Diamond Carat with Loupe and Gia Certificate | Lisa Robin

Diamond Guides

About Marquise Diamonds

Flattering on the finger and remarkable brilliance, learn why marquise diamonds look larger than other diamonds.

About Marquise Diamonds

What are Marquise Diamonds?

The marquise shape diamond is something legends are made of. The story goes that this cut was invented during the 18th-century reign of Louis XIV, allegedly named for his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. It is said the marquise diamond shape was inspired by her smile. Distinctive and dramatic, the uniquely tapered cut, which is essentially an oval with rounded sides and points at each end, we suspect reflects the personality of the mistress it was named for. Modern-day versions often have a hexagon-shaped surface with facets on the top and bottom to reflect light and you will find marquise diamonds to be quite rare, under 2% of the world’s diamonds.

This clever cut can also look larger than similar carat weight diamonds, and due to its elongated shape, can make fingers look leaner and more slender if set traditionally in a north south configuration.

Marquise diamonds, because of the illusion of size, are ideal for those looking to maximize budget since diamonds are priced by carat weight. If you are craving a little drama with your engagement ring a marquise diamond might just be for you.

Marquise diamonds are fancy diamonds and have a modified brilliant cut for maximum sparkle.

Marquise Diamond

With 56 facets, the marquise cut has a similar facet pattern to the round brilliant cut. The marquise's facets give this shape of diamond excellent brilliance and a well-cut marquise diamond will offer plenty of sparkle.

About Diamond Cuts

Custom Engagement Ring Design Sketching | Lisa Robin

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HOW DOES PAVILION DEPTH AFFECT A DIAMOND’S CUT?

Pavilion depth is measured from the bottom of the girdle to the culet. The pavilion depth that's too shallow or too deep will allow light to escape from the side or bottom of the stone. Light will be directed through the crown of a well-cut diamond.

About Diamond Color

About Diamond Cut: Anatomy of a Diamond | Lisa Robin

DIAMOND CUT AND REFLECTION

Knowing how light behaves inside a diamond helps us understand diamond cuts. There are three main ways to classify diamond sparkle.

Dispersion, or fire, separates colored light into its full spectrum. While white light enters and exits through the table, flashes of color are visible when the light is emitted from the center. This is done through the crown.

Brilliance. The amount of white light emitted and reflected out of a diamond determines its brilliance. Diamonds absorb natural light, then split it into the full spectrum of colors thanks to their wide top table. As the light bounces back and reflects within the diamond, it is projected upwards and leaves the table as pure white light.

Scintillation. A diamond's scintillation refers to how light bounces off its facets when moved, creating a glistening and twinkling effect. Light will emanate from diamonds when they are well cut, creating the mesmerizing sparkle we all love.

WHY IS DIAMOND CUT IMPORTANT?

An Excellent diamond cut will enhance the appearance of other qualities of the stone, like the color and clarity grade. It can even make a diamond appear larger. When a diamond is cut to an Excellent (GIA) or Ideal (IGI) grade, the polish and proportions of the stone will produce brilliance, fire and scintillation that work together in harmony, creating a charmingly sparkly diamond.

$Diamond Light Refraction Based on Depth of Diamond Graphic | Lisa Robin$

Our Favorite Marquise Diamond Engagement Rings

Anna Marquise Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring in Rose Gold | Lisa Robin

The Anna Cluster

The nature-inspired design of the Anna engagement ring exudes elegance and modern luxury.

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Allison Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold | Lisa Robin

THE ALLISON SOLITAIRE

A diamond solitaire is the quintessential engagement ring, and our Allison solitaire is a beautiful and timeless style.

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Amelia Twist Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring I Yellow Gold | Lisa Robin

The Amelia Twist

For a timeless style with a difference, our Amelia diamond engagement ring is a quite literal twist on a classic…

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How does the sparkle of an oval diamond compare?

An oval or oval modified brilliant has beautiful brilliance that’s similar to a round diamond. The oval is seen most frequently cut in the standard 58 facet brilliant pattern, but can have a varying number of pavilion main facets.

Which Diamond cut looks the biggest?

Due to their higher sparkle, brilliant cut diamonds can appear larger than step cut diamonds. The spread of the table makes some brilliant cut shapes appear larger than others; marquise, oval, and pear diamonds appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.

Which diamond shape is the rarest?

It is more difficult to find some diamond shapes than others. The demand for asscher diamonds and radiant diamonds is much lower than for other diamond shapes, making them rarer than most diamond cuts. They are followed closely by marquise and hearts.

About Diamond Shapes

What diamond shape is the most popular?

Due to many of the reasons already stated, the round brilliant diamond continues to be the most popular diamond shape in the United States. Followed by oval diamonds, pear diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, and cushion cut diamonds.