Pros and Cons of Marquise Cut Diamonds

The Marquise cut offers many advantages for engagement rings and diamond jewel, but there are also some downsides to consider. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of this diamond cut.

Marquise Cut Diamond Pros

• Looks Large: Marquise cut diamonds look larger than their per carat weight compared to other cuts, like the round brilliant. As our eyes run down the length of the cut, we’re tricked into seeing it as larger than it really is.
• Elongates the Fingers: Elongated shapes such as the marquise, pear and oval cuts tend to make your finger appear longer and thinner. This complements any hand, and is especially perfect if you have short or chubby fingers.
• Affordable: The marquise is a relatively affordable cut, costing less than more popular cut options like round, princess, or cushion.
• Hides Flaws: Because of the many facets of a marquise cut diamond, this cut is great at hiding flaws like color and inclusions. This means that you can save on your diamond by dropping a little lower on the color and clarity scales.

Marquise Cut Diamond Cons

• Bow-Tie Effect: The biggest issue with marquise diamonds is the bow-tie effect, which can mar the beauty of the stone. Read more about this phenomenon below.
• Vulnerable: The pointed ends of the marquise cut are quite sharp and vulnerable, meaning that they can easily chip if dealt a hard blow.
• Not as Brilliant: While the cut is brilliant, it doesn’t have the same sparkle as a round or princess cut diamond.

What Is the Marquise Cut?

The Marquise cut, sometimes called the navette (French for little ship), originated in the 18^th century French court of King Louis XV. The king, out of love for his mistress Marquise de Pompadour, ordered a diamond to be cut in the shape of her lips. The cut was named after her court title.

Featuring 56 facets, the Marquise cut is features an elliptical shape, with points on either end. It’s appearance can vary depending on the length to width ratio of the diamond. While the classic Marquise cut has a ratio of 1.75 to 2.25, how slender you want your Marquise diamond depends on your personal preference.

While the Marquise cut cannot match the brilliance and sparkle of round diamond cuts, it has a unique luster that gives it an edge in terms of class and beauty. The cut is gorgeous in pendants and earrings, but are also ideal for engagement rings.

Evaluating the Marquise Cut Using the 4Cs

1. How to Choose Marquise Cut Quality

When it comes to Marquise diamonds, we can’t overstate just how important the cut is! Cut impacts the sparkle and symmetry of this shape, and can make or break the stone. You’re best not compromising on cut – it’s the most important factor.

But unfortunately, the GIA does not grade the cut of fancy shaped diamonds, meaning that you are essentially on your own when evaluating the cut of a Marquise shaped diamond. This is why it’s important to carefully inspect the stone’s appearance to make an informed decision about its cut quality.

For a Marquise cut, we’d recommend the following grades for these specifications. It will give you an equivalent to an Excellent cut grade.

Another critical factor to consider when choosing a Marquise diamond is symmetry. The two ends of the diamond should be perfectly aligned, while the left and right sides should mirror each other closely. If there is any defect in the symmetry, however slight, the diamond will look off-balance. Always look for excellent symmetry when selecting a Marquise cut diamond.

You’ll also have to consider whether you want a squat or elongated Marquise diamond. If you choose a length to width ratio below 1.85, you will end up with a squat stone, while a ratio above 2.0 will result in an overly elongated Marquise. For pendants and drop earrings, elongated Marquise shapes are best, while a more balanced ratio is preferred for engagement rings.

How to Choose Marquise Diamond Color

While the D-F colorless diamonds are the most popular choice, they’re also the priciest. However, the difference between the grades are often negligible and can hardly be perceived by the naked eye. Take a look at the D and F diamonds above. The difference is hardly noticeable.

Because larger Marquise cut diamonds can appear darker at the points, you can choose a lower color grade and still have a gorgeous colorless stone. For an Excellent grading for color in a Marquise cut diamond, look for these specifications:

If your ring metal is yellow or rose gold, you can opt for a diamond with warm tones as this will not be very noticeable next to the metal. This is a great way to save on the price of your diamond, as the further down the color scale you go, the more the price of the stone drops (all else being equal).

As you can see from the two settings above, the yellow gold setting minimizes any color in the diamond, blending into it to create a seamless transition from metal to stone. Because the basket of the setting also impacts how a diamond can appear, some jewelers choose to place a yellow or rose gold basket in a white gold setting to hide any yellow tints in the stone.

