Elegant, distinctive, and full of history, the marquise diamond is a shape that continues to capture imaginations. Known for its elongated oval form with pointed ends, the marquise has a regal heritage and a unique sparkle that makes it an unforgettable choice for an engagement ring. At Faire & Fine, we often work with clients in London, and the UK, looking for something a little different, something that blends heritage with individuality. The marquise diamond offers exactly that.

What is a Marquise Diamond?

A marquise diamond is a diamond cut in a long, narrow shape with pointed tips at both ends. Its form is sometimes called the “navette,” meaning “little boat” in French, as it resembles the hull of a ship. The elongated shape makes the diamond appear larger than its actual carat weight, giving it impressive finger coverage and elegance.

For inspiration, view our curated Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring collection.

What is the History of the Marquise Diamond?

The story of the marquise begins in 18th-century France. Legend has it that King Louis XV commissioned a diamond cut to resemble the lips of his mistress, the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour. The shape was meant to symbolise sophistication and romance. Over time, the cut gained the name “marquise” after the noble title, and it quickly became a symbol of aristocratic taste.

Today, the marquise remains a bold yet refined choice for anyone seeking a distinctive engagement ring style.

What Makes a Marquise Diamond Special?

Several qualities make the marquise cut stand out:

• Illusion of size: Its elongated shape often looks bigger than other cuts of the same carat weight.

• Slimming effect: The length can create the illusion of longer, slender fingers.

• Vintage glamour: With its royal origins, the marquise evokes old-world romance.

• Unique sparkle: While it doesn’t sparkle in the same way as a round brilliant, it offers flashes of light along its length that many find elegant and dramatic.

A marquise engagement ring is perfect for someone who wants a classic yet unconventional design, rich with history and character.

If you’re drawn to understated elegance, our Marquise Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in Lab Grown Diamond is a timeless choice.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Marquise Engagement Ring?

Pros

• Larger appearance for its carat weight

• Elegant, elongating effect on the hand

• Distinctive and vintage-inspired

• Often better value than more common cuts

Cons

• Pointed ends can be more vulnerable to chips if not well protected by the setting

• The “bow-tie effect” (a shadow across the centre) can appear in poorly cut stones

• Less all-over sparkle compared to a round brilliant

Are Marquise Diamonds More Expensive?

Marquise diamonds are usually less expensive than round brilliants or ovals of the same carat weight. Their elongated cut uses more of the rough diamond, meaning less waste. With lab grown diamonds, this price advantage is even more noticeable, making a marquise engagement ring an excellent option for clients who want value without compromise.

Why are Marquise Diamonds so Cheap?

“Cheap” isn’t quite the right word. Marquise diamonds are undervalued compared to round cuts because demand is lower. This means you can often secure a larger-looking stone for less money compared to more popular shapes, however this is less relevant for lab grown diamonds. 

Do Marquise Diamonds Sparkle Less?

Marquise diamonds sparkle differently. They don’t have the same all-over brilliance as round brilliants, but they produce distinctive flashes of light along their length. At Faire & Fine, we carefully select only the top 1% of lab grown diamonds, ensuring each marquise offers maximum sparkle and elegance.

How Much is a 1 Carat Marquise Diamond Worth?

Prices vary depending on cut, colour, clarity, and whether the diamond is mined or lab grown. On average:

• Mined 1 carat marquise diamond: £3,000–£6,000 in London, UK

• Lab grown 1 carat marquise diamond: £1,500+

This makes a lab grown marquise engagement ring one of the most compelling choices for size and beauty at a fair price.

What Does a Marquise Diamond Say About You?

Choosing a marquise diamond often reflects a bold, confident personality, someone who appreciates romance, history, and individuality. It’s a stone that signals you value tradition but aren’t afraid to stand out.

Which Celebrities Wear Marquise Engagement Rings?

The marquise diamond has been seen on the hands of several high-profile figures:

• Selena Gomez was rumoured to have been gifted a marquise engagement ring, highlighting its Hollywood appeal.

• Victoria Beckham once wore a marquise during her marriage to David Beckham, adding another touch of glamour to the cut’s legacy.

Is £5,000 a Lot for an Engagement Ring?

In the UK, the average engagement ring spend is around £4,000–£5,500. With lab grown diamonds, a £1,500 budget can achieve a 1 carat marquise diamond of outstanding quality, and a 3 carat marquise would be around £3,550. So yes, £5,000 is a generous budget, particularly for a marquise engagement ring.

Expanded FAQ: Marquise Diamonds in London, UK

What wedding band goes best with a marquise engagement ring?
Slimmer, contoured bands often pair beautifully, allowing the marquise to remain the star.

Is the marquise diamond coming back in style?
Yes, thanks to celebrities like Selena Gomez and a rising trend in vintage-inspired jewellery, the marquise is enjoying a revival.

Do marquise diamonds look bigger than round diamonds?
Yes, their elongated shape gives them a larger face-up appearance for the same carat weight.

Can marquise diamonds chip easily?
The pointed tips are more delicate, which is why we recommend protective prongs to secure them.

Are lab grown marquise diamonds a good choice?
Absolutely. They combine the beauty of the marquise shape with the value and ethics of lab grown diamonds, making them especially popular in London, and the UK.

Why Choose a Marquise Engagement Ring?

In a market dominated by round brilliants, the marquise stands out as distinctive, historic, and surprisingly affordable. Paired with the ethics and value of lab grown diamonds, it’s an ideal choice for couples in London, UK who want a ring that blends romance, sustainability, and individuality.

At Faire & Fine, we design every ring around the selected stone, ensuring our stone-first approach brings out the best in each marquise diamond.

Looking for the perfect marquise engagement ring?
Explore our Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring collection or book a consultation in Hatton Garden today.