How to Decide Between Oval and Marquise Diamonds

Both oval and marquise diamonds offer an elongated shape that have a slimming effect on the finger of the wearer. Because both of these shapes for natural diamonds are brilliant cut, they shine more than most other diamond shapes, making these styles popular choices for engagement rings.

As a mixture between round and marquise engagement rings, oval engagement rings give an updated look to a traditional stone. Although its origins began in the 1960’s, the oval cut feels classic and timeless. The oval’s length makes the ring more flattering as it gives the illusion that the fingers are elongated and slender. However, the “perfect” oval cut does not exist; the length to width ratio is completely subjective to personal taste and preference.

Oval diamond rings remain perfect for&nbsp buyers who lead an active life, as chipping and wear are much less likely to occur without any pointed edges. The softness of the curves allows for a gentle, but romantic declaration of love. Additionally, compared with other engagement rings, diamond oval cut engagement rings appear larger, meaning the buyer can purchase a larger diamond for less money!

Oval cut diamonds

Almost all oval cut diamond engagement rings have a dark spot in the middle of the gem resembling a bowtie. This effect occurs because the light is not able to bounce back into the middle of the stone, leaving the center darker than the rest of the stone. This bowtie effect may make the oval cut seem “imperfect,” but many buyers rave about how the bowtie is the most interesting feature on the whole ring; it is all up to personal taste!

However, experts say that the bowtie effect does distract from the overall beauty of the ring. Therefore, most people opt for a slight bowtie effect that adds to the beauty of the stone, but they steer clear of a bowtie effect that is too severe to avoid compromising their shine. Because there is no way to accurately gauge a bowtie effect on paper, it is highly suggested that any buyer looking for an oval cut diamond should visually investigate any oval diamonds before buying.

Marquise cut diamonds

Similar to oval cut diamonds in shape, marquise engagement rings feature an elongated body ending in pointed tips giving the wearer an illusion that they are larger than any other diamonds of equal size in carats. Additionally, the marquise cut may be referred to as the “navette” cut, a French word meaning “little boat”, because its shape mimics that of a small ship. Originally, this shape was only a cut for diamonds, but the shape became popular for other gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

Although marquise cut diamond rings do not shine the brightest of all the cuts of diamonds, they do have an allure created from their special shape. This sparkle brings a new level of sophistication to the diamond world. A marquise cut diamond engagement ring is particularly flattering as it makes the wearer’s fingers appear longer and slenderer. However, the pointed edges do make chipping more likely.

Origin of marquise diamonds

The marquise cut diamond has a royal origin as it dates back to King Louis XV in the 18th century. His commission of a diamond led to a shape that mimicked the shape of his mistress’s lips. The name “marquise” refers to regality as well. It was considered to be a rank between a count and a duke. These courtiers were commonly seen showing off their marquise diamonds in order to flaunt their rank in society. This regal and historical connection brings a fascination and appeal to the modern bride, as seen by the plethora of celebrities proudly displaying a marquise engagement ring on their left hand. Because of the antiquity of the ring’s history, many buyers prefer to add a tint of color instead of purchasing the typical colorless diamond.

When purchasing a marquise diamond engagement ring, Cut remains most important out of the Four C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat). Buyers should be careful of the bowtie cut, a slightly broader body than that of the marquise cut, which creates large dark spot in the middle of the stone resembling a bowtie. Buyers should also avoid the football cut, a body that is too narrow to be considered marquise, because the radiance is significantly lowered. The perfect marquise cut has enough surface space for light to properly reflect without causing the bowtie effect.

Diamond shape affordability

Despite the common bowtie effect in both cuts of diamonds, marquise cut diamond engagement rings and oval cut diamond engagement rings both offer an intense shine with the ability to make any finger look slender and small. Because both of these diamond shapes appear larger than other diamond shapes of equal carats, marquise and oval cut diamond engagement rings remain much more affordable than other diamond shapes