The Marquise cut was commissioned by King Louis XIV of France, who was inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. It is an elongated oval shape with pointed ends, with a facet arrangement in the crown and pavilion that echoes that of the round brilliant cut.
The marquise diamond typically has 58 facets, like the round brilliant cut, but can be cut with 4, 6, or 8 facets in its pavilion facets. Like most elongated brilliant type cuts of diamond, the marquise can have a bow tie effect from the top view. The bow tie effect is a dark bow tie shaped section within the centre of the diamond and is caused by facets that are not reflecting light to the diamond’s optimum level. This effect can detract from the diamond’s brilliance if it is particularly pronounced.
Finding a marquise diamond without a bow tie can be a challenge. Diamonds with a very good or excellent cut grading, and a length to width ratio of 1.75-2.00 will reduce the chance of a strong bowtie effect appearing in the diamond.
Given their length and brilliant facets, the marquise diamond is a great option for those choosing a more unusual diamond ring or other piece of diamond jewellery. Also, given the long lines of the marquise, these diamonds often appear bigger than other diamonds of a similar weight.
