Marquise Cut Engagement Rings

Marquise-cut engagement rings date as far back as the 18th century - truly making them a traditional style and one that has longevity.

But modern ring-making techniques have brought this cut into the modern world, making it a popular choice with many budding brides.

Similar to oval-cut engagement rings, marquise rings have an elongated appearance, which can be very flattering on the finger.

This enhances the hands of the ring-wearer, also showcasing the clarity of the ring.

Marquise engagement rings can be highlighted further with additional ring enhancers, as well as a halo effect around the edge of the ring.

This style not only makes a stunning engagement ring, but also works well as an eternity ring or even an anniversary gift, truly showing how much you care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are marquise cut engagement rings coming back into style?

Marquise is riding the same wave that brought back oval and pear: couples want an elongated shape that does not look like everything else online. It is the most efficient shape we sell for covering your finger, since the pointed ends stretch the stone dramatically and make a modest carat weight read much larger. It also carries a genuine vintage association, which suits the broader appetite for antique inspired design. Our collection here is deliberately small and focused. If you want a shape that gets noticed and commented on, the marquise does that more reliably than anything else in the store.

What is the historical meaning behind a marquise diamond ring?

The story goes that the shape was commissioned in eighteenth century France, cut to echo the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour, and the elongated navette form has carried her title ever since. We would call that a lovely legend rather than documented history, and we would rather tell you so than repeat it as fact. What is verifiable is that the shape has been a recognized cut since roughly that era, which makes it one of the older fancy shapes still in production. Couples today tend to read the pointed ends as ambition and direction, which is a reasonable meaning to claim for yourself.

Are marquise cut diamonds cheaper than round cut diamonds?

Yes, typically, and often by a wide margin at the same carat weight. Marquise retains more of the original rough crystal than a round brilliant does, and it is a far less requested shape, so both supply and demand push the price down. Combined with the fact that a marquise looks larger than its weight suggests, it is one of the best value shapes available. Loose diamond prices move daily, so we will not quote a percentage we cannot back up. What we can do is show you a marquise and a round of equal weight side by side with current prices in our ring builder.

Do the sharp tips on marquise engagement rings chip easily?

The tips are the shape's genuine vulnerability, and it is worth telling the truth about it. Those two points are a thin, unsupported diamond, and a hard knock at exactly the wrong angle can chip one. The solution is entirely a setting question. Any properly built marquise setting uses V-prongs (or double prongs), which cup and shield each tip in metal, and with those in place the risk drops to roughly that of any other shape. Never accept a marquise set with a plain prong near the point. Have the tips inspected annually, take the ring off for the gym and yard work, and it will be fine.

How do you pick the right length to width ratio for a marquise ring?

Marquise ratios generally run from about 1.75 to 2.10, and the choice defines the whole ring. Around 1.85 to 2.00 is where most people land, giving a clearly elongated stone that still looks balanced. It's shorter than about 1.75 and it starts looking stubby, which undercuts the point of the shape. Longer than 2.10 becomes very narrow and dramatic, and the tips get more fragile. Longer ratios also show a stronger bow tie. Hand size matters here more than with other shapes, since a long marquise can span a narrow finger completely. Try two ratios on in the showroom before committing.

How do you clean dirt out of a marquise diamond setting?

The V-prongs at each tip are the trouble spot, because those little metal caps collect lotion and soap and are awkward to reach. Soak the ring twenty to thirty minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, then use a soft toothbrush around each V-prong specifically and across the underside of the stone. Be gentle at the points rather than vigorous. Rinse with the drain closed and dry with a lint free cloth. Avoid bleach, chlorine, and acetone. Twice a year bring it in for an ultrasonic clean, which flushes the tip prongs properly, and we will check them for movement while it is on the bench.

Can you customize a marquise ring setting with a halo or side stones?

Yes, and marquise centers reward it. A halo following the navette outline exaggerates the elongation and makes the stone look considerably larger. Tapered baguettes or half-moon sides continue the line outward. Some customers set the marquise horizontally, east to west across the finger, which is a genuinely striking look and something our jewelers can build. Metal is your choice in fourteen and eighteen karat white, yellow, and rose gold, or platinum, and yellow gold suits the vintage character well. Most settings are made to order, so bring us the idea and we will tell you what works with your stone's proportions

What is the bow tie effect in a marquise cut diamond ring?

The bow tie is a dark band running across the width of the stone, where facets fail to return light and instead reflect a shadow back at you. Marquise shows it more than almost any shape because of its length. Every marquise has some, so the question is whether it is faint enough to ignore. No grading certificate reports it, so you have to look at the actual stone, take a look in mixed light rather than under a bright spotlight that conceals it, and move it around. Shorter ratios generally show less. Come in and compare a few. It is a five minute decision in person and next to impossible online.

Country/region