Meet our Jewellers and Designers

Meet our team

  • Ernesto

    Ernesto

    CEO Jewellery Designer

  • Maria

    Maria

    Diamonds Specialist

  • Steff

    Steff

    Jewellery Designer

  • Silvana

    Silvana

    Jewellery Designer

FAQs About Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

What is a marquise cut diamond engagement ring?

A marquise cut diamond engagement ring features a diamond that has been shaped into an elongated, oval-like design with pointed ends. The marquise cut is known for its distinctive, elegant shape, often compared to a boat or a football. It’s one of the more unique diamond shapes, offering a regal and vintage-inspired look that can stand out from more common cuts like round or princess diamonds.

The marquise cut is especially beloved for its ability to create the illusion of a larger stone. Due to its elongated shape, a marquise cut diamond can appear bigger than other diamonds of the same carat weight, providing more surface area and a striking presence on the finger. Additionally, the shape of the marquise diamond can make fingers appear longer and more slender, making it a flattering choice for many hand shapes. Whether set in a classic solitaire or surrounded by a halo, the marquise cut adds a touch of sophistication and drama to any engagement ring.

 

Why choose a marquise cut diamond for an engagement ring?

A marquise cut diamond is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a blend of classic elegance and distinctive style. One of the key advantages of a marquise cut diamond is its ability to appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. This is due to its long, narrow shape, which offers a greater spread and surface area. If you’re looking to maximise the visual impact of your diamond, a marquise cut is an excellent option.

Another reason to choose a marquise diamond is its unique, vintage-inspired look. The marquise shape has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when King Louis XV of France commissioned a diamond that resembled the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. This historical connection gives the marquise cut a romantic and timeless feel, making it perfect for those who appreciate classic designs with a story behind them.

The marquise cut is also versatile when it comes to settings. It looks stunning in both minimalist solitaires and more intricate settings, such as halos or three-stone designs. For those who want something eye-catching yet elegant, a marquise cut diamond can be the perfect way to make a statement while maintaining a touch of sophistication.

How does a marquise cut diamond compare to other diamond shapes?

The marquise cut diamond stands out from other diamond shapes due to its elongated, pointed design. It has a different type of brilliance than round or princess cuts, which are known for their sparkle. While marquise cuts do reflect light beautifully, their shape can create larger flashes of light, especially along their length, rather than the small, scintillating facets of a round diamond.

In terms of size perception, the marquise cut has a significant advantage. Its elongated shape makes it appear larger than round or cushion cut diamonds of the same carat weight, offering a more substantial look on the finger. This makes it a popular choice for those who want a diamond that feels more prominent without paying for extra carat weight.

However, one thing to consider with marquise cuts is the potential for the “bow-tie effect,” a shadow that can appear across the centre of the stone if it’s not cut well. This effect is also common in other elongated cuts like ovals and pears. When selecting a marquise diamond, choosing a well-cut stone can minimise the bow-tie and ensure that the diamond looks its best. In summary, while the marquise cut may not have the intense brilliance of a round cut, its unique shape and ability to appear larger make it a striking and appealing choice for those who want a diamond with a bit of drama.

What settings work best with marquise cut diamond engagement rings?

Marquise cut diamonds are versatile and can look stunning in a range of settings, from classic solitaires to more intricate designs. A popular choice is the solitaire setting, where the marquise diamond is set on a simple band, allowing its unique shape to take centre stage. This style highlights the diamond’s elegance and makes the finger look longer and more slender.

For those who want to add extra sparkle, a halo setting is a fantastic option. A halo of small diamonds around the marquise stone enhances its brilliance and can make the centre diamond appear even larger. The halo setting can also soften the sharp edges of the marquise cut, creating a more rounded overall appearance while keeping the stone secure.

Three-stone settings are another beautiful choice for marquise diamonds, with smaller stones like round or pear-shaped diamonds flanking the centre stone. This design adds a sense of balance and symmetry to the ring while providing additional sparkle.

Lastly, a pavé band, where small diamonds are embedded along the band, can complement a marquise diamond beautifully by adding shimmer without distracting from the main stone. No matter the setting, ensuring that the prongs are properly positioned to protect the pointed ends of the marquise is important, as this part of the diamond can be more susceptible to chipping.

 

Are marquise cut diamonds more affordable than round diamonds?

Yes, marquise cut diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This is because the marquise cut retains more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, leading to less material waste. Round diamonds, on the other hand, require a significant portion of the rough diamond to be removed to achieve their perfectly symmetrical shape, making them more expensive to produce.

Additionally, because round diamonds are in higher demand, their prices tend to be higher per carat compared to fancy cuts like the marquise. Marquise diamonds offer a great value for those who want a larger-looking stone without the premium price tag.

However, it’s worth noting that because marquise diamonds have a larger surface area and are more elongated, they can reveal colour and inclusions more easily. You may need to invest in a slightly higher colour or clarity grade to ensure that the diamond looks bright and clear. Even with this consideration, many find that the marquise cut provides an excellent balance between cost, size, and a unique style that is hard to match.

What is the “bow-tie effect” in marquise cut diamonds, and how can I minimise it?

The “bow-tie effect” in marquise cut diamonds refers to a shadowy, bow-tie-shaped area that can appear across the centre of the diamond. This effect occurs due to the way light travels through and reflects within the elongated shape of the diamond. A slight bow-tie is common in many fancy shapes like marquise, oval, and pear cuts, and in some cases, it can add depth and character to the diamond.

However, if the bow-tie effect is too prominent, it can detract from the overall brilliance of the diamond, making it appear darker in the centre. To minimise the bow-tie effect, it’s important to focus on the diamond’s cut quality when making a selection. A well-cut marquise diamond will reflect light more evenly, reducing the visibility of the bow-tie.

When shopping for a marquise cut diamond, try to view the stone in person or through high-quality images or videos, as the bow-tie effect is best evaluated with the naked eye. Working with a reputable jeweller can also help you find a stone with minimal bow-tie effect, ensuring that your marquise cut diamond engagement ring is as radiant as possible.

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Very smooth and easy experience dealing with Ernesto. He melted my old gold and custom made me a necklace that turned out exactly how I wanted it and to great quality. Highly recommend.

- Diab Finianos

The best and most honest jeweler in Sydney , Ernesto is a pleasure to deal with and so are all his staff. I highly recommend Ernesto and his team for quality service and jewellery.

- Steve

Ernesto is the best person to deal with. He will assist and help you with anything possible and he is very easy going with the best prices and always looks after his clients. Highly recommend.

- Matthew Khouchaba

Ernesto and Maria have always provided me with the best service and quality jewelry for years. Highly recommend, best in the business.

- Jeanpaul Maugeri

Always a pleasure to deal with Maria and Ernesto bought both the wedding ring and band from here great quality and great deal thankyou again

- Sam and Sarah

I have to say best dicision I ever made. Ernesto was so helpful and if I could give him more than five stars I would.

- Norman Ghannoum

Ernesto Buono Fine Jewellery

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