If you’re looking for a diamond that complements your hand, you might want to consider a marquise cut engagement ring. This football-shaped diamond is unique, with a long, curved center and pointed ends that stretch beautifully along your finger. While this elongated stone hasn’t always been the most popular choice for engagement rings, it’s recently made a comeback thanks to a few celebrities—like Selena Gomez—wearing it on their left hands. Its rise is still fairly new, which helps it stand out from the more common oval and round diamonds.
Curious about choosing a marquise for your upcoming proposal? Ahead, we share everything you need to know about marquise cut engagement rings, from how to pick the best diamond to creative ways to set this stylish stone.
What is a marquise cut diamond?
“A marquise diamond is an elongated, fancy-shaped diamond with pointed ends and gently curved sides,” explains jeweler Stephanie Gottlieb. “Its unique shape makes the stone look larger and helps elongate the finger. Marquise diamonds were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and they’re making a big comeback today, partly because celebrities like Selena Gomez have chosen this shape.”
What makes a marquise cut special?
The marquise diamond was first cut in 1745 at the request of King Louis XV of France, who had it made to resemble the lips of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. Her title is what gives this diamond shape its name. It became popular again in the 1920s, as its curves fit perfectly with the designs of that era.
“What I love most about a marquise is that it makes a statement while still feeling timeless,” says Gottlieb. “It also offers a unique alternative to more traditional shapes, but keeps a sophisticated, vintage feel.” Another benefit of choosing a marquise for your engagement ring is that it often looks larger than its actual carat weight. While some cuts hold more weight at the base, a marquise spreads its surface area out. So when you’re investing in a diamond, a smaller carat weight might actually work well.
In 1998, David Beckham proposed to Victoria “Posh Spice” Adams with a marquise engagement ring, shown here.
Photo: Getty Images
How to evaluate marquise cuts using the 4Cs
The GIA grades diamonds based on the “4Cs,” which often determines their value. It’s important to consider these grades when buying a stone. “As with any diamond, the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—are important, but cut is especially critical for marquise diamonds,” notes Gottlieb. “I pay close attention to symmetry, proportion, and the overall shape. You want balanced curves and well-matched points.”
While you might focus on clarity when looking for the best marquise diamond, there are other factors to consider. “Because the shape tends to show color more easily at the tips, I often recommend prioritizing color as well,” adds Gottlieb.
How to choose style and setting
The way you set a marquise stone can completely change its look. A traditional solitaire setting is a favorite for those who want to take advantage of the elegant lengthening effect of a marquise. With this setting, you can enhance it with a pavé band or a halo setting. Others prefer a three-stone style with trillion-cut side stones, or playing with direction in an east-west setting.
“I love our ‘Band and a Half’ setting for a marquise shape,” adds Gottlieb. “If the client wants something really unique, I like tilting it slightly. Because the points are more delicate than some other shapes, I usually recommend protective prongs or a bezel setting at the tips.”
Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Gottlieb
Other tips and considerations
As you start shopping for an engagement ring, it’s important to look at each individual stone to see how it spreads. Some marquise diamonds can be long and thin, while others are a bit more rounded. “Marquises can also show a bow-t“It’s a big effect, so it’s important to see how the stone actually looks in person,” says Gottlieb. “For someone who wants a shape that stands out and looks bigger than its carat weight, a marquise is a fantastic choice. Just be sure to work with an expert who knows what to focus on when finding your ideal stone.”
Our favorite marquise cut engagement ring
Photo: Getty Images
When Aristotle Onassis proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy, he gave her a 40-carat marquise diamond ring. Because of its enormous size and value, the former first lady often chose to keep the engagement ring in a safe. Even though it was hidden away, we can’t help but admire the gorgeous style that would occasionally make an appearance on the fashion icon’s ring finger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Marquise cut engagement rings written in a natural helpful tone
General Definition FAQs
1 What exactly is a Marquise cut diamond
Its a diamond cut into a long oval shape with pointed ends It looks a bit like a football or a boat
2 Why is it called a Marquise cut
Legend says it was created in the 18th century for the Marquise de Pompadour who was a mistress of King Louis XV The king wanted a diamond that looked like her smile
3 Is a Marquise cut a fancy shape
Yes Any diamond that isnt a round brilliant is considered a fancy shape and the Marquise is one of the most distinctive
Benefits Why Choose It
4 What are the main benefits of a Marquise cut
It makes fingers look longer and slimmer because of its elongated shape It also appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight giving you more sparkle for your money
5 Does a Marquise cut look bigger than a round cut
Yes often much bigger Because its long and narrow the carat weight is spread out making the diamond look significantly larger than a round diamond of the same weight
6 Is a Marquise cut good for small hands
Absolutely The elongated shape creates a flattering illusion of length making small or short fingers appear more slender and elegant
Common Problems Considerations
7 What is the bowtie effect
Its a dark shadowy area that looks like a bow tie across the middle of the stone Most Marquise cuts have some degree of this A wellcut stone will minimize it but its rarely completely gone
8 Are Marquise cuts more fragile
Yes the pointed tips are the most vulnerable part They can chip if hit hard This is why protective settings are highly recommended
9 Do Marquise cuts have a crushed ice look
It depends on the cut quality A poorly cut stone can look dull or crushed but a highquality cut will have bright brilliant sparkle Look for a stone with excellent symmetry and a good lengthtowidth ratio