Shop for Marquise Cut Diamonds

First fashioned to resemble the lips of King Louis XV of France’s mistress back in the 18th century, the marquise cut diamond is also known as a “navette” cut or “little boat”. It's an elongated shape, much like an American football, with points at either end of two convex sides. When set in a diamond engagement ring, the marquise cut diamond is classically worn pointing lengthwise, north to south, on the finger. More modern marquise diamond engagement rings are being set east to west, however, with the diamond perpendicular to the finger.

When it comes to diamond prices, round diamonds are the most expensive of the different shapes. This is because they lose more rough carat weight in the cutting process than other shapes. Marquise diamonds can be about 20% less in cost than a round diamond of comparable weight and characteristics. But the really good thing to know here is that marquise diamonds — due to their extra elongated shape and shallow pavilions — look about 20% larger than their carat weight when compared to the size of other diamonds. That means you’re saving money and getting more size for your money all in one.

Choosing the shape of your engagement diamond all comes down to personal preference. When it comes to deciding between an oval or marquise cut diamond engagement ring, the biggest visual difference between these two elogated diamond shapes is that the oval has rounded ends while the marquise has points. Both shapes provide excellent finger coverage and spread, and typically appear larger than their carat weights due to the elongated shapes and shallower depths of these two cuts. An oval diamond gives, perhaps, a more classic, romantic appeal while the marquise can appear a bit edgier with its pointy personality, but it really comes down to the overall style of your ring and which shape you are personally drawn to.

Marquise cut diamonds have been around for centuries, but that doesn’t mean they’re old fashioned. Quite the opposite, in fact. While they have had their heyday moments — perhaps most notably in the 1970s — marquises are being used for all sorts of new, modern jewelry designs. With its elongated shape and symmetry it makes a beautiful choice in an east-west engagement ring, set across the finger, giving you a super modern, little bit edgy look that stands out.

Despite their 70s flair, marquise cut diamonds are making a massive engagement ring comeback, and that means plenty of updated styles too. If you're a traditionalist, you can't go wrong with the popular marquise cut solitaire engagment ring, the diamond pointing up and down your finger, which elogates the finger and gives you major diamond for your money. But if you're looking for something a little different, the most popular marquise engagement ring styles today are east-west settings. This style turns the diamond sideways, so it lays horizontally across the finger. This gives you so much spread, and a modern edge that can't be beat. You can also add side stones to a marquise cut diamond setting, typically on a north-south facing stone, which will give you more horizontal coverage for the best of both worlds.