Marquise diamonds are renowned for their pointed ends, large circumference, and vintage shape, resembling a rugby ball or human eye.
A marquise-cut diamond has a distinctive and elegant look, its elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger stone while making the finger appear longer and slimmer. This diamond shape can make your outfits stand out amongst the crowd at any occasion.
Our article has tips to help you choose the perfect marquise cut diamond to complement your piece of jewellery.
Watch Out for the Bow Tie Effect
All marquise diamonds will have a bow tie. The bow tie is a dark area found in the centre of the diamond that appears like a shadow, affecting how light travels and bounces into the stone’s centre.
How the stone is cut can affect the size of the bow tie inside the diamond. However, the bow ties are graded on whether there is a slight bow tie or a severe one on the stone. You may barely notice the bow tie when displayed under light or it can be noticeable from various angles.
The bow tie is common in most elongated diamond shapes including the marquise-cut diamond, you should avoid stones with a large bow tie as they reduce the diamond’s fire and brilliance leaving less sparkle. We recommend visiting our showroom in person and looking and comparing several marquise diamonds, and checking the diamonds ratio will help determine if there is a slight or large bow tie. Speak to your jeweller and they will help ensure that you pick a marquise diamond with excellent scintillation and a sparkle you will fall in love with.
Ensure the Diamond Has Excellent Symmetry
The Symmetry grade is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a marquise diamond engagement ring.
When evaluating if a marquise-cut stone is symmetrical, draw an imaginary line from the top tip of the diamond to the bottom tip. Once you have drawn the line, it should help you discover whether the tips, belly and wings are symmetrical on the diamond. If one side of the diamond is shorter or longer than the other, then you have an asymmetrical marquise-cut stone.
Also, the symmetry of the facets can determine how well the gem was cut. You should draw a line down the length of the diamond, starting with the top to the bottom. Once you’ve done this, repeat the process by drawing the imaginary line from left to right. If the facets on your diamond are symmetrical across the stone, you will have a beautiful marquise-cut stone on your jewellery.
Ideally, you must ensure the diamond you select has a symmetry grade of ‘’Very Good’’ or “Excellent” to ensure a beautiful sparkly marquise-cut diamond in your ring.
Choose a Marquise Diamond With a Slightly Thick Girdle
The girdle is a thin belt, separating the diamond’s crown and the pavilion. With a marquise diamond, you must ensure the stone’s girdle is not too thin or thick. A thin girdle is vulnerable to chipping across the edge, making it unsuitable for daily jewellery wear and certain open setting styles. Whereas, a thick girdle makes the diamond appear smaller and heavier than it appears and can cause more shadows within the stone and less sparkle. When selecting a marquise-cut stone with your jewellery, ensure it has a slightly thick girdle at the thickest to avoid damaging the diamond and not risking more shadows in the stone.
Select a Prong Setting to Protect Your Marquise Diamond from Damage
To protect your marquise diamond from damage, picking the right setting is crucial to avoid the stone chipping or snagging. If you buy a marquise-cut engagement ring, choose it with a prong setting. The prongs can be situated on the points, protecting the diamond while creating a vintage look to your jewellery.
Pick a Diamond With a Length-to-Width Ratio of 1.80 to 2.00
The length-to-width ratio you choose for a marquise-cut diamond is down to personal preference. However, the ideal ratio for a marquise diamond should be between 1.80 to 2.00. While no two marquise diamonds are the same, you should choose a diamond that complements your jewellery’s setting, whether you want a pendant or an engagement ring.
Stand Out With Marquise Diamond Jewellery from Diamond Quarter
Are you looking for a diamond that stands out with your jewellery? For over a decade, Diamond Quarter has helped many customers find a marquise diamond that best fits their engagement rings.
Take the first step to finding your dream marquise diamond engagement ring by booking an appointment at our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showroom today. Experience our signature customer service from our diamond experts who can assist with finding a marquise ring you want to wear daily.