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marquise

Marquise is the feminine form of the French noble title marquis. In historical use, a marquise is a noblewoman of rank below a duchess and above a countess, typically the wife or widow of a marquis. In English-language contexts the equivalent title is usually marchioness, though marquise appears in translations of French sources and in genealogical or ceremonial references. The term survives in modern times chiefly as a surname or given name and can appear in literature and film as a stylistic or historical reference.

Marquise also refers to a diamond-cut shape. The marquise cut is an elongated, pointed-oval gemstone shape that

Beyond nobility and gemology, "marquise" appears as a given name or nickname in contemporary usage and may

resembles
a
boat
or
football.
It
was
popularized
in
the
18th
century
during
the
reign
of
Louis
XV,
reportedly
in
honor
of
his
mistress,
the
Marquise
de
Pompadour.
The
design
is
known
for
maximizing
carat
weight
relative
to
size
and
creating
an
illusion
of
length
when
set
in
jewelry,
particularly
engagement
rings.
Because
of
its
pointed
ends,
a
marquise
gem
can
be
susceptible
to
chipping,
so
setting
and
care
are
important.
appear
in
cultural
or
fictional
contexts
as
a
reference
to
French
aristocratic
heritage.