There is something wonderfully distinctive about a marquise shape pieces in the Anouk Jewelry alternative engagement ring designs. The shape is traditionally associated with elegance, romance, and individuality. The marquise silhouette has an inherent sense of movement. It is a beautiful choice for an engagement ring when you are looking for something classic, yet a little outside the ordinary.
The Story Behind the Marquise Shape Jewelry
The marquise shape jewelry history begins with King Louis XV of France and his lover, the Marquise de Pompadour. The 18th century king commissioned a jeweller to create a diamond inspired by the lips of his beloved. From this romantic beginning came the elongated, pointed silhouette we now know as the marquise. And this elegant shape has endured for centuries.
The marquise soon found its place among royal and aristocratic jewels, adorning rings, brooches, necklaces, and other treasured pieces. Its graceful proportions made it especially beautiful in rings, where its elongated form creates a sense of length and movement. This form returned to popularity in the 1960s and 70s, particularly in engagement rings, offering an alternative to the traditional round diamond.
Why the Marquise Shape?
The marquise shape’s elongated form serves to create the illusion of a larger stone, or a larger ring, and its length can visually extend the finger. For people with elongated fingers, a marquise shaped ring, or a ring featuring a marquise gemstone can echo and complement the delicate features. It’s also a unique shape for the more artistic or creative people, who may prefer a standout design. A marquise gemstone can feel particularly natural when set in artisanal and sculptural jewelry.
Today’s Marquise Rings
Today, the marquise feels wonderfully at home in jewelry that is a little more personal and unexpected. There is something inherently organic about its silhouette – reminiscent of a leaf, a petal, or a drop of light. In a solitaire design, it can feel simply elegant. Nestling among sculpted gold in a halo of diamonds, it can become something more whimsical and otherworldly.
At Anouk Jewelry, we love exploring these shapes in unexpected ways. Our Marquise Halo Ring (above) pairs the elongated champagne coloured marquise sapphire with a delicate diamond halo. This pairing creates a romantic, vintage-inspired silhouette.
Perhaps that is what makes the marquise so enduring. It carries the romance of its royal origins, yet leaves plenty of room for interpretation. It is especially beautiful with natural gemstones, textured gold, and hand-sculpted forms. We love transforming an ancient shape into something that feels entirely your own.
When we made the Marquise Diamond Solitaire, we wanted the distinctive shape of the stone to become the entire focus of the design. As we love creating truly unique pieces, we customize our artisanal jewelry with different gemstones and gold colours to be truly individual.
Marquise shape also works beautifully in bezels, halos, sculpted gold settings, or organic asymmetrical designs. It can be delicate and understated, or become a striking statement ring.
Ultimately, the most beautiful engagement ring is the one that feels like you. Whether you are drawn to a sapphire, diamond, or another precious gemstone, choosing an unusual shape can be a simple way to create something truly your own.
And because every Anouk Jewelry ring is hand-sculpted, a marquise gemstone can become the starting point for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring – created around your stone, your story, and your sense of beauty.