Engagement Rings & Weddings | June 12, 2025
Selena Gomez Put The Marvelous Marquise Diamond Back on the Map
Selena Gomez brought the ship-shaped marquise diamond into the spotlight once again.
Written by: Marion Fasel
When Benny Blanco was secretly working on Selena Gomez’s custom engagement ring, he knew the most important detail – she wanted a marquise diamond. It was not a private piece of information; even Selena’s fans were aware of her love of marquise diamonds. In her 2015 song “Good for You,” she cooed, “I’m a marquise diamond.”
The fancy shape has romantic roots dating back to the 18th-century Court of Versailles. Legend has it that the marquise diamond was inspired by Louis XV’s mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. While the shape’s name acknowledges her title, the tribute is said to have been inspired by the shape of her mouth. This connection made the marquise diamond a symbol of passion. More pragmatic types, however, believe that the marquise-shaped rings worn by members of the Court of Versailles to flaunt their rank were the source of the diamond’s name.
Meet the Expert
- Briony Raymond is the founder of her namesake New York jewelry atelier.
- She is a distinguished expert in fine jewelry, renowned for her bespoke designs and curated estate collections.
Marquise Diamonds Through the Ages
Like most diamond shapes, the marquise evolved with advances in diamond cutting in the early 20th century. Also known as the navette shape, the marquise gained more facets, cleaner lines, and sharper points at the ends. All this newness gave the shape a stunning fire and brilliance, which are terms used to describe the light beaming from the stone.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), marquises are most often cut in the length-to-width ratio of 1.85 to 2.0, which is neither too wide nor too narrow. They are, however, also cut in thinner and thicker ratios. Depending on the proportions, the curves of a marquise can create the illusion that the size of the gem is greater than its actual carat weight.
During the roaring 1920s, the marquise shape peaked in popularity. While square and rectangular gems are closely associated with the geometric look of Art Deco jewelry, the marquise can be found all over wide diamond bracelets and pendant earrings. And they became a dramatic center stone for engagement rings.
The Gatsby-Era Resurgence of the Marquise Diamond
Norma Shearer, one of the most celebrated actresses of the era, wore the marquise diamond engagement ring she received in 1927 from MGM executive Irving Thalberg in several movies, including the 1939 classic The Women. In countless publicity stills, she held her hand in such a way that made it easy to see the substantially-sized diamond.
The popularity of marquise diamond engagement rings during the Jazz Age was underscored in the iconic 1974 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. In the stylish production, Mia Farrow, who played Daisy Buchanan, wore an array of 1920s Cartier jewelry, but her marquise diamond engagement ring was a contemporary design from the French jeweler. It reflected the marquise’s moment of popularity in the 1970s. Shortly after the film was released, a client walked into Cartier in New York and said, “I want Daisy’s ring.”
The Marquise Diamond’s Niche Appeal Today
Beyond these high-profile moments, the marquise has remained a niche choice in engagement rings. Tiffany doesn’t carry the style on its website, and neither does Cartier. But, there has been an uptick in the gem shape among several designer collections. Brides have been finding them at vintage jewelry establishments, too.
“There’s something incredibly distinctive about a marquise cut diamond,” explains designer Briony Raymond. “I love how versatile it can be, whether set in a classic design or something more contemporary.”
The angle at which designers set a marquise makes it look completely different. A horizontal marquise, known as an east-west setting, balances the energy of the pointed ends. A marquise set at an angle, known as an akimbo setting, creates a dynamic sense of movement. Then, there is the historic north-south style, which flows with the length of a finger and is believed to elongate the hand.
Selena Gomez’s Engagement Ring:
A Classic Take on the Marquise Diamond
While Benny Blanco is a cool music producer who exudes a sense of individuality, he proposed to Selena Gomez with a marquise diamond ring set in the classic mode. It conjures up old Hollywood glamour. Larger round diamonds on the band add a modern twist and extra shine to the design. Selena clearly loves the jewel and has shown it off in photos repeatedly. Her high profile exposure has put the ship shape on the crest of a new and long overdue wave of popularity.
