Marquise Diamond Engagement Rings
Marquise diamond engagement rings have one of the most distinctive silhouettes of any diamond shape. The elongated, pointed form creates a dramatic, eye-catching presence on the finger that no other cut can replicate. Originally fashioned to resemble the lips of the Marquise de Pompadour at the request of King Louis XV of France, the marquise cut carries a history as romantic as the stone itself.
Every marquise engagement ring in our collection is handcrafted individually in platinum or 18ct gold, set with a certified lab-grown or natural diamond. Browse our designs below and use the configurator to see live pricing for your preferred metal and carat weight.
The History of the Marquise Diamond
The marquise diamond traces its origins to 18th century France. King Louis XV commissioned his court jeweller to create a diamond cut that resembled the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The result was the navette cut, an elongated, boat-shaped diamond with pointed ends at both tips. The name “marquise” stuck, and the shape has been associated with elegance and romance ever since.
Over the following centuries, advances in diamond cutting refined the marquise into the modified brilliant cut we know today. Modern marquise diamonds typically feature 56 to 58 facets arranged in a brilliant pattern, giving the stone a level of sparkle and fire that the original 18th century cuts could never have achieved. Despite being one of the oldest fancy shapes, the marquise remains one of the most visually striking, and it has seen a significant resurgence in popularity in recent years as couples look for alternatives to the traditional round and oval.
Why Choose a Marquise Engagement Ring?
The marquise diamond has the largest face-up area of any diamond shape relative to its carat weight. Its elongated form spreads the stone’s weight across a longer surface, meaning a 1 carat marquise diamond will look noticeably larger on the finger than a 1 carat round or cushion. If visual presence matters to you, the marquise delivers more impact per carat than almost any other shape.
The elongated outline also has a flattering effect on the hand. Set in the traditional north-south orientation, a marquise diamond lengthens the finger and creates a slimming, elegant line. Set east to west, it stretches across the finger for a bolder, more contemporary look. Our Occidens is designed specifically for this horizontal orientation, turning the marquise into something unexpected.
As a brilliant cut, the marquise diamond produces the same flashes of white light and coloured fire as a round brilliant. Its facet pattern is optimised for sparkle, not the calm lustre of a step cut like the emerald or Asscher. The result is a diamond that combines a unique, vintage-inspired shape with thoroughly modern light performance.
Traditional vs East West Marquise Setting
One of the most interesting decisions with a marquise engagement ring is orientation. The traditional setting places the diamond north to south, with the two pointed tips aligned with the length of the finger. This is the classic look: it elongates the finger, creates a graceful line, and gives the ring a timeless, elegant character.
The east west marquise setting rotates the diamond 90 degrees so it sits horizontally across the finger. This changes the entire personality of the ring. The stone appears wider and more substantial, the profile sits closer to the finger, and the overall effect is bolder and more contemporary. East west marquise rings have grown significantly in popularity as more people discover how different the same diamond shape can look simply by changing its orientation.
Both options are available across our collection. If you are drawn to the horizontal look, the Occidens is our dedicated east west marquise ring, designed from the ground up for that orientation.
What to Look For in a Marquise Diamond
The marquise is classified as a fancy shape by the GIA, which means it does not receive a formal cut grade on its diamond report. Choosing a marquise diamond ring requires careful visual assessment, and there are several factors that matter more with this shape than with most others.
Symmetry is critical. The two pointed tips of a marquise diamond must align perfectly with each other, and the two curved sides (known as the “wings”) should be mirror images. Even a slight asymmetry is noticeable in a marquise because the elongated shape amplifies any imbalance. We check every stone for bilateral symmetry before presenting it.
The bow tie effect is a dark shadow that appears across the centre of many marquise diamonds, running perpendicular to the length of the stone. It is caused by light leaking through the pavilion rather than reflecting back to your eye. Some degree of bow tie is present in almost all marquise diamonds, but a well-cut stone will minimise it to the point where it is barely visible. We reject any marquise diamond where the bow tie is distracting.
Length-to-width ratio determines how elongated the marquise appears. A ratio around 1.75 to 2.15 gives the classic marquise proportions that most people picture. Ratios below 1.75 produce a wider, more rounded stone that loses some of the marquise’s characteristic drama. Ratios above 2.25 create a very long, slender diamond that can appear fragile. We source each marquise individually, so if you have a preference for a particular proportion, let us know.
Colour concentration at the tips is something to be aware of. The pointed ends of a marquise diamond can concentrate colour, meaning a slightly tinted stone may show warmth more visibly at the tips than in the centre. We recommend D to F colour for the cleanest appearance across the full length of the stone.
Protecting the Points
The marquise diamond’s two pointed tips are its most distinctive feature and its most vulnerable. Like the princess cut, the marquise has exposed points that can chip if struck at the wrong angle. Every marquise engagement ring we make uses V-shaped claws at each tip to protect the points securely without covering more of the diamond than necessary. This is a non-negotiable part of our design process for any ring featuring a marquise centre stone.
Marquise Diamond Sizes: What to Expect
The marquise’s elongated shape gives it one of the most generous face-up sizes of any diamond cut. Here is how common carat weights translate to approximate measurements:
0.50 carat marquise diamond measures approximately 8.0 x 4.0mm. A refined, elegant size that works beautifully in both north-south and east-west settings.
