Buying Guide: Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

With their soft sides and elongated pointy form, marquise cut diamonds transport us to a different time. Besides their nostalgia-inducing pattern, marquise cuts present some advantages for buyers. Because of their long, pointed shape, they appear larger than round diamonds of the same wight. A marquise-cut diamond will also make the fingers appear longer and slimmer, a detail that most brides appreciate.

At Ritani.com, we have a fantastic selection of natural and lab-grown marquise cut diamonds for you to create the engagement ring of your dreams. Read this guide to learn all you need to know about marquise cut diamonds and explore our inventory.

IN THIS POST, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

•   The Romantic History of The Marquise Cut

•   3 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Marquise Cut

•   Explore Ritani’s Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

The Origin of the Marquise Cut

The marquise cut, affectionately also called navette —Old French for "little ship" as its shape looks similar to the hull of a boat— was created in France in the 1740s. The legend goes that King Louis XV commissioned a royal jeweler to polish a diamond that would remind him of the perfect lips of his mistress Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, better known as Marquise de Pompadour.

4 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Marquise Cut

1. Length-to-Width Ratio Matters

Marquise diamonds are commonly cut following a 1.85 - 2.20 ratio. Shorter marquise diamonds can seem less refined. On the other hand, longer marquise cuts are more difficult to cut, and the pattern of their facets might not look as attractive as those in the ideal ratio range. Rounder or narrower, the marquise cut is a gorgeous shape, and there's nothing wrong with liking a diamond outside of the traditional ratio range.

2. Pay Attention to the Marquise’s Wings

The curved sides of a marquise cut diamond are known as the wings. 

Equally curved wings with well-defined points are considered an attractive silhouette for marquise cuts. Not all marquises are cut the same, though; wings can look bulgy or flat, making the stone pointier or rounded. In the end, it's all a matter of taste, and finding a diamond that catches your eye and makes you fall in love is what's most important.

3. Watch Out for The Bowtie

When looking at a marquise diamond face-up, you might find two gray or dark shadows across the width in the center of the table. This effect, known as a bowtie, appears when light doesn't bounce appropriately into the middle of the diamond. This happens because its pavilion was cut either too shallow or too deep.

Most marquise diamonds will typically show some degree of a bow-tie effect, as long as it isn't too distracting or prominent. Having it would still be considered normal. Some believe that marquise cut diamonds without any bowtie tend to be dull and lack brightness. This is again a matter of personal preference, and if a bow tie doesn't seem severe to you, then it's all fine.

4. The Marquise Cut is Prone to Chipping 

Since the marquise-cut has pointed, delicate ends, this diamond shape is prone to chipping. Choose a setting that will protect the stone - V-prongs are a great choice, as well as halo settings. Once you purchase your marquise-cut diamond ring, make sure to take it off in any situation where it could become damaged, like cleaning or exercising.

​RELATED: 9 Things You Should Be Doing to Take Care of Your Ring​

Ritani’s Selection of Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

​Marquise-Cut Diamond East to West Halo Setting​

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Portia de Rossi both have an East to West set marquise cut diamond engagement ring. The design in 18kt yellow gold is perfect for the romantic but unconventional bride.

Vintage Style Marquise Cut Diamond Ring in a Halo Bezel Setting​

For an absolute vintage, antique nostalgic style, you have to get this stunning engagement ring. An exquisite bezel-set marquise cut diamond is surrounded by a halo of micropavé round brilliants that sits on top of a band with more micropavé diamonds. With this design, you get maximum shimmer.

Marquise Diamond Solitaire Double-Prong Cathedral Setting​

A timeless minimal style, this marquise cut diamond solitaire rests secured in 6 double-claw prongs that protect the tips. The tapered knife edge band draws all the attention to the center stone that is raised in a beautiful cathedral setting.

Learn More: High Set vs. Low Set Engagement Rings

Marquise-Cut Open Band Setting

Bringing a modern touch to an antique cut, this engagement ring in 18kt rose gold is made for brides who want something unique. Four rows of round brilliant diamonds come together underneath a marquise cut secured with four prongs at the wings and v-prongs at the tips for major protection.

Pavé Bamboo Diamond Engagement Ring

The sharp, pointy look of a classic marquise cut diamond is complemented to perfection by a bamboo-inspired band. The angular band reflects light in all directions, and the micropavé row of diamonds brings in even more brilliance.

Find The Perfect Marquise Cut Diamond with Ritani’s Diamond Finder

More Reasons to Buy a Marquise Cut Diamond

If you read this guide, you are probably a true jewelry lover and know a thing or two about diamonds. You might be familiar with the 4C’s of diamonds: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats. Each attribute gets a grade that helps us understand the quality behind a diamond. Marquise cuts hide inclusions and color better than other shapes with bigger tables and longer facets, such as the emerald cut. 

Learn More: How to Buy an Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

The marquise is a brilliant cut, and they are commonly made up of 56-60 facets. Because of their triangular and kite-shaped facets, marquise cuts display much fire and scintillation, making them very sparkly. This means you don't have to worry about getting a stone with high color and clarity grades. Remember, the further away inclusions are from the table, the less noticeable they will be. You can also go for H, I, or J color grades for your diamond if you're getting a yellow or rose, gold band.

Read Next: Buying an Engagement Ring Online