engagement rings cost much less than their round counterparts because the stone is smaller and any flaws can easily be cut off. The carat size also does not have to be as large as a traditional ring.

One of the most popular engagement ring designs for bridal sets is the accented ring. These stones look especially beautiful with round, pear, or oval shaped accents accompanied by an offset band to provide visual appeal for the center stone. Solitaire versions of this ring can also be found, but most jewelers prefer using dramatic and bold styles for the marquise shape.

One of the best designs for these rings is the classic prong or tiffany setting. Four prongs are used, two on each side, to secure the gem’s long body. Two additional prongs cover the tips to protect them from fracturing or chipping. The majority of marquise rings are parallel to the finger, but some vintage and antique designs have the diamond put parallel to the band.

When choosing an individual marquise ring, there are some aspects you should examine before making a purchase. First, the prongs should hold the center gem securely and properly protect the types. The cut needs to be symmetrically even, or the ring may look disproportionate. The gem’s clarity and color should be high, with the elongated shape hiding minor flaws and tins. The diamond will need to be properly set in its bad, not crooked or offset. Dropping this ring can cause the marquise to fall out off line, requiring it to be taken to a jeweler to be fixed.

The Unique Beauty of a Marquise Diamond Ring

A marquise diamond ring is a unique wedding ring and a good alternative for couples wanting to avoid the traditional round diamonds. The special shape and cut of the marquise diamond dates back to 18th century France and to the famous Marquise de Pompadour.

The marquise diamond is cut in a very distinctive way, and has generally 56 facets, a long, oval shape and tapered and pointed ends. The marquise style of cutting diamonds originates from the mistress of the French King Louis XIV, who ruled France in the 18th century. According to legend, the king wanted a diamond in the shape of the smiling lips of his lover, the Marquise de Pompadour.

A marquise diamond can look larger and heavier than it actually is, and this due to an optical illusion created by the cut. Ideally, the length of a marquise diamond should be twice its width, although there are marquise diamonds with slightly different proportions on the market. The diamond also has a so-called bow tie effect: the cut can create a shadow across its centre that looks like a bow tie. This effect is often considered a flaw in the cut. Some people like the bow tie effect, but it actually means that the diamond is not reflecting light as well as it should be, and that some of the light is leaking out, which creates a less sparkling diamond. A good quality diamond does not have a very visible bow tie effect.

What is a Diamond’s Cut?

Diamond quality is determined by the so-called 4 C’s: carat, cut, clarity and color.

The cut is not the same as the diamond’s shape, although this is a common miscomprehension. The cut determines the diamond’s quality based on its symmetry, its polish and its proportions. The cut takes into account the width and the depth of the diamond, and the proportions between the different facets of the diamond.

A good cut, with right proportions, can make the diamond sparkle as it reflects light between its different facets and eventually out through its top part. A cut that is too deep may make the diamond look uneven, as if some parts are darker than others are. A shallow cut often creates a diamond with a lifeless appearance. The cut can be tested with special light performance tests to see how light bounces back from the different facets.

The stone’s symmetry means the alignment between the facets in the diamond. The polish of a diamond is also important as light passes through well polished surfaces better than poorly polished. The best polish is classified as excellent or ideal, although a “very good” polish usually is enough for the diamond to be considered as having a good cut.

Most people know that the carat means the weight of the diamond. The larger the diamond, meaning the higher the carat (or “ct”), the more expensive and valuable it is. The color of a diamond is graded by using letters from D to Z. Although the purest diamonds are white or colorless, diamonds are available in a variety of colors including yellow and brown shades and pale blue or pink shades. The letters D, E or F mean that the diamond is colorless, and S to Z is a sign of a yellow or brown diamond.

The clarity of the diamond means the amount of flaws inside or on the surface of the stone. Although most stones have some flaws, the best categories (as determined by the international GIA grading system) are Fl, meaning flawless, and IF, or Internally Flawless.

Why Consider Marquise Diamond Rings?

