The Allure of a 1 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring

The quest to find the ideal representation of Everlasting Love is as unique as the special couple who buys it. If an engagement ring that combines a vintage-like appeal with magnetic finger-stretching sparkle is on the wish list, don’t neglect this 1 carat marquise diamond ring. This unique type of cut, known as a “little boat” shape (or “navette”), is long and elliptical with two pointed ends and has been melting hearts for hundreds of years.

You may be in the midst of searching for an engagement ring, and if you want something that will look larger, have a quirky style yet still remain timeless, then 1 carat diamond engagement ring marquise cut is definitely worth your consideration. Its history is just as storied as its sparkle, famously also commissioned by King Louis XV of France to replicate the perfect smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. It still stands today as a monument to good taste and such unique style.

Why Choose a 1 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring?

What prompts you to pick that cut in that particular size is often some perfect trifecta — of looks, value and rarity.

1 Carat Diamond Ring: The Illusion of Size

One of the most attractive and appealing aspects of the marquise is its tendency to give a “bigger look” for its carat weight. Because of its shallow cut and long length, a 1 carat marquise diamond ring actually has a larger surface area than some other 1 carat shapes out there (even the much-loved round brilliant!) What this means is, by providing good finger coverage, the stone appears to be much larger than what you’d expect a 2 carat diamond should look like. And for those who want the most bang, visually speaking, without the cost of a plus-size carat weight, the marquise cut offers an innovative solution.

Uniqueness and Elegance

Although round brilliants are still the most in demand shape, marquise cuts can be a lovely and striking alternative. Your statement is made in seconds, and with a regal effect that cannot be denied. Another benefit of the elongated shape: when set vertically (North-South), it has an optical illusion effect, whereby the manner in which it angles away from the actual setting makes the wearer’s finger look longer and slimmer. If you are looking for 1 carat solitaire diamond ring that is truly distinctive, the marquise cut is perfect.

Value for Money: 1 Carat Diamond Ring Price

In general, fancy shapes such as marquises tend to cost less per carat than round brilliants of the same quality. Partly it’s because of the cutting process itself, which usually preserves more of a material in its raw state. Market prices today indicate that a 1 carat marquise diamond ring price will vary depending on the other factors that are chosen for the stone you select, yet average costs are usually lower than a round of a similar grade (this more enough makes up for it), providing excellent value and allowing fractionally more of your budget to be spent on a higher quality setting or better clarity/color grades. If you're concerned about sustainable luxury, an lab grown marquise diamond ring may be a better value while losing none of the visual appeal gained by your choice.

The Essential Buying Guide for a 1 Carat Diamond Marquise Cut

Choosing a beautiful marquise diamond, (check out Shiree Odiz collection) it is best to look for the 4Cs of carat, color, clarity and cut. Let's also consider other factors that are vital while selecting a marquise diamond.

1. Cut: Focus on Symmetry and the Bow-Tie Effect

Cut of a marquise diamond perhaps more so than with any other shape, the quality of a marquise’s cut is absolutely critical, although unlike it’s never-soon-to-discussed round brilliant counterpart, GIA does not grade fancy-shaped diamonds for cut. You’ll have to lean on a visual grading of symmetry in the diamond, and how it impacts light quality.

• Symmetry: The two pointed tips and two sides (the “wings”) should match exactly. Even the tiniest amount of asymmetry can cause the diamond to look lopsided in the setting, spoiling its overall beauty.
  

• Length-to-Width (L/W) Ratio: Length-to-Width (L/W) Ratio: This is a designation for how skinny or “fat” your marquise shape looks. The general recommendation by most gemologists is $L/W$ of 1.70 m-- 2.20 m. Ratios less than $1.70$ will appear short and fat, and greater than $2.20$, long and skinny. The perfect ratio is all about preference.
  

• The Bow-Tie Effect: Because of the faceting arrangement, a dark bow-tie shape in the center is common in many marquise cuts. It's okay to have a little bow tie, but too big and dark of an eye-patch can cast on the sparkle. You should always try to see the diamond either in person or HD video footage so you can check this out.

2. Color: Prioritize Whiteness in the Points

The narrow shape of the marquise can sometimes cause color to pool in the pointed ends. For a bright white metal such as platinum or white gold, add an H and up to the color of the points will show up nice and white. If selecting a yellow or rose gold [gold marquise cut engagement ring], you can confidently drop lower to an I or J color since the warmth of the metal will support and/or mask any hint of color associated with your diamond.