Conversely, white metals can highlight yellow tints, making the stone appear yellower than it is. But if you choose a D-F color grade, a white metal setting can accentuate the colorlessness even more, enhancing its cool tones.

How to Choose Marquise Diamond Clarity

Ask yourself the question: Are there any visible inclusions in the diamond? For clarity, the grade doesn’t matter as much as how the stone looks. You can sometimes find a stone that looks great but has a low clarity grade. This saves you money without having to compromise on the beauty of the diamond.

However, there is a caveat to this when it comes to Marquise shaped diamonds. If there are inclusions located at the end points of the diamond, it can weaken these points and compromise their integrity. However, an expert craftsperson can strengthen the diamond by using a quality setting to protect any vulnerable points. One way is to opt for V-shaped prongs, which not only hides any inclusions at the points but will also add a buffer zone for the diamond.

To check the clarity of a diamond, it’s important to see images of the actual stone. Always request images or videos (even better!) before you buy. In our experience, being able to see the actual diamond rather than simply a stock photo allows you to cherry pick the perfect stone from the lot. It also allows you to save on your stone as you could pick a stone with a lower clarity grade but with no visible inclusions.

Watch Out For the ‘Bow-Tie’ Effect!

All elongated fancy cut diamonds, such as the Marquise, pear and oval cuts, are susceptible to having the bow-tie effect. And no, it’s not a good thing! You don’t want your diamond to show a severe bow-tie.

A bow-tie occurs when there’s a darkened area in the shape of a bow-tie that runs across the center of the diamond. This happens when the cut is poor and there are misaligned facets. What this does is to cause light to move out of the pavilion, rather than being reflected from the surface. As there’s no light reflection, the area becomes dark.

A diamond bow-tie can be very light, in which case you probably don’t have to worry about it. If, however, the bow-tie is the first thing that catches your attention when you look at the diamond, then it’s best to choose another stone. The issue is that you have to actually view the stone to see if it has an unsightly bow-tie, as the certification does not contain this specific information.

Above is a screenshot of a random selection of Marquise cut diamonds from James Allen. Although all the diamonds have similar specifications and prices, they all have varying degrees of bow-tie. The point to note is that the lab reports of these diamonds would be nearly identical, making it impossible to pick out which one has the least bow-tie.

An expertly cut marquise diamond has stunning sparkle and is a delight to behold. It’s best not to compromise on the cut quality too much when purchasing your diamond.

Choose a Protective Setting

Marquise cut diamonds are vulnerable because of their pointy ends, which means they can be in danger of chipping. As we’ve already mentioned, a quality setting can help protect the stone. There are many ring settings that will offer this protection, most notably prong settings with v-tips, halo settings, bezel settings, and vintage settings that create a buffer around the diamond.

A setting that has prongs with a V-end or V-tip will be your best bet in ensuring the highest protection for your diamond. Remember, one of the most critical aspects of a marquise cut diamond is the quality of its sharp points, so when choosing the diamond, ensure that the stone’s edges aren’t compromised.

Halo settings also offer high protection for the marquise shape, as the tips are surrounded by the diamond halo. This setting also adds an extra sparkle to the ring and increases the glamour factor. You can also choose a double halo setting for even more sparkle.

Where to Buy Marquise Diamonds Online

There are many excellent places to purchase a round diamond online, be it a loose diamond or a pre-set engagement ring. Whichever retailer you decide to go with, make sure that they are reputable, are specialized in what they do and will provide you with a lab report.

Check that the certifying laboratory is recognized, such as GIA, AGS and EGL. Choose a retailer that offers high quality imagery allowing you to inspect your diamond closely, and make an informed choice.  Also check the after-sales policies, especially the returns policy.

We recommend the following retailers. Check out our quick comparison of the Top Online Engagement Ring Retailers for more information.

James Allen

Why: Superior diamond imaging, competitive prices, high quality, wide range

An online giant in the diamond space, James Allen has a stunning collection of high-quality diamonds. The images and videos are unparalleled in quality and makes shopping online similar, if not better, to shopping in store.

