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Buying Guide for Marquise Engagement Rings

Buying Guide for Marquise Engagement Rings

If it feels like marquise-cut diamond engagement rings are everywhere in 2025, that’s because they are!

Marquise-cut diamonds are resurgent in jewelry, especially for diamond engagement rings. The graceful, elegant shape of the marquise cut is versatile, unique, and eye-catching—making it perfect for the modern bride.

Is your heart set on a marquise diamond? Here’s everything you need to know to find the engagement ring of your dreams.

What is a Marquise Cut Diamond?

Picture an oval diamond that's elongated with two pointed ends--and that's a marquise cut. It resembles an eye or an elongated oval with two pointed ends.

Fun fact: The history of marquise diamonds dates back to the 18th century, when King Louis XV of France commissioned a stone resembling his mistress's lips, the Marquise de Pompadour.

One of the reasons this diamond shape is popular is that it's flattering on the finger. Its graceful, tapered silhouette elongates the look of the finger. Thanks to its long surface area, it also creates the illusion of a larger diamond. Now, who doesn’t want that in an engagement ring, right?

Why Choose a Marquise Ring?

Many are drawn to marquise diamonds because they want an engagement ring that's different from the norm but still looks timeless. The cut is versatile enough to look amazing in modern and vintage-inspired designs. Its unique silhouette has even caught the eyes of celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Catherine Zeta Jones, Ashlee Simpson, and Selena Gomez, proving its enduring appeal. If you’re on the lookout for an elegant, standout engagement ring, a marquise diamond is a brilliant choice!

Pros and Cons of Marquise Engagement Rings

Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if a marquise cut diamond engagement ring is right for you.

In terms of pros, the diamond has a unique shape, making it perfect for brides who want a one-of-a-kind and regal-looking engagement ring. Thanks to its 58 facets (just like a brilliant round), it also delivers impressive brilliance. You can set them in sleek solitaires, grand halos, or vintage designs, and your marquise engagement ring will always look stunning in any setting.

Have short fingers or want a bigger-looking diamond? The marquise diamond has got you covered there as well! Because of its shape, it visually elongates your fingers, making them appear more slender and also appears larger per carat when compared to round cuts of the same carat weight. And that’s not all. They also tend to be affordable compared to other diamond shapes. Plus, if you go with a lab diamond, you can save even more.

Now let's look at some of the cons. The pointed tips of a marquise diamond are delicate and prone to chipping. So, if you lead an active lifestyle and plan to wear your ring frequently, it’s essential to choose a setting that offers proper protection to keep the stone secure. Cut is crucial for marquise diamonds because symmetry is essential, and poorly cut versions could have a "bow-tie effect" (dark shadow in the stone's center). You also need a higher color and clarity grade because marquise diamonds can show more flaws than other diamond shapes.

Choosing the Right Marquise Diamond

Now that you know more about the background of marquise diamonds, let's look at how to choose a "good" one.

  • Get the proportions right: The length-to-width ratio is essential because the ideal look is not too thin or wide. Look for ratios between 1.75 and 2.15. Look for excellent symmetry so both ends match and the points align with the center.
  • Cut for maximum sparkle: A well-cut marquise should have even brilliance across the entire stone, with minimal or no visible “bow-tie” shadow in the center. For the best light performance, consider table percentages between 53% and 63% and depth between 58% and 62%.
  • Choose the right clarity and colour: The elongated shape means there's more surface area to highlight what's in the stone. For this reason, a higher clarity grade (VS2 or better) would work best. The delicate points also highlight the diamond's color, so you want to choose a higher color grade (G, H, or higher).

Best Settings for Marquise Engagement Rings

When it comes to marquise engagement rings, the right setting can make all the difference—both in style and in keeping that delicate diamond safe.

Prong settings work well for marquise engagement rings because you can get V-shaped prongs to protect the delicate tips, whilst showing off the outline.

Want maximum protection for your stone? Bezel settings modernize your engagement ring and safeguard the stone. Another option is to get a halo setting. The additional diamonds around the center stone offer protection, emphasize the marquise’s shape, and add glamour.

Another trendy option is to look for an east-west setting where the marquise diamond is set sideways. You can also opt for vintage-inspired styles featuring milgrain or filigree details, if you prefer a ring with a romantic vibe.

At the end of the day, the setting you choose should protect the tips, flatter the stone’s proportions, and, most importantly, feel like you.

With Clarity’s Selection Of Marquise Engagement Rings

Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring

Tapered Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring

If you’re a bride who craves an elegant, classic ring, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this marquise solitaire. Set on a sleek band, the gorgeous diamond is the standout star of this ring. It’s minimalistic, timeless, and stunning!

Cathedral Pave Halo Engagement Ring

Cathedral Pave Halo Engagement Ring

If you’re after major sparkle, this halo engagement ring delivers. The elevated cathedral setting lifts the stone beautifully. At the same time, a row of pavé diamonds along the band adds even more brilliance to the ring, creating a look that’s bold yet elegant.

Vintage Hidden Halo Chevron Engagement Ring

Vintage Hidden Halo Chevron Engagement Ring

This ring perfectly blends old-world charm with modern intrigue. Set on an ornate band, the marquise diamond continues to shine, and the milgrain and filigree chevron details give it that unique, romantic feel—perfect for someone who wants an heirloom-worthy piece.

Twist Diamond Engagement Ring

Twist Diamond Engagement Ring

If you're looking for a unique engagement ring, this is it!

A fresh take on timeless design, the Twist ring wraps the band around your stone in a fun way, giving the illusion of a floating diamond.

Elegance Pear Side Stone Engagement Ring

Elegance Pear Side Stone Engagement Ring

If you love jewelry with meaning, this three-stone ring is a beautiful pick. With a marquise center framed by pear-shaped sides, it balances elegance and uniqueness—and the hidden diamond halo beneath gives it an extra layer of brilliance.

Summary

Marquise-cut diamond engagement rings offer vintage elegance and a bold, elongated silhouette that flatters the finger. Their unique shape makes them appear larger per carat, and they pair well with various settings like halo, bezel, and V-prong. When choosing a marquise diamond, consider symmetry, clarity, color, and the ideal length-to-width ratio. Marquise-cut lab-grown diamonds are also a stunning, affordable, and sustainable option. With Clarity’s guide helps you select the perfect marquise-cut engagement ring for your style and budget.

FAQs

Are marquise diamonds more affordable than round diamonds?

Yes, marquise diamonds often cost less per carat than round-cuts of the same carat, color, and clarity. That’s because the cutting process retains more of the rough diamond, making them less wasteful (and therefore less expensive) than rounds.

How do I protect the pointed ends of a marquise diamond?

The pointed ends of a marquise diamond are delicate, so you can choose a setting with V-shaped prongs for extra protection. Choosing a bezel setting can also keep your diamond protected.

What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for a marquise diamond?

The length-to-width ratio between 1.75 and 2.15 is considered good for marquise diamonds.

Do marquise diamonds show flaws more easily?

Yes, a marquise diamond’s elongated shape can highlight flaws and color more easily than other cuts. Choosing a higher clarity and color grades helps keep the stone looking eye-clean and brilliant.

Can I pair a marquise ring with any wedding band?

Generally, curved or chevron wedding bands work best with marquise diamonds. The unique bands can sit flush with the marquise shape.
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