3. Clarity: Excellent Value at SI1 or SI2

Marquise are brilliant-cut diamonds, and so all those facets are really good at masking small inclusions. And unlike step-cuts (think emerald), “you can usually find a ‘eye-clean’ stone in the SI1 (Slightly Included) or even SI2 rank,” which saves you money. Just make sure any inclusions are not close to the vulnerable pointed tips, since those can weaken the diamond.

4. Carat Weight: The 1 Carat Diamond Wedding Ring Standard

One carat ( equal to 0.2 grams) is a benchmark weight, and it's also valued on diamonds higher than others with 1 carat for engagement or long rare. Additionally, as we said above, the marquise cut is long and narrow by design so with a 1 carat stone you're getting more face-up value than if it were in another shape (and also obtaining that desired larger diamond look without a jump in price that comes with a higher carat weight).

Setting Styles for Your 1 Carat Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

It is very important to pick the perfect setting not only for its beauty, but also more importantly to protect the diamond's fragile corners.

Solitaire Setting

A timeless style, the solitaire lets the diamond’s elegant shape take center stage. For a marquise, a 6-prong setting has often been recommended with V-shaped prongs at each of the two pointed ends. These are so very important as it is the best way to thwart chipping, which is the major weakness of a marquise cut. The design is timeless, the better to allow that beauty of elongation in the stone to thrust itself into full view.

Halo Setting

A 1 carat diamond marquise cut is given the best treatment possible to make it shine its brightest and look larger in this halo setting which encircles the center stone with smaller pave diamonds. This will give your ring a beautiful vintage look, it creates an additional frame around the sides of the stone for added protection, and you get even more viewable real estate on the entire face of this beauty.

Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is the most secure of all types, as it completely or partially surrounds the diamond in a thin band of metal. This is great for bikes set up for the street as it completely protects the weak points. Although it may cut light entering from the sides somewhat, peace of mind and a neat, state of the art look are pluses.

East-West Setting

For an updated and original feel, you might want to mount the marquise horizontally on the finger (in an East-West direction). Doesn't this orientation look amazing?! So stylish, and so much finger coverage make such a bold statement!

Care and Maintenance Tips for Your Marquise Diamond

The marquise cut deserves a little extra mindful care compared to some other shapes, largely because of its delicate pointed tips.

1. Protect the Points: Be certain that your setting has V-prongs or is a protected bezel setting. Check these points often to ensure that the prongs are fastened and firm.
   

2. Regular Professional Checks: Bring your ring to a jeweler for a professional checkup once every six months to one year. If they do, they can make sure that the prongs are not loose, in particular those protecting the tips, and clean it well.
   

3. Cleaning at Home: The safest and most effective method for cleaning your 1 carat marquise diamond ring is with a soft-bristle toothbrush, warm soapy water (mild dishwashing detergent), and gentle scrubbing. Lightly buff the whole piece, concentrating on the under side — it’s both where oils and lotions build up and where your favorite shine can fall muted. Rinse well and dry with a non-lint cloth.
   

4. Avoid Hard Impacts: Take off your ring when doing other work involving application of force or exposure to chemicals, such as gardening, exercise and heavy housework.

Where to Buy Your 1 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring

The secret to success is finding someone you trust who has a giant selection with honest grading reports.

• Online Diamond Retailers: Many online jewelers have a vast stock of marquise diamonds at competitive 1 carat marquise diamond ring price points. They give you full GIA or IGI reports and 360-degree videos to inspect symmetry and the bow-tie effect in warm pajamas at home.
  

• Local High-End Jeweler: The nice thing about visiting a local, reputable jeweler is the ability to see and compare marquise diamonds in real life. Their professional team can help you customize the perfect cut, color and clarity mix to suit your price range and however-you-like-it style.
  

• Consider Lab Grown: For a budget- and earth-friendly purchase, consider lab-grown. They have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds but they are much more affordable giving you an even better quality 1 carat diamond ring or size.

Final Words

The 1 carat marquise diamond ring is a beautiful alternative that provides maximum visual impact and classic glamour. And the table-cut, as you've learned from this guide, has specific buying tips (especially symmetry, bow-tie search and a secure setting) that can lead to your final ring being just as super-sparkly and beautiful as the love it signifies. This classic form means your 1 carat diamond ring looks as if it will remain to be an alluring heirloom for the ages.