


While their sharp ends might not immediately seem practical for a jewel that will be worn every day, marquise diamonds make spectacular centre stones in an engagement ring. Defiantly different, they are stylish and original, with a dramatic shape believed to date back to the reign of King Louis XIV, who purportedly commissioned his royal jeweller to create a diamond that mimicked the shape of his lover, the Marquise de Pompadour's mouth. With their elongated elliptical shape tapering to two pointed tips, marquise cut diamonds are the maverick of the gemstone world. Even in stones of smaller sizes, round brilliants produce unrivalled scintillation, making them an excellent choice for an engagement ring, whatever your budget.

The round brilliant cut was an instant success and transformed the world of diamonds forever more.Ī round brilliant cut diamond looks sensational showcased in a very simple setting that allows the pure beauty of the centre stone to take centre stage. However, surrounded by talk of 'the perfect diamond cut', Tolkowsky was determined to find a new diamond cut that delivered maximum sparkle beneath the electric lighting that was illuminating workplaces and homes for the first time. In the past, old round cut diamonds were polished to shine brightest beneath candlelight. The modern round brilliant cut was invented in 1919 by diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky, who was also a mathematician and engineer. With 58 facets, each perfectly positioned to catch the light, it sparkles with remarkable brilliance ‐ more than any other diamond, which is one of the main reasons brides to be are drawn to this timeless cut. The most popular diamond shape by a long way, the round brilliant cut is a much-loved classic.
