Having difficulty choosing between two equally captivating diamond cuts? You are not alone! Pear and marquise shapes, both unique diamond cuts, make it difficult for any bride to choose one—especially when her heart yearns for both. Luckily, we are here to help you along the way!
This post offers information on both of these shapes, their histories, and what makes them so exceptional. We even listed two of our most-requested choices from our collection to help narrow your search. Finally, we’ll recommend which diamond cuts pair best with which hand shapes and sizes. Let’s get started!
The Marquise Diamond History
“Marquise” originates from the French word “marquis”, which stands for a nobleman who ranks above a count and below a duke. In old times, marquises used to wear diamond rings to showcase their status. Today, the shape is known by most as a football-shaped, tear drop shaped, and boat-shaped or “navette”, which is French for “little ship.”
Marquise Shaped Diamond Settings
The diamond cut features 58 facets with elliptical shapes that meet to form a pointed tip. The shape was designed in the 18th century by a jeweler commissioned by the King Louis XV of France; it is said that Louis XV sought to create a diamond shape that resembled the lips of his mistress, Jean Antoinette Poisson.
Today, there are many variations to this diamond cut, the oval diamond cut being the most common one.
We Recommend:
Modern Oval-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Featuring a signature halo and a stunning 0.75 carat oval-shaped diamond, this ring is for the bride who wants something slightly different yet not too drastic from the conventional round-cut diamond. The center stone sits elevated on the shank, and gives the impression that it is floating. (Style no. SY688)
Marquise Halo Engagement Ring
The one-carat stunning marquise stone sits surrounded by a single halo of exquisite diamonds that cascade down to the middle of the shank. The center stone is set slightly higher on the band, giving it an elegant yet unique appeal when worn. (Style no. S1299)
The Pear-shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
The pear-shaped engagement ring beautifully combines a round-cut diamond and marquise diamond with a tapered point at one end. Many mistakenly wear the diamond with the point facing away from the finger, when really the pointed end should face towards the hand. Like most cuts, a pear-shaped engagement ring comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and is perfect for women with slender or wide fingers.
Pear Shaped Diamond Settings And History
The pear-shaped diamond cut, also commonly referred to as the “tear-drop” shape, was first introduced in the 1400s by a Flemish cutter, inventor of the scaif, Lodewyk van Berquem. He believed that the cut allowed for a more thorough polishing of the diamond, which in turn would ensure optimal light reflection.
When worn, the diamond gives the impression of longer, more slender fingers. However, one should always review the stone’s proportion before buying. Too big a stone might make a wide or small hand appear shorter by concealing most of the fingers.
We Recommend:
Stunning Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
This dazzling ring features a three-carat pear-shaped diamond with round brilliant diamonds elegantly cascading down each side of the white gold band. This is one of the most-requested pear-shaped diamond engagement rings at Sylvie Jewelry! (Style no. SY483)
Classic Pear-Shaped Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
This stunning piece is undoubtedly a jaw-dropper. It features a pear-cut diamond encompassed in a single halo of small, shimmering diamonds that waterfall down to the middle of the band. (Style no. S1199)
Choosing Between a Marquise and a Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring:
Ever shopped for a pair of sunglasses? It’s so easy to select a sleek pair of shades, and just as easy to reject them once you try them on. Choosing a diamond engagement ring is a similar struggle. Just like everyone has a different face shape, everyone has different hand shapes; one should always try on before buying to make sure your chosen cut looks ideal on your hand. To decide which one to choose for you, let’s take a look at which cuts pair well with which hand shapes and/or sizes.
Small fingers
It’s all about the right proportion. Women with small fingers should avoid too bulky or flashy finger rings. A pear-cut diamond will elongate the fingers and make the hand appear slightly bigger, whereas a round-cut diamond will only make the hand look smaller.
Short fingers
Similar to small fingers, short fingers need a cut that makes them appear longer and slenderer. Therefore, the most ideal cuts for women with short fingers include the pear, marquise and ovals.
Wide fingers
Women with wide fingers might pick a ring that doesn’t show off too much of skin. This means choosing a diamond engagement ring with a big center stone. Any other shape will make the fingers appear wider and bulkier. On the bright side, wide fingers can flaunt nearly every ring style and cut, including both pear and marquise-shaped diamond engagement rings.
So which will it be, pear or marquise?
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