Embellished Marquise Engagement Rings
Marquise engagement rings do not get enough fame despite being cutting-edge jewelry pieces. While marquise diamonds were trendy in the 1980s, the oblong, angular shape now lags behind the more significant resurgences of oval- and pear-shaped diamonds. When you compare them, the marquise diamond feels dated.
Still, marquise settings are on the verge of a revival from ultra-modern settings to fresh designs with nostalgic charm. As with other styles from the 1980s that have resurfaced in the spotlight, these embellished marquee engagement rings are on course to be “the next big things.”
Therefore, if the idea of an antique design with embellishments appeals to you, embellished marquise engagement rings are your best bet.
General Tips
Marquise rings look just as well in yellow gold as in platinum. Meanwhile, avoid east-west settings in favor of classic north-south set gems, and go for sleeker shapes with a more classic feel. Likewise, choose white gold or platinum for a more art deco look. Also, consider embellishments like a broad halo, pavé ring, or side stones to show off the central sparkler. Finally, a hammered or granule band in yellow gold will appear delightfully vintage-inspired.
Tracing the History Of Marquise Diamonds
According to history, this cut got its name from the Marquise de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. This naming event reportedly occurred when the marquise came in 1740s France.
Meanwhile, history reports that Madame de Pompadour herself was a trained person in gem engraving. She received her training from the engraver to the king. The chronology also tells that the earliest marquise-shaped diamonds took the form of her mouth.
Furthermore, the marquise is again known as a “navette.” That is the French word for a “small ship.” This is following its ship shape. More so, this ship-shape may have something to do with the cut’s fame especially in Edwardian times. That was when yacht racing was a beloved activity amongst the elite.
Marquise diamonds took on the stunning faceting refined in that period. It continues to be one of the most fascinating diamond shapes. In addition, the marquise shape also looks like petals and leaves. Therefore, marquise diamonds frequently appear in rings bearing a stylized floral motif.
Simply put, this is a shape that carries numerous distinct appearances. The look it takes depends on how you set it. This diamond shape is not one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. Yet, you will discover an impressive variety of rings modeled after the shape.
Your Favorite Celebrities and Their Marquise Rings
Victoria Beckham, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Portia de Rossi share one thing. They all wear embellished marquise engagement rings. However, the varieties they had are somewhat varied.
For instance, Zeta-Jones and de Rossi both rock their rings facing sideways. And Michael Douglas’s bride rocks an elegant 10-carat solitaire.
Moreover, De Rossi sports a simple 3 carats on a knotted band featuring small pink diamonds. Lastly, Simpson’s marquise-shaped diamond ring comes with an old-school mounting. The ring presents a vintage-style ruby together with a diamond halo.
Let’s now take them one after the other.
Zeta-Jones’ Sideways East-West Marquise Engagement Ring
For Zeta-Jones’ east-west mounted marquise ring, it received a ton of paparazzi interest. These interests followed her engagement to Douglas declared openly in 1999. From that time, the sideways marquise became as popular as the regular mount.
Ashlee Simpson’s Vintage Marquise Engagement Ring
Ashlee Simpson got her marquise engagement ring from her husband, Evan Ross. The design of this ring in 2014 was thanks to Neil Lane. Neil Lane is a Beverly Hills jeweler to the stars and a collector of relic gems.
Ashlee’s 5-carat marquise diamond sits pretty in the heart of a ruby halo. The ruby halo again has 140 diamonds circling it up.
Luana Coonen’s Alternative Marquise Engagement Ring
Luana Coonen employs antique marquise diamonds in the making of her Fleur de Marquis rings. These rings start at a price tag of $825. Again, they feature hammered petals of recycled 14K gold. At a price tag of $3,125, you can buy a convertible marquise. For this, you can either choose a 5mm or 7mm long diamond.
The Distinct Structure Of Marquise Diamonds
Marquise diamonds are very fancy-shaped diamonds. Aside from round cuts, this is another fanciful one. And to select gorgeous marquise diamonds, you need knowledge of all its parts. Check them out
- The Marquise Diamond’s Belly
This is the middle part where the flanks curve out the most. For these diamonds, this is a critical area. This area is where the measurement of the width of a marquise diamond takes place.
- The Point
The exact area where the two angled flanks meet at each edge.
- The Wing of Marquise Diamonds
The hollow area touching both the belly and the point areas
- The Girdle
The crossing section of the crown at the top of the diamond and the pavilion at the bottom facets. This area establishes the perimeter of the diamond.
- The Keel Line in Marquise Diamonds
The base portion of a striking shape. This is the area where the pavilion facets intersect. The keel line stretches out the length of the diamond. Also, it occasionally comprises or passes through the culet facet at the heart of the diamond.
In all, the parts that make up the anatomy of marquise diamonds are the belly, wing, point, girdle, and keel line. Good knowledge of all these parts will come in handy. It will benefit the discussion of the important features of this ring as we proceed.
Details that Make Quality Embellished Marquise Engagement Rings
Several factors contribute to how attractive a diamond shape will be. This is the same story with marquise rings. All of these factors are what you consider when you select your ideal embellished marquise engagement rings.
In all, marquise diamonds are grand picks for an engagement ring. These diamonds provide that striking and flattering air. Consider these tips when you want to choose.