Blue Nile

Why: Competitive prices, wide range, great quality

Known for dominating the online diamond industry since the late 1990s, Blue Nile offers one of the largest online diamond inventories. Search diamonds here at competitive prices, solid after-sales policies, and good customer service.

White Flash

Why: Superior cut quality, exclusive range, stunning designs

Whiteflash has earned an international reputation for the elite quality of their precision cut diamonds, and for their impeccable collection of designer engagement rings. Check their stunning range of diamond jewelry and loose diamonds.

Brian Gavin

Why: Impeccable quality, superior cut, small but exclusive inventory

Brian Gavin is a renowned expert in diamond cut – and it shows in their superior diamond quality. For the very best in diamonds, search their inventory of designer diamond jewelry and loose diamonds.

With Clarity

Why: Try before you buy, build your own ring, great quality  

If you want to try out how a round diamond ring looks on your finger before you commit to buying one, check out With Clarity’s Home Preview Service, which is completely free. Find out more here.

Wrapping Up

Classy, sophisticated and unique, the marquise cut makes the diamond appear larger and elongates your finger. It has a romantic and historic connection that makes it a perfect choice for an engagement ring. However, this unique cut is not as brilliant as round cuts, and can have the bow-tie effect quite severely. The marquise cut is also quite vulnerable and can chip at the ends if not in a protective setting.

Overall, it’s a beautiful and uncommon choice, and one that stands out on any finger. If you’re looking to purchase a marquise diamond, we recommend starting your browsing here.

It might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference to the overall appearance of the jewelry design. It’s especially popular in vintage engagement rings, which is great if you like this style. If not, milgrain might not be for you.

Keep reading as we outline everything you need to know to decide if you should buy a ring with milgrain details.

What Is Milgrain?

The name ‘milgrain’ (a.k.a. mille-grain, millgrain) tells us what it is, as Milgrain translates to a thousand grains in French. A perfectly suitable name when you look closely at this design element. Tiny metal beads are placed in a close-fitting row to act as a border for jewelry designs.

These little ‘grains’ can be made of any type of metal, but are typically crafted out of precious metals. Milgrain was commonly used to decorate and enhance antique and vintage jewelry.

Where Does Milgrain Come From?

Milgrain detailing has been a feature of jewelry for centuries, making appearances in styles around the globe. It was especially popular in Asia, which is credited for introducing this feature into jewelry. It was widely used in South East Asia, India and China.

It can be said that the modern popularity of milgrain has its roots in the Edwardian era, which heavily used filigree and milgrain in its designs. It cycled in and out of popularity, but later on, the Art Deco era brought back this feature along with its geometric and angular designs. Today, it’s a staple in vintage-inspired designs.

How Large are Milgrain Beads?

Milgrain detailing can come in a number of different sizes, from near invisible little spheres to sizeable grains. Some milgrain beads can be large enough to stand out as a feature in itself, while others are so tiny they may be invisible to the eye but you’ll feel them when you touch the edges of the ring.

The size depends on the overall design of the ring. In some cases, large and small milgrain detail can work together to create appealing designs.

While most milgrain engagement rings generally have just one row along the edges of the ring, some modern designs have whole surfaces covered in neat rows of milgrain, as demonstrated in the ring design below.

This adds texture and complexity to the ring design, giving it an intriguing appearance and making the milgrain more than just an embellishment. The ring design featured above shows row upon row of milgrain, and is the central focus of the design.

How is Milgrain Crafted?

Milgrain can be created in three main ways. All three methods can result in beautiful milgrain detailing, but today, the milgrain tool and the machine created milgrain are the most common.

• Handcrafted Milgrain: One way is to first craft the tiny metal beads and then have them soldered onto the ring design. This is a painstaking and time-consuming method as each bead is individually placed into its position on the design. All antique jewelry featuring milgrain was crafted using either this or the next method. Handcrafted milgrain is not perfect, which is why the end result is unique.
• A Milgrain-Like Finish: Another way is to use a special tool that works like a mold to create the beaded pattern along the surface. This is called a milgraining or knurling tool and is used together with a milgrain wheel. You can watch the milgrain tool in action here.
• Machine-Created Milgrain: The final method, and most commonly used today, is by using a computer to design and then 3-D print the milgrain pattern. This is then used as a mold for the jewelry design. This is the easiest and most advanced method of the three.

