Selena Gomez’s Marquise Engagement Ring Created a Trend: What to Know

Oval-shaped diamonds have reigned supreme over the past decade, but the celebrity and it-girl go-to officially has some competition in 2025. Another (long-lost) elongated diamond shape is back on our radar, all thanks to Selena Gomez, who announced her engagement to producer Benny Blanco on Instagram on December 11, 2024, with a close-up photo of her brand-new marquise-cut bling—singlehandedly sending this forgotten style to the top of everyone’s 2025 engagement ring trend list. Until now, marquise engagement rings weren’t exactly considered to be the most cutting edge. While this cut was an extremely popular choice in the 1980s (there’s a good chance your mom wears one!), the oblong, angular shape lagged behind as the aforementioned oval (and even pear shapes!) surged in the early aughts and 2010s.

Of course, Gomez isn’t the only celebrity to acknowledge the marquise’s appeal: It’s been building in popularity over the past few decades, with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Victoria Beckham both sporting this engagement ring shape. Now that Gomez has course corrected this cut’s trend trajectory (and brought it straight into 2025), it’s time to brush up on why the marquise—which has vintage vibes (and origins!)—is so special. After all, before you can fully decide if you want to make like Gomez and call a marquise engagement ring your own someday, it’s best to understand the basics of this diamond shape to ensure it’s right for you.

First things first: What is a marquise diamond? According to Ruhee Rathod, the Director of Finance and Operations at Bario Neal, this shape is also known by the name “navette”—meaning “little boat” in French—and has four distinct characteristics:

• An elliptical shape: The marquise cut features an elliptical outline with pointed ends, resembling a boat or an eye. Its elongated shape creates an illusion of a larger size compared to other diamonds of the same carat weight. 
• 58 facets: A marquise diamond usually has 58 facets, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle; these facets ensure that the stone reflects and throws light.
• Perfect symmetry: This is crucial, as uneven sides or misaligned points can detract from a marquise diamond’s beauty and durability, notes Rathod.
• A dramatic vibe: A marquise diamond’s unique silhouette gives it an elegant and dramatic appearance, making it a standout choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.

The cut’s origins definitely speak to its penchant for drama: Per Rathod, the marquise originated in the 18th-century royal court of the French king Louis XV, who asked a jeweler to commission a diamond in the shape of his mistress the Marquise de Pompadour’s lips.

They might have an opulent history, but these days, marquise diamonds are one of the most affordable cuts on the market. “They are generally more affordable than round brilliant and princess-cut diamonds,” affirms Rahod, who notes that they look particularly pretty on those with small hands, thanks to their elongating effect. “This elongated shape maximizes the perceived size relative to carat weight, offering excellent value for those seeking a bold and distinctive look. However, like all diamonds, marquise stones will range in price depending on the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.” A marquise’s length-to-width ratio and overall symmetry are other factors that might contribute to this cut’s visual appeal and total value.

The only downside: As you browse marquise diamonds, keep in mind the bow-tie effect—a dark area that runs down the center of these stones that could, in some cases, darken their appearance. This effect usually occurs in fancy-cut diamonds, which is what a marquise is. To avoid this, work with a trained jeweler or inspect the stone yourself before purchasing to ensure your stone doesn’t possess this bow-tie effect (or at least, not in a prominent way).

As for how to set these trending diamonds? You have a few options. Though Gomez’s marquise was positioned traditionally by today’s standards—you’ll most often find these stones in a classic north-south orientation, which is what hers reflects—they were originally displayed in east-west settings (they were modeled to look like lips, after all!). We have a feeling that today’s brides will opt for the latter given another A-lister’s recent engagement (we’re looking at you, Zendaya!). Ultra-modern fiancées, on the other hand, might gravitate towards more asymmetrical or unique options, like floating, bezel, off-center, or slightly slanted settings. You have plenty of choices when it comes to bands, too; while Gomez opted for diamond-encrusted gold, which added to her massive stone’s shimmer and shine, you can keep things simple and stick to a solitaire and simple metal band of your choosing. Double bands (these look particularly great with this cut!), pavé, and cigar styles are also other options to consider, should they suite your aesthetic.

And now, to address the question on everyone’s minds: Are marquise diamonds a fleeting celebrity trend or are they here to stay? Think of it this way: This shape has been around for centuries—so even though their recent surge in popularity might seem to relegate them to a fad, they’re truly timeless and are sure to hold their beauty for years to come. “Marquise diamonds combine historical charm, aesthetic appeal, and exceptional versatility, making them a favored choice among many consumers,” notes Rathod, who believes these stones are here to stay. “Their ability to complement various settings—ranging from solitaire rings to elaborate vintage designs—adds to their allure and adaptability to different tastes.” If you (like Gomez!) happen to fall for a marquise engagement ring, but are worried about it going out of style, opt for a classic band without the bells and whistles. Per Rathod, classic solitaire engagement rings will never fade—no matter the cut.