Marquise Cut
A long pointed oval, tapering to a point at both ends. Looks larger than its weight and elongates the finger.
The outline is sometimes called a navette, meaning little boat. It carries its weight across a wide face, so it looks bigger than a round of the same carat.
The two points are fragile and must be protected by the setting.
A poorly cut marquise shows a dark bow-tie shadow across its centre, which is the commonest fault in the shape.
When you are buying
Look straight down at a marquise under a single light. If a dark bow tie sits across the middle, the proportions are wrong, whatever the certificate says.
Pearls with cut stones
A few from the collection, from ₹1,600.
Sparkly Oval White Pearl Drops With Marquise CZ Studs
Sparkly White Oval Pearl Drop Earring With Marquise CZ Stud
Trendy Pearl Necklace in Pearls and Rose Quartz
Dainty Peach Pearls With Purple Garnet Beads Necklace
Radiant 19 Inches White Pearls Necklace With SP Purple Garnet Beads
Luxurious 23 Inches White Pearls With Purple Garnet Beads Necklace
Striking Blue Pearl Necklace With Oxidized Polki Pendant & Grey Onyx
Spectacular 6mm White Semi-Round Pearls 19Inch Necklace With Victorian Pendant
Pear Cut
A teardrop outline, round at one end and pointed at the other. The classic pendant and drop-earring shape.
Oval Cut
An elongated brilliant. Nearly the sparkle of a round, and it looks larger for the same weight.
Cut
How a stone is shaped and faceted. The one thing that most affects how it looks, and the one buyers examine least.
Prong Setting
Small metal claws gripping a stone at its edges. Maximum light, minimum protection.