Why Choose Milgrain?

There are many reasons to add milgrain to your engagement ring design.

For one thing, milgrain adds texture to your ring, elevating a simple design into a complex, intriguing one. You may not even be consciously aware of the milgrain detailing, but even so it will add that extra touch to your ring.

Milgrain adds that vintage look to even modern rings, creating a beautiful and harmonious interconnection between modern and older eras in jewelry designs.

Milgrain can act like a frame for gemstones or fancy metalwork in your ring design, promoting the beauty of these aspects and guiding your eye towards them. This is perfect for engagement rings where important aspects of the design can be subtly highlighted.

For some, milgrain gives a touch of artisanship, appearing unique like a hand-crafted piece, even if it is machine made. This explains one reason why many gravitate towards milgrain detailing.

The Trouble with Milgrain

Milgrain detailing in engagement rings needs to be maintained in order to keep the piece looking picture perfect.

The problem is that over time and with frequent exposure, milgrain can slowly wear off, losing its definition. This is not the end of the world. You may simply have to take the ring to a professional to have the milgrain restored every ten years or so. Restoring milgrain in jewelry is also relatively inexpensive.

Another issue with milgrain is that it’s harder to keep clean compared to most other designs. Dirt can get lodged tightly among the milgrain beads. When this happens, your ring will look dull and lose its sparkle. Again, it’s not a huge deal – you’ll just have to clean the ring periodically. Mild soap and warm water together with a soft cloth or brush should do the trick to remove dirt build-up on your milgrain ring setting.

Other Vintage Elements on Rings – What Are Your Options?

While milgrain is one of the most popular ways to add a vintage touch to your ring, there are other elements that you can use as well. These can be used alone or together with milgrain.

1. Filigree: This technique uses thin metal threads and elegant motifs to create intricate patterns. Filigree is one of the most popular techniques used in vintage inspired designs, like this gorgeous ring.
2. Guilloché: This is a technique in which a precise, intricate pattern is mechanically etched into an underlying material with very fine detail. Often covered with translucent enamel, the result is a detailed and vibrant design, like this stunning vintage pearl ring.
3. Repoussé: Repoussé is a technique where metal is shaped from the reverse side to create a design in relief. It’s a form of embossing. You can see an example of this technique in this Chinese opera ring.

Where to Buy Milgrain Engagement Rings

Because vintage-inspired designs are highly sought after, most retailers have a vintage engagement ring collection. Many of these feature milgrain detailing. If you’re buying at your local store, then it’s best to check their reviews, compare their services and check the quality of their products. Here are the stores we’d recommend checking out if you’re buying online.

• James Allen

Why: Superior diamond imaging, competitive prices, high quality, wide range

An online giant in the diamond space, James Allen has a stunning collection of high-quality diamonds and quality milgrain jewelry. The images and videos are unparalleled in quality and makes shopping online similar, if not better, to shopping in store.

• Blue Nile

Why: Competitive prices, wide range, great quality

Known for dominating the online diamond industry since the late 1990s, Blue Nile offers one of the largest online diamond and ring setting inventories. Search diamonds and settings here at competitive prices, solid after-sales policies, and great customer service.

• Whiteflash

Why: Superior cut quality, exclusive range, stunning designs

Whiteflash has earned an international reputation for the elite quality of their precision cut diamonds, and for their impeccable collection of designer engagement rings. Check out their stunning range of diamond jewelry and loose diamonds.

• Brian Gavin

Why: Impeccable quality, superior cut, small but exclusive inventory

Brian Gavin is a renowned expert in diamond cut – and it shows in their superior diamond quality. For the very best in diamonds, search their inventory of designer diamond jewelry and loose diamonds.

• With Clarity

Why: Try before you buy, build your own ring, great quality  

If you want to try out how a princess cut diamond ring looks on your finger before you commit to buying one, check out With Clarity’s Home Preview Service which is completely free. Find out more here.

Wrapping Up

By selecting a milgrain engagement ring, you’re choosing a style that’s steeped in history and ornate detail. Milgrain engagement rings offer a vintage appeal and intricate detail that’s truly enchanting, lending a unique charm to your symbol of commitment.

However, the tiny granules may require extra cleaning, and the vintage style might not appeal to everyone. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal taste, balancing the desire for distinctiveness against maintenance considerations.

