When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond for your engagement ring, the marquise and oval cuts stand out for their elegant, radiant sparkle. Both cuts offer stunning sparkle and an elongated look, but they each have their own unique appeal.
Made popular by Hailey Bieber’s iconic engagement ring, the oval cut exudes modern elegance and sophistication. On the other hand, the marquise cut, made popular by Selena Gomez’s engagement ring, has tapered ends for a regal, dramatic look.
In this guide, we’ll explore the features of these two cuts and compare them to help you decide which one best fits your style and lifestyle.
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Meet the Diamond Shapes: OvalThe Oval cut is a timeless and sophisticated choice, known for its smooth, rounded shape that exudes elegance. It’s a brilliant-cut diamond that maximises light return, offering exceptional sparkle from all angles. The shape is often likened to an elongated round diamond, which gives it the same brilliance, with a touch of uniqueness and refinement. |
Features of Oval-Cut Diamonds
Oval diamonds are highly valued for their ability to make a finger appear longer and more slender, thanks to their elongated shape. They are incredibly versatile, working beautifully in a variety of settings from classic solitaires to halo and three-stone rings.
Some of the key benefits of oval diamonds include:
- Exceptional brilliance: With more surface area than a round diamond, they reflect light beautifully.
- Finger elongation: The shape of the oval cut creates the illusion of length, ideal for smaller hands or those who want a more elegant, refined look.
- Fewer maintenance concerns: The absence of sharp corners makes the oval cut less prone to damage from daily wear.
Meet the Diamond Shapes: MarquiseThe Marquise cut is one of the most regal and dramatic shapes in the diamond world. With its distinctive boat-like shape and pointed ends, the marquise cut has a long history dating back to the 18th century, when it was commissioned by King Louis XV of France. The elongated form of the marquise cut makes it an eye-catching and elegant choice. |
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Features of Marquise Cut Diamonds
Marquise diamonds stand out for their bold, sophisticated shape. The sharp points at both ends give the stone a unique, striking appearance. They are perfect for those looking for a diamond that commands attention, offering an unparalleled visual impact.
Some of the defining characteristics of marquise diamonds include:
- Maximum finger elongation: The marquise shape creates the illusion of a longer finger.
- Eye-catching appearance: Marquise diamonds are unique and less common, which makes them perfect for someone looking for something distinctive.
- More visual impact per carat: Marquise diamonds tend to look larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape.
Comparing Oval and Marquise-Cut Diamonds
While both cuts offer their own unique benefits, they do have a few key differences that set them apart.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Oval Cut Diamonds | Marquise Cut Diamonds |
| Brilliance | Reflect light uniformly for a consistent sparkle because of their symmetrical silhouette. | It can show a slight 'bow-tie effect' in the centre due to its shape, although it can be minimised with an ideal cut. |
| Durability | No sharp corners, making them more durable and easier to maintain. | With pointed ends, more prone to chipping and requires careful setting. |
| Visual Impact | Soft, elegant look with a versatile style that works in all settings. | Offers a dramatic, larger appearance with more visual impact. |
| Size Appearance | Can appear slightly smaller than marquise diamonds of the same carat weight. | Often looks larger than oval diamonds of the same carat weight due to its extended length. |
How Diamond Measurements Affect Shape?
When considering a diamond, it's not just the cut that matters; the proportions, specifically the length-to-width ratio—can significantly influence how the diamond looks.
For Oval diamonds, a balanced length-to-width ratio (typically around 1.33 to 1.50) ensures the cut looks elegant without appearing too narrow or too wide. If the ratio is off, the stone might look distorted, losing its intended beauty.
For Marquise diamonds, the length-to-width ratio plays an even more crucial role in defining the diamond's appearance. A ratio that’s too extreme can make the diamond look stretched or too thin, while a more moderate ratio creates a harmonious, balanced shape that feels just right.
The ideal ratio for marquise diamonds usually falls between 1.75 and 2.25, with the length being about twice as long as the width.
How to Choose the Perfect Cut for You?
Ultimately, choosing between a marquise or oval diamond depends on what you're looking for in your engagement ring. If you prefer a more classic and versatile diamond that fits into a variety of settings, an oval cut may be your best choice.
If you're seeking a unique, statement-making design with historical charm, the marquise cut will stand out and make a bold impression.
Here are some considerations to help you decide.
- For timeless elegance and a versatile style: Choose an oval diamond.
- For a bold, vintage-inspired statement: Choose a marquise diamond.
- For durability and easy maintenance: The oval cut might be the better choice.
- For a more elongated look and visual impact: The marquise cut could be your ideal match.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Before selecting a diamond cut, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle. Are you looking for a high-maintenance design, or do you need something more practical? Both marquise and oval cuts have their merits, but how they perform in everyday life can influence your decision.
Oval diamonds are versatile, with fewer sharp edges that make them easier to care for, while marquise diamonds, with their pointed tips, require more attention and protection. Think about your activities, as well as your desired level of care and maintenance, when choosing between the two.
Think About Your Wedding Band Ahead of Time
When selecting an engagement ring, it’s important to think ahead about how your ring will pair with your wedding band. Both Marquise and Oval cut diamonds have elongated shapes that can present a challenge when it comes to finding a matching wedding band.
Unlike traditional round diamonds, these shapes have pointed ends (marquise) or rounded curves that extend out further, creating an unavoidable gap between the engagement ring and wedding band if paired with a standard straight band.
To ensure a perfect fit and avoid any unsightly gaps, we recommend customizing your wedding band alongside your engagement ring. A contour band or open-ended band—such as those offered by Elora—is designed to hug the unique shape of your diamond, whether marquise or oval, ensuring a snug, seamless fit.
These specially designed bands curve around the contours of the diamond, eliminating any gaps and giving you a polished, cohesive look.
At Elora, we specialize in custom contour bands and open-ended designs, crafted to perfectly match your marquise or oval diamond engagement ring. Choosing both rings together ensures not only a beautiful pairing but also long-term comfort and durability.
| Maya-Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond Ring |
Conclusion
Both the marquise and oval diamond cuts offer timeless beauty and elegance, but they cater to different styles and preferences. At Elora, we offer both of these stunning cuts in our lab-grown diamond collection, allowing you to find the perfect one that matches your style and lifestyle.
Whether you choose the bold marquise or the sleek oval, we are here to help you design a custom piece that will last a lifetime.
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