Diamonds 101: The Marquise Cut

Marquise cut diamonds are oval, with sharply pointed ends. Slim and graceful, they’re equally at home in engagement rings and wedding bands. The elongated shape is not just beautiful but also makes the wearer’s fingers seem longer and slimmer. 

A Brief History

The marquise cut dates to the 1700s and the French royal house. King Louis XV asked a jeweler to create a cut that evoked his lover’s lips (Jean Antoinette Poisson). Even the name relates to nobility–a marquise ranks higher than a count but is not as exalted as a duke. 

After its initial commission, marquises became popular with courtiers, who wore it as a symbol of their rank. Over time, the cut evolved into what we know today. It has also expanded from being a cut reserved primarily for diamonds to one used with a range of gemstones, including sapphires and emeralds.

What to Look For

If you've decided ideal option for your engagement ring, you’ll want to consider several critical factors before choosing your stone.

Cut

If you’re looking for a cut that enhances a diamond’s inner fire and luster, the marquise cut is a great choice. Unlike step cuts such as the emerald cut, the marquise is a brilliant cut consisting of 58 facets to capture and amplify light.

Color

Because of their shape and number of facets, marquise diamonds don’t hide color very well. We recommend choosing a diamond with an I color or above.

Clarity

When it comes to clarity, we recommend choosing an S1 or eye-clean S2 marquise or above; this specific cut of diamonds is better at hiding inclusions than other diamond shapes.

Carat

One of the most interesting aspects of this cut is its ability to make diamonds seem larger than their actual carat weight. While that does help buyers get more for their money, it also means that you must take care to ensure the stone doesn’t appear too large for the wearer.

Ratios

Because of the elongated shape, the ratio is an important decision when buying a marquise cut diamond. Generally speaking, you want the stone to be roughly twice as long as it is wide, with the ideal ratio for a marquise cut being 1.75 to 2.25 of its width. If it’s too short, you lose the elegance of the cut.

Marquise Cut vs. Other Shapes

You have many options when it comes to buying a diamond, and it’s important to make an informed choice. After all, this stone will be treasured for years to come. Is the marquise cut really right for you? It offers several advantages over other popular cuts.

vs. Ovals

Both oval and marquise diamonds elongate the fingers and make them look slimmer, but the latter cut is considered more elegant overall. Both cuts are also known for making the stone seem larger than its carat size. Ovals tend to be slightly smaller, thanks to their rounded ends and deeper pavilion and crown. While both cuts are stunning, marquises offer a more pronounced form factor and are particularly well-suited for anyone who adores “antique” style jewelry. Additionally, if you are looking for something more unique, marquise cuts are definitely the way to go.

vs. Pears

Marquise and pear diamonds are similar in some respects, but dramatically different in others. Pear-shaped diamonds feature a single pointed end and a wide, rounded end, similar to a teardrop shape. In contrast, marquises feature two sharply pointed ends and a slimmer, sleeker form overall.

Popular Lauren B Marquise Cut Rings + Jewelry

Love the look of the marquise but not sure about the setting? We’ve worked with many customers to create stunning, custom rings and other jewelry. Explore our options to discover inspiration for your own engagement ring!

1.90 carat Marquise Diamond Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring | Lauren B Jewelry

1.75 carat Marquise Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

3.40ct Marquise Diamond Wavy Eternity Band

Marquise Cut Diamond Rose Gold Super Stackable Ring

Flower Marquise Earrings

Marquise Cut Diamond Flower Pendant

Marquise Diamond and Sapphire Cuff Ring

Wide Marquise Diamond Inlay Ring

Famous Marquise Diamonds

A timeless classic with considerable appeal, the this unique cut has been spotted on the hands of some of your favorite celebrities.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring in recent memory is the one worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones. The 10-carat stone was given to her by Michael Douglas when he proposed.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres have been married since 2008 and have mostly kept to themselves. However private the couple may be, de Rossi’s ring is definitely the opposite. Her 3 carat east-west set engagement ring with pink pave diamonds wrapping around the band and setting itself as if to appear as a vine.

Ashlee Simpson

Set in platinum and yellow gold, Ashlee Simpson’s five-carat engagement ring was given to her by Evan Ross when he proposed in 2015. This wildly unique ring also features rubies surrounding the center stone and pave detailing around the exterior.

Conclusion

A marquise cut is an ideal option for engagement rings, particularly for wearers who want something special and evocative of the 1960s. Elegant and timeless, this cut can work in a very wide range of band and setting styles, from Art Deco to modern, and everything in between. At Lauren B, we have our own inventory of thousands of loose stones, enabling us to customize anything and create personalized jewelry just for you.