How to Buy a Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

If you have decided to purchase a diamond engagement ring, you may wish to purchase a marquise cut diamond. The marquise cut is a variation of a round cut diamond--the shape is stretched out to an oval. A good marquise cut diamond will have high brilliance. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the cut. It is sometimes difficult to find a good cut of a marquise diamond because the proportions are not typically precise. The ideal cut will not be too fat or too long.

2. Check for the "bow-tie effect." The bow-tie effect is a blackened area that often appears in the center of marquise, pear and oval shaped diamonds. Try to find a diamond with as little bow-tie effect as possible.

3. Choose a band that provides protection for the diamond. Due to the pointed tips of the marquise diamond, you want a ring that has prongs protecting the stone.

4. Notice the diamond's brilliance. A marquise diamond will not have the same brilliance as a round diamond, but you will still want a stone that sparkles nicely.

5. Ask about the prices. A marquise diamond engagement ring is going to be less expensive than a comparable round diamond engagement ring.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use marquise diamonds around a center stone in an engagement ring.

• Many people prefer a marquise diamond engagement ring because it makes a finger appear more slender.

Resources

• Blue Nile has affordable and beautiful marquise cut diamond engagement rings.