Some people prefer to get a beautiful yet functional tattoo, while others go the old-fashioned way of carrying their information in a card in their purse. Maybe you are not into needles and are afraid that a wallet/purse may be difficult to find in an emergency.

In this case, then a piece of medical ID jewelry will probably be the best option for you. Let’s take a look at how to choose medical alert jewelry.

What is Medical Alert Jewelry?

This is a tag or symbol that lets emergency medical technicians know that you have a medical condition. While the information you choose to include on the ID depends on your preference, the most commonly provided are your first and last name, medical condition/s, allergies and emergency contact number.

Where to Wear Medical Alert Jewelry

Medical alert jewelry is commonly worn as a bracelet or a pendant. We personally prefer the bracelet option as this is easy to see and access in an emergency. A pendant is a little more hidden and may not be the first place emergency healthcare professionals look.

There is a wide range of medical alert bracelets, necklaces and pendants available. You can also wear the medical alert jewelry as an anklet (ankle bracelet).

EMTs generally check the wrists and neck for a medical ID, so wearing your medical alert jewelry there would be sensible. However, as we’ve already covered, a neck chain is more discreet, a bracelet is handier during an emergency. Again, you can choose what works best for you.

Why Wear Medical ID Jewelry

The purpose of the medical ID is to let any medical provider know of the condition you have even if you are not able to communicate it yourself.

This can be life-saving because you will be able to receive quick treatment that is suitable for your condition. Most first – responders in an emergency look for a medical ID for more information.

In other words, a piece of medical alert jewelry is a critical item and can speak for you when you can’t speak for yourself.

How to Choose Medical ID Jewelry

There are many variations and jewelry designs available, but there are some basic things to consider when choosing medical ID jewelry.

• Most medical alert jewelry bear the Star of Life insignia to make it instantly recognizable. If it doesn’t come with this symbol, you probably should request it.
• Durability would be one of the main factors that affect your choice. Choose a material that can withstand exposure. Medical alert jewelry usually come in metal (gold, silver, stainless steel, and copper), leather, fabric or silicone. While all these options are beautiful, metal is the best option as it lasts.
• If you have any allergies to metal, choose metal that’s hypoallergenic, such as stainless steel, titanium, or gold.
• Consider the amount of information you need engraved on your medical alert jewelry. This would affect the overall design and style of the piece. For example, a dog tag is a stylish way to have a lot more information engraved. It is also inconspicuous as many people nowadays wear dog-tags as a fashion statement.
• Ideally, you want the jewelry to be versatile. You should be able to wear it in water, at work, at fashionable and dressy events, and during heavy duty activities. Consider interchangeable bracelets, for example, to save yourself money and give yourself more style options.

Types of Medical Alert Jewelry

There are many types of medical alert jewelry available on the market. What you choose depends on your specific requirements. You can buy a simple engraved medical alert bracelet or tag that has your critical information.

There is also the option of purchasing a medical alert bracelet that has a USB stick attached to it. While this may seem like a good idea, there are many downsides to this, such as the violation of a number of privacy and technology rules (think potential viruses, data compromise, and more).

You can also purchase a medical alert bracelet with a QR code attached, but this would only be useful if you have a lot of information to share. These are fine for after the emergency, when you are in a controlled environment where medical professionals can access your information.

The most important details need to be clearly visible and easily accessible on your neck or wrist. In that regard, nothing beats having a medical alert bracelet or necklace, with your information simply engraved on it.

Where to Buy Medical Alert Jewelry

Many reputable pharmacies have medical alert jewelry for sale. These are usually straightforward in design and quite affordable. However, if you are after something more stylish and chic, then it’s best to take your search online.

You will have a wider range of options to choose from.  There are sites that specialize in medical IDs, such as Lauren’s Hope and American Medical ID. These sites give you a wide variety of stylish and fashionable medical jewelry options.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/ and Etsy https://www.etsy.com/ also have a range of unique and beautiful medical alert jewelry that you are bound to love.

Can Medical Alert Jewelry Be Stylish?

Of course! In the past, wearing a piece of medical alert jewelry was like wearing a label, plain, boring and unimaginative, but now there are many fashionable options available.

