Best Settings for Marquise Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring

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The marquise cut is one of the oldest diamond cuts, and is said to have originated in the French courts of Louise XIV. It is a cross between the pear cut and the oval cut, being simultaneously pointed with curves. This beautiful cut looks stunning on any type of hand as it elongates the fingers and can make fingers look longer and slimmer.

JamesAllen Engagement Rings

If you’ve decided that you want a marquise cut diamond for your engagement ring, it’s important to choose the best setting that will not only show off your diamond to advantage but also ensure that it is protected.

Here are the best ring settings for marquise cut diamonds.

Prong Settings for Marquise Diamonds

Pros of Prong Setting

  • The prong setting highlights the marquise diamond
  • There is greater light reflection and visibility of the diamond
  • The diamond appears large
  • It offers sufficient protection
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Cons of Prong Setting

  • Prongs can snag on every day items, which can damage the prongs and the diamond
  • Not ideal for those who have busy hands and active lifestyles
  • Risk of the diamond getting loose or falling out as prongs wear down

The 6-prong setting is arguably the best for marquise cut diamonds because it securely holds the diamond in place but does not get in the way of the light performance of the stone. While you can opt for rings with 4, 5 or 8 prongs, 6 seems to be the magic number. The fewer the prongs, the less protection for the stone, while the higher the number of prongs the less visibility of the diamond. If the diamond is very small, then a 4 prong setting may be sufficient to hold it securely.

marquise cut diamond engagement ring
6-Pronged Marquise Setting. See this ring here.

The 6 strategically placed prongs serve to accentuate the shape of the stone, showing it to prominence. It allows for maximum light reflection from all angles of the diamond, allowing the diamond to exhibit brilliance and sparkle.

However, over time the prongs can tend to lose shape or even break as the metal becomes thin or is knocked or impacted. Periodic inspection by a jeweler is essential to ensure that the integrity of the prongs have not been compromised.

The most vulnerable parts of the marquise diamond are its two tips, which can chip or break if exposed to hard knocks and rough wear. To protect the tips of the marquise diamond, incorporating V-tipped prongs offers the most security. This is where the top and bottom prongs are fashioned into the shape of a V of the marquise diamonds. A V-tip offers the best protection for the points as it keeps it from unnecessary exposure.

The example below shows a prong setting with V-shaped tips at the points.

v tipped prong setting marquise cut engagement ring
Marquise Diamond in 6 Prong Setting with V-Tips. See this ring here.

Halo Setting for Marquise Cut Diamond

Pros of Halo Setting

  • The halo emphasizes the center stone
  • The overall brilliance of the stone is enhanced
  • More cost effective than buying one large diamond
  • Makes the center stone appear larger than it is
  • Offers the stone some protection from impact

Cons of Halo Setting

  • Maintaining and cleaning halo rings can prove difficult due to the crevices and tiny grooves of the setting.
  • The little diamonds can loosen or get dislodged over time or from impact and may need to be replaced

One of the best settings for the marquise shaped diamond is the halo setting. This is where a ring of tiny diamonds (or other gemstones) are placed around the entire circumference of the gemstone. This creates a stunning effect to the overall appearance of the ring.

halo setting marquise cut
Find this ring here

The halo setting is perfect for making small center diamonds appear much larger than they are because our eyes tend to measure the diamond from edge to edge of the halo rather than edge to edge of the diamond. This is one trick to save you money, as you can reduce the size of the center diamond and make up for it with the halo.

In the diamond industry, diamond prices increase dramatically with the size of the stone. So one large stone will be more expensive than a number of smaller ones of equal carat weight.

Halo settings also add sparkle and brilliance to the diamond, while keeping the focus on the center stone. What’s more, it also provides added protection to the sides of the center diamond and can act as a buffer.

Marquise Cut Diamond
Marquise Cut Diamond Cathedral Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. See this ring here.

You can choose different colored gemstones or colored diamonds for the halo and center stone, to create a stunning contrast. Pick colors that go well together, but if in doubt, stick with the diamond halo as it complements every color.

Bezel Setting for Marquise Cut Diamond

Pros of Bezel Setting

  • Offers high protection for the center stone
  • Keeps the points of the marquise safe from exposure
  • Ideal for people who frequently use their hands in their line of work
  • Sophisticated and timeless design
  • Hides any flaws or inclusions along the edges of the center diamond

Cons of Bezel Setting

  • Often more expensive than most other settings
  • Can make the diamond appear smaller
  • Less light reflection due to lower visibility of diamond
  • Can be difficult to clean
  • Not easily resized

From all the settings for engagement rings, the bezel setting offers very high protection for the marquise shaped diamond. The entire outer edge of the diamond is surrounded in a strip of metal that holds the stone securely in place.

bezel setting marquise diamond
Find this ring here

The bezel setting looks stylish and contemporary even though it is one of the oldest ring settings. It has a minimalist appearance and is perfect for someone who wants an understated ring. However, the bezel setting can make a diamond appear smaller, as it covers a large amount of the ring. Also, as there is no light reflection from the profile of the diamond, the stone only sparkles face upwards, reducing its brilliance.

Bezel settings, when well streamlined, tend to show off the shape of the marquise diamond to beautiful effect. Because bezel settings need to be custom made to suit the specific gemstone, they are often more expensive than other many other types of settings.

Other Settings

There are many other types of engagement ring settings available, but not all will suit the shape of the marquise diamond. The three we have listed above are the most suitable, offering a balance of security and beauty.

Before you decide on your setting, consider your lifestyle, style and preferences to find the setting that offers you the degree of protection you require for the marquise diamond.

Looking for inspiration? Check James Allen’s Inspiration Gallery for marquise cut rings bought by customers.

Blue Nile also offers an impressive range of marquise diamond engagement rings.

Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years in the jewelry niche. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education. She has always been interested in expression through fashion and accessories, and her extensive experience in the field has made her a respected voice in jewelry trends and education. As the chief editor of Jewelry Shopping Guide, she not only leads the content strategy but also shares her insights through engaging articles. Her passion for storytelling is reflected in every piece she curates, exploring the intricate relationship between jewelry and personal identity.

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