Marquis cut stones

 Marquis (Marquise) shaped diamonds.


This shape is sometimes referred to as a navette,(usually in colored stones) from the French for little boat.  They are long ovals or ellipses that come to a point rather than a rounded end.

To my eye they have less life than some other shaped stones and can, again, form dark shapes inside.  They are also cut from more awkward pieces of rough.  They are very useful, again, in complex jewelry design.  I have never seen a Marquis shaped diamond ring or pendant that I liked. 

The long narrow shape exposes the sides of the stone to possible damage.  Often the points of the stone can be easily broken as well.  The points are often capped with a broad prong that covers the point.  When the stone is struck, the stone can often be shifted sideways(diagonally) in its mount and the stone can come loose easily or break off at the points.

This is not a stone for an active lifestyle. The long, pointed shape can also have the tendency to catch on things.  This stone also has complex patterns of facets and reflections with a smaller table makng it easy to hide minor flaws.


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