In the world of fine jewelry, certain shapes carry a sense of history that others simply cannot match. This year, one specific silhouette is making a dramatic comeback: the Marquise Cut.
Originally inspired by the royal courts of 18th-century France, the Marquise cut—with its signature "little boat" shape—is the perfect choice for those who want their jewelry to look larger, brighter, and more unique. While many associate this cut with traditional diamonds, it is actually in the realm of vibrant gemstones like Peridot and high-fire Moissanite where this shape truly shines.
What Exactly is a Marquise Cut?
The Marquise cut (also known as the navette cut) is an elongated elliptical shape with pointed ends and a gracefully curved middle.
Legend has it that King Louis XV of France commissioned a stone to be cut to match the perfect smile of his beloved, the Marquise de Pompadour. Today, that royal heritage lives on. A standard Marquise cut features 56 to 58 facets, designed to reflect light in a way that maximizes "fire"—the rainbow-colored flashes of light that make a stone look alive.
The Secret Advantage: Why Marquise Gemstones Look Larger
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a Marquise cut for your next necklace or ring is the visual value.
Because of its long, narrow surface area, a Marquise cut gemstone appears significantly larger than a round or square stone of the same carat weight. If you are looking for a statement piece that offers maximum "finger coverage" or a pendant that draws the eye, the Marquise shape allows you to achieve a grand look without the grand price tag of a heavier stone.
Beyond the Diamond: The Rise of Color and Fire
While the Marquise shape is a classic, the 2025 trend is all about personality. Moving beyond colorless stones, jewelry lovers are embracing this cut for its ability to showcase the depth of colored gemstones:
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Marquise Cut Peridot: The elongated shape mimics a delicate, shimmering leaf, making it the ultimate choice for nature-inspired necklaces.
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Marquise Cut Moissanite: Because Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, the 58 facets of a Marquise cut create an explosion of brilliance that is truly breathtaking.
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Amethyst & Topaz: These stones benefit from the Marquise cut’s ability to deepen color at the pointed ends while maintaining clarity in the center.
Is the Marquise Cut Right for You?
If you are wondering if this shape is "in style," you only need to look at the recent red carpets. The Marquise cut is the heart of the "Modern Vintage" movement. It offers several unique benefits:
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The Elongating Effect: Much like vertical stripes in fashion, the long silhouette of a Marquise stone makes the neck look longer and fingers look more slender and graceful.
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Unique Personality: In a sea of round and cushion-cut jewelry, the Marquise stands out as a sophisticated, artistic choice.
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Versatility: It looks stunning in a traditional vertical setting, but is also increasingly popular in "East-West" (horizontal) settings for a more contemporary, edgy look.
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Marquise Piece
To ensure you are getting a high-quality piece, keep these three factors in mind:
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Symmetry: This is the most critical factor. The two pointed ends should align perfectly with each other, and the curves on both sides should be identical.
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The Ratio: For the most elegant look, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.75 and 2.15. This ensures the stone isn't too "stubby" or too "skinny."
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The Setting: Because the tips are pointed, they can be delicate. Look for V-prong settings or bezel settings that wrap around the points to protect your gemstone for a lifetime of wear.
Elevate Your Collection
The Marquise cut is more than just a shape; it is a celebration of curves, points, and unparalleled brilliance. Whether you are drawn to the lush greens of a Peridot or the celestial spark of a Moissanite, this cut ensures your jewelry will be a conversation starter for years to come.
Ready to find your perfect shape? Explore our latest collection of handcrafted Marquise cut gemstone necklaces and rings today.
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