When music producer Benny Blanco was secretly designing Selena Gomez’s custom engagement ring, he knew one key detail: she wanted a marquise diamond. This wasn’t a secret. Even Selena’s fans knew about her love for marquise diamonds. In her 2015 song “Good for You,” she sang, “I’m a marquise diamond.”
The marquise diamond shape has a romantic history that goes back to the 18th century at the Court of Versailles. According to legend, the shape was inspired by Louis XV’s mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The diamond’s name honors her title, but the shape is said to resemble the outline of her mouth. Because of this, the marquise diamond became a symbol of passion. Others believe the name came from the shape of rings worn by members of Versailles to show their status.
The History of Marquise Diamonds
Like other diamond shapes, the marquise changed over time as diamond cutting techniques improved in the early 20th century. Also called the navette shape, the marquise gained more facets and sharper points. These changes gave it more brilliance — the sparkle and light reflected by the stone.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) says marquise diamonds are usually cut with a length-to-width ratio between 1.85 and 2.0. This ratio makes the diamond neither too wide nor too narrow. Some are cut thinner or thicker. Depending on its shape, a marquise diamond can look bigger than its actual carat weight.
The marquise diamond was very popular during the 1920s. While Art Deco jewelry often featured square or rectangular gems, marquise diamonds appeared in diamond bracelets, earrings, and as bold center stones in engagement rings.
Marquise Diamonds in the Jazz Age and Beyond
Famous actress Norma Shearer wore a marquise diamond engagement ring she received in 1927 from MGM executive Irving Thalberg. She showed off the large diamond in several films, including the 1939 movie The Women.
The marquise diamond’s popularity was highlighted again in the 1974 film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Mia Farrow, playing Daisy Buchanan, wore 1920s Cartier jewelry. Her engagement ring featured a modern marquise diamond design by Cartier, reflecting the stone’s 1970s revival. After the film’s release, a customer visited Cartier’s New York store asking for “Daisy’s ring.”
The Marquise Diamond’s Place Today
Despite these famous moments, the marquise diamond remains a unique choice for engagement rings. Major brands like Tiffany and Cartier do not feature it on their websites. Still, some designers have recently brought it back in their collections. Brides often find marquise diamonds at vintage jewelry shops.
Designer Briony Raymond says, “There’s something very special about a marquise cut diamond. It can look classic or modern, depending on the setting.”
How a marquise diamond is set changes its look. A horizontal setting, called east-west, balances the pointed ends. An angled, or akimbo, setting adds a sense of motion. The traditional north-south style follows the finger’s length and is thought to make hands look longer.
Selena Gomez’s Engagement Ring: A Timeless Marquise
Though Benny Blanco is known for his unique style in music, he chose a classic marquise diamond ring for Selena Gomez. The design recalls old Hollywood glamour. The band’s larger round diamonds add modern sparkle. Selena has proudly shown the ring many times in photos. Thanks to her, the marquise diamond is gaining new popularity and might soon become a fresh trend again.
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