Which Diamond Cut Should You Choose: Marquise or Oval?

Torn between a marquise diamond and an oval for your engagement ring? Well, today’s your lucky day! I’m breaking down the three key things you need to know before choosing the perfect shape for you.

And if you're new here—welcome! I’m Bonnie with By Bonnie Jewelry, where we talk about all things diamonds, craftsmanship, and timeless style. Let’s get into it!

The Three Measurements Used for Diamonds

 So, Selena Gomez got a marquise diamond for her engagement ring, and the internet lost its mind. 

If you got engaged in the '90s, chances are, you had a marquise too—it was the shape back then. But in recent years, oval has taken the crown as the most popular fancy-shaped diamond (besides round, of course).

Now, if you’re in the market for an engagement ring, and you’re thinking, “Okay, if I don’t want an oval, should I go for a marquise?”—let’s break it down. 

The first thing to consider? Measurements. What does that mean? We’re talking length, width, and depth—how your diamond is cut literally changes the way it looks.

Here, I have a 2.5-carat marquise and a 2.5-carat oval. Same carat weight, but they look completely different. The marquise is more elongated, with its signature pointy tips, while the oval is wider and softer in shape. 

So, what does this mean for you? Look at your hands! Do you have longer fingers? Shorter fingers? A marquise can elongate your hand, while an oval might give a more balanced look.

If you’re buying online, my best advice? Try them first. Diamonds should feel just as good as they look!

Think About Your Wedding Band Ahead of Time

Point number two is just as important—plan your wedding band at the same time you choose your diamond shape.

Why? Because elongated fancy shapes (like marquise and oval) often create gaps between your engagement ring and wedding band. You’ve seen it on Instagram—the wedding band floating away from the engagement ring, leaving a noticeable space.

Now, is that wrong? Not at all! Some people love the look. But from my experience working with brides, I’d say 70-80% prefer their rings to sit flush.

Here’s a real example: One of my clients bought a marquise solitaire online, but she didn’t think about the wedding band. When the ring arrived, she realized the setting had a bump underneath, pushing every wedding band away. No matter what she tried, the bands wouldn’t sit flush! So, she came to me, and we designed a custom contour band—a wedding band shaped to fit her marquise perfectly. And guess what? It worked like a dream.

The same applies to oval diamonds! So before you say yes to the ring, make sure you ask your jeweler: If I choose this carat weight in this setting, will my wedding band sit flush?

Trust me, thinking ahead will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration later on. Because the perfect ring deserves the perfect pair.

Consider Your Lifestyle 

Point number three: Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle!

Let’s talk about how you live because that’s a huge factor when choosing between a marquise and an oval diamond.

First, take a good look at a marquise diamond—notice anything? Yep! It has two pointy ends. And in my 15+ years in jewelry, I can tell you that marquise and princess-cut diamonds are way more prone to chipping than rounds or ovals.

So ask yourself:

• Do you work with your hands a lot?
• Are you clumsy?
• Do you constantly bump into things?

If you said yes to any of those, a marquise might not be your best friend. Its sharp ends can catch on clothing, and if you're not careful, you could chip the tips over time.

Now, let’s talk about your setting. People always underestimate how important this is—especially for marquise diamonds. Because it's an elongated shape, you need to consider weight distribution.

Let me paint a picture: You get a marquise set on a super skinny 1.5mm band (because it looks dainty on Instagram, right?). Then, you casually slide your hand into your jean pocket, and boom—you bend the setting.

Not cute. Not fun. Not what you want. So, if you're choosing a marquise or oval, do yourself a favor and go for:

• A sturdier setting
• A thicker band
• A cathedral setting for extra support
• A wider base to protect your diamond

Alright, now that we’ve covered all the essentials, let us know if you have a marquise or an oval? I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at By Bonnie Jewelry. See you in the next blog!