1 carat marquise diamond measures approximately 10.0 x 5.0mm. The elongated shape means a 1 carat marquise diamond ring has a dramatically larger face-up presence than a 1 carat round, which measures just 6.5mm across.
1.5 carat marquise diamond measures approximately 11.5 x 5.8mm. A striking size that makes a real statement on the hand. With lab-grown diamonds, a 1.5 carat marquise engagement ring is very accessible.
2 carat marquise diamond measures approximately 12.5 x 6.3mm. At this size, the marquise’s elongated brilliance is unmissable. A 2 carat marquise diamond ring is one of the most dramatic configurations we offer.
3 carat marquise diamond measures approximately 14.0 x 7.0mm. A statement size that commands attention. We source 3 carat marquise diamonds to order. Contact us for availability and pricing.
Certification: Lab-Grown and Natural Marquise Diamonds
Every natural diamond we set in our marquise engagement rings is certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s most respected independent grading authority. Our lab-grown marquise diamonds are certified by either the GIA or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), both of which provide an objective assessment of the diamond’s colour, clarity, and carat weight, along with a unique report number that can be verified online.
Lab-grown marquise diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds. They are graded to the same standards and display the same brilliance and fire. The difference is origin, grown in a controlled environment rather than mined from the earth, and price, with lab-grown diamonds typically offering significantly more size and quality for your budget.
Natural marquise diamonds carry the romance of geological rarity, each one formed over billions of years deep within the earth. Because the marquise’s elongated shape and open facets show more of the stone’s character, we take particular care sourcing natural marquise diamonds, assessing symmetry, bow tie, and proportions in person before presenting the stone to you. Contact us to discuss natural diamond options.
Our Marquise Engagement Ring Styles
Each design in our collection is available with a marquise diamond. Whether you prefer the clean lines of a marquise solitaire engagement ring, the horizontal drama of our east west marquise ring, the sparkle of a marquise halo engagement ring, the subtle detail of a hidden halo, the timeless balance of a three stone marquise engagement ring, or the character of a vintage marquise engagement ring, you can configure any of our rings with a marquise centre stone. Select a design above to start building your ring, or book a consultation to discuss your perfect marquise diamond engagement ring.
What is a marquise shaped diamond?
A marquise shaped diamond is an elongated diamond with two pointed tips at each end and gently curved sides, sometimes described as a boat shape or navette. It is a modified brilliant cut, meaning its facets are arranged to maximise sparkle and fire in the same way as a round brilliant, but within a distinctive elongated outline. The shape was originally created in 18th century France and named after the Marquise de Pompadour.
How much does a marquise engagement ring cost?
Our marquise engagement rings start from around £1,500 for a lab-grown diamond in a solitaire setting. Price depends on your chosen carat weight, metal, and setting style. The marquise’s elongated shape means it faces up larger than a round of the same weight, so you often get more visual presence for your budget. Use the configurator on any product page to see live pricing, or contact us for a natural diamond quote.
What is the difference between a north-south and east-west marquise setting?
A north-south setting places the marquise diamond with its points aligned along the length of the finger, which is the traditional orientation. An east-west setting rotates the diamond 90 degrees so it sits horizontally across the finger. The east-west orientation, sometimes called a horizontal or sideways marquise setting, creates a wider, bolder look and has become increasingly popular. Our Occidens is designed specifically for the east-west orientation.
Does a marquise diamond have a bow tie?
Most marquise diamonds show some degree of bow tie, a dark shadow running across the centre of the stone. It is caused by light leaking through the pavilion. A well-cut marquise will have a minimal, barely noticeable bow tie. A poorly cut stone can have a heavy, distracting one. We assess every marquise diamond individually and reject stones with prominent bow tie effects.
Does a marquise diamond look bigger than a round?
Yes. The marquise has the largest face-up area of any diamond shape relative to its carat weight. A 1 carat marquise measures approximately 10.0 x 5.0mm compared to 6.5mm for a 1 carat round. The elongated shape spreads the diamond’s weight across a larger surface, giving it significantly more visual presence on the finger.
What is the best length-to-width ratio for a marquise diamond?
A ratio between 1.75 and 2.15 gives the classic marquise proportions. Ratios below 1.75 produce a wider, less dramatic shape. Ratios above 2.25 create a very slender stone that can appear fragile. Personal preference plays a large role, and we can source a marquise to your preferred proportions.
Will a marquise engagement ring sit flush with a wedding ring?
It depends on the setting style and orientation. Our east-west marquise designs like the Occidens sit flush with a straight wedding band. For north-south settings, compatibility depends on the specific design. All Si Vis Amari marquise engagement rings are engineered with wedding ring compatibility in mind, and we can confirm fit for any design before you order.
What is the difference between lab-grown and natural marquise diamonds?
They are identical in every physical and optical property: same hardness, same brilliance, same fire. The difference is origin. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, natural diamonds are mined from the earth. Natural marquise diamonds are GIA certified, while lab-grown are certified by either GIA or IGI. Lab-grown marquise diamonds typically cost significantly less than natural equivalents of the same specification.