The marquise cut — also known as the navette or “little ship” cut — is a long, narrow diamond shape with pointed ends. Its origins date back to 18th century France, commissioned by King Louis XV, who reportedly wanted a diamond shape that resembled the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour.
Designed to maximize carat weight, the marquise cut elongates the finger and gives the illusion of a larger stone compared to other shapes of the same carat. Its elegant, elongated silhouette quickly became a favourite for rings, pendants, and statement pieces, embodying both regal sophistication and a touch of romance.
Over the centuries, the cut has evolved, with modern iterations emphasizing precision in faceting for brilliance, while retaining the iconic shape that first captured the imagination of French royalty. Today, the marquise cut is celebrated for its bold, dramatic elegance and its ability to stand out in both classic and contemporary designs.