In fact, your medical alert jewelry can be a fashion statement. Just as you would with regular jewelry, you can have a few different medical alert bracelets or pendants, and change them to suit your outfit or mood. In this way, your medical ID will be something you will love to wear!

Wrapping Up

When choosing medical alert jewelry, the main thing to consider is whether it can accommodate the information you need it to hold. Beyond that, consider durability, style, and versatility.

Today, it’s possible to balance practicality with aesthetics, and there are many designers catering to this by creating stylish and purposeful medical alert jewelry styles.

Traditionally, medical ID jewelry consisted of dog tags and large labels. If you’re like me, you probably aren’t too thrilled about them. It can make you feel different and be a conversation starter, even when you don’t want to talk about your medical issues.

But thanks to innovative and stylish designers, today there’s a range of fashionable medical alert jewelry out there. Keep reading as we outline some of the trendiest designs in medical ID jewelry.

Trust me, you’ll want to wear these stylish items. Let’s get started!

Stylish Medical ID Jewelry Designs

Gone are the days when wearing medical alert jewelry was something you had to grudgingly do, when they used to be boring and unimaginative.

If you like classy pieces of jewelry (and who doesn’t!) then your medical ID can definitely fall into this category. You can choose pieces to suit all aspects of your life – active, formal and dressy events and casual everyday wear.

Here are some of our favorite stylish designs.

1. Medical ID cuffs

Cuffs have a dressier, more formal look than regular bracelets, and we think these gold plated designs are just that. Stylish and dressy, the little logo identifying it as a medical ID piece is small and discreet, yet clear enough for healthcare professionals to find it. Can’t go wrong with this one!

2. Casual Silicone Bands

If you’re into casual, playful designs, these colorful silicon bands might be more your thing. They are perfect for the outdoors and for the sporty at heart. Unlike most of the other types of ID jewelry on this list, silicone bracelets are the most affordable.

3. A Classy Pendant

While pendants may be harder to access than a piece of jewelry on your hand, some people prefer them over bracelets. Choose a pendant that showcases the logo clearly. On a side note, because Aslepius’ rod is a stylish historical symbol, it blends in beautifully with any jewelry.

4. Trendy Bracelet

Keep it classy with an easy to access but still stylish bracelet. You can also find interchangeable bracelets, like this stylish one, that allow you to mix and match different designs. That way, you don’t have to keep buying new medical ID jewelry each time you want a different look.

5. Strap It to Your Watch

Rather than picking out an entire piece of jewelry, why not opt for a tag that you can attach to your watch strap? Most of us wear a watch, especially smart watches, and these tags easily slip onto the strap.

6. Medical Alert Ring

If you don’t like the feeling of a bracelet on your hand, a ring is an excellent option. Rings are easy to see and access by healthcare professionals in an emergency. They look good and they blend in with other jewelry.

What to Consider When Choosing Medical ID Jewelry

We don’t all see eye-to-eye on fashion and jewelry. It makes sense then that there should be a variety of options available for our medical alert jewelry as well.

There are many styles available online making it easy for you to choose exactly what you’re after. You can choose from quiet, classic pieces to louder, more statement pieces depending on your personality and style.

Also consider whether or not the medical ID tag is interchangeable or not. You can purchase one tag, and use many different bracelets. You can also have a permanently fixed tag to a bracelet.

Always ensure that the material is designed for daily use. Consider durable materials like stainless steel, gold plated, rhodium plated, and so on.

If you spend a lot of time in pools or washing your hands, consider whether the material is waterproof. Silicone and stainless steel can take regular baths, whereas some other materials may not.

If you have metal sensitivities, then don’t forget to choose a hypoallergenic material. Again, silicone and stainless steel are perfect in this case, but plated metals can cause sensitivities.

It’s also important to consider whether the piece can be easily seen. Bracelets are the best option, and where most emergency health professionals will look immediately. Necklaces are fine too, but not as easily accessible as jewelry on your wrist or hands.

Wrapping Up

Medical ID jewelry should be stylish, but they should also do their job – that is, be accessible and have the information required by healthcare professionals.

Hopefully these recommendations help you find the right piece for you.

One final thing. Make sure that your medical jewelry is comfortable. After all, you will be wearing it on a daily basis. Have fun shopping for your new piece of jewelry. It will likely be the most useful piece of jewelry you will ever own!