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Knowledge
The marquise shape is characterised by an elongated, oval outline with pointed ends. Another name for the marquise cut is ‘navette’ which is French for ‘little boat’ and echoes the smooth outline of a ship’s hull.
Stone Cuts
The origins of the Marquise Shape
The marquise cut allegedly has its roots in mid-18th century France when luxury-loving King Louis XV supposedly commissioned his court jeweller to fashion a diamond to immortalise the ‘perfect’ lips of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour- perhaps better known as Madame de Pompadour.
£7,400
£6,900
£26,200
£36,000
What is a Marquise shape?
The marquise shape combines the elongated outline of an oval with the pointed edge of a drop or pear-shaped stone. This cut is often described as resembling a small boat or an elongated oval and is classed as a fancy-cut.
The dramatic silhouette of a marquise shape can vary from very elongated to a more rounded and plumper outline with each antique marquise shape stone being cut by hand.
First commissioned by Louis XV (1710- 1774), the name "marquise" itself refers to a hereditary rank above a count but below a duke, reflecting its aristocratic origins.
The marquise shape, with its rich history and distinctive shape, continues to captivate jewellery enthusiasts and those seeking historical allure.
Why Choose a Marquise shape?
The marquise shape is exceedingly rare, particularly in antique jewellery, in part due to the high degree of weight loss when cutting the crystal into this shape. Cutting a marquise shape stone is considered difficult and requires great skill and precision. Achieving proper symmetry is crucial, as even slight misalignments can result in an off-kilter appearance. The two pointed ends must align perfectly, and the right and left sides should form a near mirror image
Marquise shapes are most often cut from an irregularly shaped rough material to make the most of their dimensions and symmetry, producing a distinctive look with a particular sparkle.
The marquise shape is known to elongate the appearance of fingers, adding an elegant touch to engagement rings and other jewellery pieces.
Berganza’s Marquise Shaped Jewellery
At Berganza, we offer a beautiful array of pieces with marquise shape gemstones. This can be seen either as a single focal point on an engagement or cocktail ring, allowing the beauty of the shape to speak for itself, or indeed featured in combination with other cuts to a dazzling effect. Make an appointment in our showroom today and one of our specialists would be delighted to take you through the collection.
Drop Shape
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Rose Cut
French Cut
Brilliant Cut
