The navette cut is a fancy diamond shape better known as the marquise cut, and the term literally means "little boat"; as the diamond shape resembles a small boat to many. Originating in Paris, France around 1745 the navette cut was commissioned by King Louis XV to create a diamond that was shaped like the mouth of his mistress, the Marchionesse Madame de Pompadour. The navette cut's faceting has evolved over the centuries to become the modified brilliant cut with the fire and brilliance of a round diamond you know today.
See Also: Marquise, Modified Brilliant Cut, Bow Tie