Occidens East West Marquise Ring

About This Design

The east west marquise ring is one of the most striking ways to wear a diamond. Instead of pointing up and down the finger in the traditional north-south orientation, the marquise is set horizontally, stretching across the finger from side to side. The Occidens, named from the Latin for “west,” is our solitaire take on this distinctive setting. It is a ring that turns a classic diamond shape into something unexpected.

The horizontal orientation changes everything about how the marquise diamond reads on the hand. It appears wider, bolder, and more contemporary than a conventional marquise setting. The elongated shape sits low and close to the finger, giving the ring a confident, modern presence without any added height. If you want a diamond engagement ring that feels different without relying on complicated metalwork, the Occidens delivers that in the simplest possible way.

Design Details

The marquise diamond sits in a V-claw setting with claws positioned to protect the two pointed ends of the stone. Marquise diamonds are most vulnerable at their tips, and the V-claws cup each point securely while leaving the full face of the diamond visible from above.

The band is 2mm wide with a D-shaped profile, curving gently into a crossover where it meets the head of the ring. The crossover creates a seamless transition between the band and the setting, giving the ring a fluid, continuous line when viewed from the side. There is no abrupt step between band and stone. The metalwork flows into the claws as a single, unbroken form.

Because the marquise is set east to west, the ring sits naturally low on the finger. There is no tall setting height or protruding stone to catch on clothing or feel cumbersome in daily wear. It is one of the most practical engagement ring profiles we make, without sacrificing any visual impact.

A straight wedding band will sit flush against the Occidens. The east-west orientation and low setting height mean there is no interference between the engagement ring and a plain wedding band. No shaped or contoured band is needed, unless you prefer that look.

Your Diamond

The Occidens is available with both lab-grown and natural marquise diamonds, so you can choose the stone that best reflects your values and budget.

Our lab-grown diamonds are graded to D or E colour with VS1 to VVS1 clarity. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds. They are real diamonds, certified independently by the IGI or GIA.

For natural marquise diamonds, we source stones individually to match your requirements. The marquise does not receive a formal cut grade from the GIA, so we assess every stone’s symmetry, proportions, and light performance ourselves. One of the most important things we check is the bow tie effect, a dark shadow that runs across the centre of many marquise diamonds. A well-cut marquise will minimise this, and we reject any stone where the bow tie is distracting. Get in touch to request a natural diamond quote.

How It Works

Use the configurator above to build your Occidens exactly as you want it. Select your preferred metal and pick your carat weight. The price updates live as you configure.

If you would prefer a natural diamond, a carat weight outside the standard ranges, or have any other specific requirements, get in touch.

Crafted by Hand

Every Si Vis Amari ring is handcrafted individually and hallmarked in accordance with UK law. The Occidens is made specifically for you by experienced craftspeople who understand that every piece tells a story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does east west setting mean?

An east west setting, sometimes called a horizontal setting or sideways setting, means the diamond is rotated 90 degrees so it sits across the finger rather than pointing up and down. With a marquise diamond, this changes the look dramatically. Instead of elongating the finger in the traditional way, the stone stretches across it, creating a wider, bolder, more modern appearance. The Occidens is designed specifically for this orientation.

Will a straight wedding ring sit flush with the Occidens?

Yes. Because the marquise diamond is set east to west and sits low on the finger, a straight wedding band fits flush against the Occidens with no gap. No shaped or contoured wedding ring is needed unless you prefer that look.

Does an east west marquise diamond look bigger than a north-south setting?

It looks different rather than bigger. The horizontal orientation emphasises the width of the marquise across the finger, which gives a bolder, more substantial impression. A north-south setting elongates the finger and can make the diamond appear more slender. Both orientations show the same amount of diamond. It comes down to which visual effect you prefer.

What is the bow tie effect in a marquise diamond?

The bow tie is a dark shadow that appears across the centre of many marquise diamonds, caused by light leaking through the pavilion rather than reflecting back to your eye. Some degree of bow tie is normal in marquise stones, but a well-cut diamond will minimise it. We assess every marquise diamond individually and reject any stone where the bow tie is visually distracting.