Marquise engagement rings are popular with couples looking for affordable rings. Marquise diamond rings can be cheaper than rings with round diamonds, and because of the optical illusion created by the cut, the stone looks larger than it actually is. Marquise diamonds are often also combined with other types of diamonds or even other gemstones in a wedding ring. A marquise cut diamond ring is also a unique choice compared to other rings with the more popular round cut. It is often recommended for women who have long and slim fingers as it can highlight the shape of a slender finger. Marquise diamonds are also popular in bridal sets, and a marquise diamond ring is a beautiful option for a bride wanting something a little bit different.

When buying marquise diamond engagement rings, make sure that the diamond’s clarity and color are of a high standard. The unique cut can highlight any flaws, and this is one of the reasons why rings with a marquee diamond can be cheaper than rings with a round stone. Make sure, too, that the bow tie effect is not too visible. Before buying diamonds or other precious stones or jewelry, ask the seller to show you a GIA or an AGS certificate for the stone to guarantee of the quality of the diamond.

The Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

A marquise diamond engagement ring is not only beautiful, but also very inexpensive compared to a diamond engagement ring. There are so many different styles to choose from and you would be amazed at how real and exquisite these rings can be. You can get them in 14k white gold, platinum, gold and custom made to exactly the way that you want them. There are many different settings such as a single diamond or having a center stone that is surrounded by many smaller stones. There are rings to fit any budget and you will definitely get many compliments on any of these gorgeous rings.

Marquise diamond engagement rings have a cut variation where the round cut diamond is stretched out to an oval size. Finding a perfect cut marquise is not always easy because the cut and proportion may not be precise. One important thing to look for when you are purchasing this ring is the bow-tie effect that it has in the middle. You don’t want there to be a blackened area that appears in the center of marquise, because this means that it is not cut precisely and will show the flaws very easily. The shape of the marquise contains 56 facets and the diameter is around and width is very close in size. The ends are pointed and the thinner and flatter the diamond, the more brilliance it will have. The wider the diamond the more dull and dark it will be. You want the diamond to have brilliance and sparkle, but they are not as sparkly as a traditional diamond engagement ring. Some people prefer a marquise cut diamond engagement ring because they can make your fingers look more slender. You can also use marquise diamonds around a center stone to help reduce the cost, but still get the gorgeous look and sparkle.

A great thing about a marquise is that it is set lower than a standard princess or round diamond. Therefore, it is not able to catch or snag on things. If you are looking to be unique and set yourself apart from having the normal diamond engagement ring, then this is just the choice for you. The more near colorless the marquise, the better the quality. Do not go below an H cut, because then the diamond will start to look yellow. Try to purchase SI1 clarity to get the best quality.

Some very popular styles have become the number one choice among many. The Marquise and Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring features two bezel marquise side stones and four baguettes. You get to choose the center stone, which will be the diamond that draws the most attention to the ring. The Marquise Pave Channel Diamond Engagement Ring comes from King Louis the XIV of France, the Sun King. The pave setting requires a highly skilled jeweler to make it, and the ring resembles a cobblestone path made of diamonds leading up to the center stone. This truly unique ring is one that you will definitely want to look at and consider.

The most classic and common setting for marquise engagement rings is the tiffany setting. This is also referred to a prong setting because of the four sides. There are two prongs on each side, which help to secure the diamond in place. The other two prongs go around the tips of the diamond to help protect it from cracking or chipping. The stone is usually placed parallel to the stone and some bands that add the most design or the antique or vintage style.

A marquise diamond engagement ring is a great way to symbolize the love that you have towards each other. This very romantic style ring is a great way to show the one special in your life just how much they mean to you. Researching all of your different options available will help you to decide what your best choice is. Always remember that the cut and clarity are the two most important things to look at which shopping for a marquise diamond ring. These two things will determine the price of the ring and how much sparkle and brilliance it offers. If you want to design your own ring, you can need to make sure that the stone is properly placed in the ring. If the diamond is offset it may fall out or are damaged. The symmetry of the cut should be completely even. Make sure that both of the curved sides match the points aligned with the stone. You can find these beautiful marquise diamond rings in most jewelry stores or when shopping online. If you can’t find what you are looking for in a store, they may have a book available to look at all of your different options and you can have the ring custom ordered. The prices of these rings range from $200 all of the way up to $5,000. This is all dependent upon the size, clarity and the setting that you chose.