- Girdle Thickness
The girdle serves as the edge of the diamond’s setting. In a case where the girdle is thick enough, it lessens the chances of defects. We evaluate the girdle thickness of a diamond ring by assessing all the parts of this narrow compartment. That is the area that merges the top and bottom of the diamond.
Meanwhile, the girdle of a diamond shaped in the brilliant style appears scalloped. Additionally, it contains both “valley” and “hill” positions. These positions exist where the upper and lower half facets converge.
However, an excessively thick girdle can add to the weight of a diamond. That can make it weigh more than its face-up appearance permits. More so, a tiny girdle can heighten the chances of defects like chipping.
Note that, to calculate girdle thickness, you follow the same process as in fancy shapes and rounds. Yet, some fancy shapes, like the marquise, need unusual allowances. In addition, keep in mind that the most exposed parts of marquise rings are their points. Hence, it’s reasonable to have a narrowly bigger girdle thickness there.
- French Tips
Since a marquise’s pointed edges get damaged easily, several cutters utilize French tips. The aim is to improve the durability of these rings. This process contains a replacement in place of a huge bezel facet at each edge. The process adjusts the star and upper girdle facets.
- Length-to-Width Ratio
The length-to-width ratio of embellished marquise engagement rings is a crucial measurement. This ratio is a representation of the length (end to end) described in relation to the width (across the belly).
Simply put, a common length for marquise rings is twice its width. One can describe the length-to-width ratio of these rings to be 2:1. For instance, 1.75 carat marquise-shaped diamond rings are “long.” They come at a length-to-width ratio of 2.7:1.
However, there is a suitable length-to-width ratio for marquise rings. Check out the length-to-width ratios for marquise diamonds provided by the GIA laboratory. They generally vary between 1.6:1 to 2.2:1.
Furthermore, for lengthy marquise diamonds, the situation is tougher. Cutters find it tough to facet the diamonds in a style that keeps the face-up image. The image that conveys radiance and structure is as beautiful as the shorter type.
Overall, very short marquise engagement rings may look “stubby.” But either of these two sizes might be the diamond that strikes your interest. Conclusively, what strikes your interest is what should matter to you.
- Symmetry
Symmetry is a crucial element of a promising design. Combined with the shape appeal, it becomes a crucial reference. This combination helps to define the general appeal of embellished marquise engagement rings.
Particularly, GIA examines a diamond’s symmetry judging by its observable features. Additionally, the GIA diamond grading reports give a symmetry examination judging by a five-point scale. The scale features grades from Excellent to Poor.
Below are some indicators you can consider when examining the symmetry of embellished marquise engagement rings. Check out the curve of the wings. From that, you can decide whether they’re symmetrical or not. It is best when the wings possess an equal amount of curve.
Carve out an imagined horizontal line through the diamond at the belly part. Then, examine whether or not the two halves are symmetrical in the sketch. Also, find out if they have an equal length. Rightfully, one half of the diamond should not be lesser or more than the other half.
Additionally, the symmetry quality of the facets again helps in getting the elegance of the shape. Sketch out an imagined line all through the length of the diamond. Ensure the facets of the diamond on the right and left halves are of exact shapes and sizes
They should also be in the same relative areas along with the wings. Again, sketch out an imagined horizontal line through the diamond. Find out the facets on the base and top halves. Are they also symmetrical? The better the symmetry of the facets, the more attractive the diamond will appear. Search for any lost or additional facets.
- Shape Appeal
That your marquise rings are symmetrical is not enough. Ensure it is also appealing and lovely. We assess symmetry and shape appeal contrarily.
Each of these diamonds gets individual assessments. Compare its parts with its entirety. Whenever jewelry experts assess shape appeal, they evaluate the appearance of the diamond. This is then compared with other diamonds with the same cutting design and shape.
Below are a few of the most familiar shape issues. All of these issues hinder the diamond’s appeal:
- Flat wings: This happens when the wings are flatter than usual. They get fewer curves than they should.
- Bulged wings: in this situation, the wings appear ”plumper,” having additional excess curves.
- Uneven wings: Here, you will have at least one wing with a varied proportion of curve compared to the others.
- Undefined points: Either one or both edges appear a little bit circular or edged.
Overall, rocking embellished marquise engagement rings is the same as wearing royalty on your finger. At this point, you have an idea of what to check out to make an informed choice. So, if your bride-to-be is in love with these marquise rings, it is easier.
The Bow-Tie Effect on Embellished Marquise Engagement Rings
Essentially, embellished marquise engagement rings present a stunning style. You get a dark shadow that looks like a bow tie. This appears along the width of the diamond in the middle of the table. Typically, the bow tie can appear as light gray or black. Likewise, the darker and larger it is, the more it can adversely impact the diamond’s look.
More so, marquise engagement rings normally possess some degree of a bow tie. On the other hand, those without a bow tie usually don’t have brightness. They are dull most of the time.
Keep in mind that a little bow tie can be visually inviting in a marquise ring. In fact, the presence of bow-ties in some of these rings is not obvious because of how lovely they look. You get to see these bow-ties mostly in diamond rings that are either simple or have very subtle pavilions.