The cut’s name originated in the 1700’s, when Louis XV of France wanted a Diamond to be faceted similar to the fetching smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pomadour (a Marquise is the wife or widow of a nobleman).
The marquise cut is an elongated shape that has tapering points at either end (it’s not a very elegant analogy, but try picturing a rugby ball). This shape flatters the finger when worn in a ring, as it appears to elongate the finger and is used considerably in designer jewellery. It has the ability to look much bigger in size than an equivalent carat weight in a round cut and typically is brilliant cut with 55 to 58 facets.
A well-proportioned marquise cut gem that is easy on the eye should be twice the length of its widest part, although occasionally in very modern pieces elongated marquise cut gems can work well, especially if they have a vitreous lustre.