Finding the Perfect Marquise Diamond Engagement Rings

Marquise diamond engagement rings have long been a favorite choice for couples who wish to mark the occasion of their engagement with a diamond. This classic diamond cut, which may be placed on a band alone or embellished with other precious stones, is pointed at both ends creating an elegant elongated shape. While some jewelers play up the classic cut, pairing it with a styling reminiscent of a cherished family heirloom, others fashion a ring that highlights the diamond in a chic, modern way. When making a large investment in an engagement ring, it is important that brides-to-be and their fiancés carefully consider their options and work with skilled, professional jewelers.

Choosing a stone is probably the most stressful part of selecting the perfect ring. For most couples, the size of the diamond will be determined by the size of their budget. As one might expect, as the number of carats rises, so too does the cost of the stone. However, the cost does not always rise in proportion to the number of carats. For instance, a 10 carat diamond generally costs far more than 10 times the cost of a one carat diamond. The reason that prices rise faster as diamonds get bigger is due to the relative rarity of large diamonds that may be cut into a perfect marquise shape.

Those shopping for marquise diamond rings will find that there is a large variation in price, even for rings with similar total carat weights. This cost disparity comes down to the remaining 3 C’s of diamond shopping: color, clarity and cut. A common feature of marquise diamonds that have been improperly cut, or have poor clarity is a dark cloud near the center of the ring, often shaped like a bow tie. The presence of this mark will significantly decrease the value of the ring, and should always be disclosed by the diamond dealer. In most instances, it can be seen by the naked eye, particularly by shoppers who know what to look for. The perfect diamond is one that is as close to completely clear as possible and that shines brilliantly in the light.

In order to ensure the diamond that will be the centerpiece of your marquise cut diamond engagement ring is a good value and properly represented, always deal with a diamond dealer who offers GIA certified diamonds. This certification is an assurance that the stone is being accurately represented in terms of carat weight, cut, color and clarity. With this documentation, those who are buying an individual stone online that will be set locally can rest assured that the diamond that they are buying is high quality, even though they have never seen it in person.

After stone selection, couples can consider which of the fashionable marquise cut diamond engagement rings styles are most suited to their personal taste. Most ring styles are available with a few different metal band options, allowing the options of white gold, yellow gold or platinum. Yellow gold is one of the most traditional choices for engagement rings, but many brides-to-be prefer white gold for its ability to work well with many different skin tones and match other accessories with ease. Platinum is the most expensive choice, but it tends to hold its shape better than gold and is less likely to become damaged with regular wear.

Marquise engagement rings featuring a single diamond on a gold or platinum band are the perfect choice for the traditional bride. These rings look great, whether they are dressed up or down, and will always remain in style. They may be beautifully paired with diamond or metal wedding bands and will be a piece that is worthy of being passed down through generations. When choosing a band, make sure that the setting will adequately protect your diamond. Choose a setting that covers each of the pointed ends to keep it looking new for decades to come.

Diamonds with a marquise cut are often embellished with a pair of smaller diamonds or gemstones on either side of the main stone. Do be aware that adding additional diamonds will increase the total carat weight of the ring and, therefore, raise the price as well. Many couples choose to forgo diamonds, opting instead to embellish the ring with the bride’s birthstone. This is a wonderful way to personalize the ring, while keeping it in budget with a more economical gemstone choice. While many jewelers offer a wide variety of marquise ring styles, it is also possible to design a custom setting in which the diamond will be displayed. This allows couples to take part in this longstanding tradition while injecting their own personality into the process.

The lasting popularity of marquis diamond engagement rings makes them the perfect symbol through which couples can express their love. Their timelessness ensures that they will continue to be cherished, long after vows have been exchanged.

Marquise Diamond Rings