You've seen them. Even if you didn't know the technical name for the cut, you've definitely scrolled past an almond shaped engagement ring on Instagram or Pinterest and paused for a second longer than usual. There is something about that elongated, tapered silhouette that just feels right. It’s elegant. It’s sharp. It makes fingers look like they belong to a concert pianist.
Honestly, the "almond" look—officially known in the industry as the marquise cut—has one of the wildest histories in jewelry. It wasn't always the "it" ring. For a long time, it was tucked away in your grandmother's velvet jewelry box, gathering dust because people thought it was "too eighties." But fashion is a circle. What was once dated is now the height of chic, mostly because modern designers have figured out how to strip away the clunky yellow gold settings of the past and replace them with something much more ethereal.
The Royal Rumor That Started It All
The marquise cut wasn't an accident. Legend has it that King Louis XV of France wanted a diamond cut to match the perfect shape of the lips of his mistress, the Marchioness of Pompadour. He wanted a stone that captured her smile. Whether that’s 100% historically verified or just a very romantic marketing pitch from the 18th century is up for debate, but the name "marquise" stuck, referring to the rank just below a duke.
If you're looking for an almond shaped engagement ring, you're essentially wearing a piece of French court history. The shape is defined by its two pointed ends and curved sides. It’s a literal ellipse. Because it’s so long, it has a massive "face-up" area. This means a 1-carat marquise diamond often looks significantly larger than a 1-carat round brilliant diamond. You’re basically getting more visual bang for your buck.
Why It’s Making a Comeback Right Now
We are living in the era of the "elongated stone." People are moving away from the standard round solitaire because, frankly, it can feel a bit predictable. The almond shape offers a rebellion against the circle.
Celebrities have been leading the charge here. Think about Catherine Zeta-Jones. Her ring is a massive 10-carat East-West set marquise. It’s iconic. Then you have Ashlee Simpson’s vintage-inspired ruby and diamond masterpiece. These aren't just rings; they are architectural statements.
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One major reason for the resurgence is the "flattery factor." If you feel like you have shorter fingers or wider hands, the almond shaped engagement ring is a literal miracle worker. The vertical orientation draws the eye up and down the finger, creating an illusion of length. It’s like wearing nude heels for your hand.
The "Bow-Tie" Effect: What You Need to Watch Out For
Let's get into the weeds for a second because buying one of these isn't as simple as picking a round diamond. Marquise cuts, along with pears and ovals, are prone to something called the "bow-tie effect."
This is a dark shadow that stretches across the center of the stone, resembling—you guessed it—a bow tie. Every almond shaped engagement ring will have some degree of a bow tie because of the way light passes through the elongated facets. However, you want to avoid a stone where the shadow is "dead" or overly prominent. You want light to dance, not get trapped in a dark void in the middle of your diamond.
When you're looking at a stone, don't just look at the GIA report. You have to see it in motion. Tilt it. See how the light catches the tips. A well-cut marquise should be bright from tip to tip. If the middle looks like a black hole, keep looking.
Metal Choices and the "Pointy End" Problem
The most vulnerable parts of an almond shaped stone are the two points. They are thin. They are sharp. If you whack your hand against a granite countertop (which we all do eventually), those tips can chip if they aren't protected.
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Traditionalists love a 6-prong setting. You get two "V-prongs" at the ends to cradle the points and four prongs on the sides. It's secure. It's classic. But if you want something that feels 2026, look at a bezel setting. A thin rim of gold or platinum wrapping all the way around the stone doesn't just protect it; it emphasizes that sleek almond silhouette.
- Yellow Gold: Gives it a vintage, regal vibe.
- Platinum/White Gold: Makes the stone look like a floating drop of water.
- Rose Gold: Softens the sharpness of the points for a more romantic look.
The East-West Trend
This is where things get really interesting. Most people wear their almond shaped engagement ring vertically. It’s the standard. But there is a massive movement toward "East-West" settings, where the stone is flipped horizontally across the finger.
It’s edgy. It feels modern and a little bit "anti-bride." It’s a great choice for someone who wants the elegance of the marquise shape but doesn't want their ring to look like anyone else’s. Plus, it sits much lower on the finger, meaning it’s less likely to snag on your favorite knit sweater.
Beyond Diamonds: The Gemstone Twist
While diamonds are the standard, the almond shape looks incredible with colored gemstones. A marquise-cut emerald looks like a lush green leaf. A sapphire looks like a deep blue eye. Because the shape is so distinct, you don't need a diamond's sparkle to make it stand out.
Lab-grown diamonds are also changing the game for the almond shaped engagement ring. Since marquise stones already look larger than they are, a lab-grown option allows you to go for a truly massive "look" without the five-figure price tag. It's a way to get that red-carpet aesthetic on a realistic budget.
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Common Misconceptions
People often worry that an almond shape will look "stuck in the past." That only happens if the setting is dated. If you put a marquise stone in a heavy, chunky setting with lots of tiny round "baguette" diamonds on the side, yes, it will look like 1985.
But if you keep it minimal? If you use a thin 1.5mm band? It looks incredibly fresh. Another myth is that they are uncomfortable. As long as the stone is proportioned correctly to your finger, it shouldn't poke you. The points usually hover just above the skin.
Actionable Advice for Your Search
If you are ready to pull the trigger on an almond shaped engagement ring, here is your checklist for the jewelry store:
- Check the Symmetry: Draw an imaginary line down the middle of the stone. The two halves should be identical mirror images. If one side is more curved than the other, the whole ring will look "off."
- Length-to-Width Ratio: This is personal preference, but the "sweet spot" is usually between 1.75 and 2.15. Anything wider starts to look like an oval; anything thinner looks like a needle.
- The V-Prong is Non-Negotiable: Unless you are doing a full bezel, make sure those ends are covered. Your diamond—and your sanity—will thank you.
- Look for "Eye Clean": Because the marquise has a lot of surface area, you can sometimes see "inclusions" (tiny natural marks) more easily in the center. You don't need a "Flawless" stone, but make sure it’s "eye clean," meaning you can't see anything funky without a magnifying glass.
Don't be afraid to try on different sizes. An almond shape that looks great on a screen might feel too big or too small on your specific hand. It’s all about the proportions. This isn't just a ring; it's a piece of geometry you're going to wear every day. Take your time, look for the light, and find the one that makes your hand look like a work of art.
Your Next Steps
- Compare Ratios: Go to a site like James Allen or Blue Nile and filter for marquise cuts. Toggle the length-to-width ratio to see how the "personality" of the stone changes as it gets skinnier or fatter.
- Visit a Local Jeweler: Photos do not capture the "bow-tie" effect well. You need to see at least three different marquise stones in person under different lighting (natural sun vs. store LEDs) to understand what you actually like.
- Consider Your Wedding Band: The almond shaped engagement ring is notoriously tricky to pair with a straight wedding band because the points get in the way. Look into "contoured" or "chevron" bands that curve around the tip of the stone for a flush fit.
Finding the right ring is a process of elimination. Once you see a well-cut almond shape on your finger, the search usually ends right there. It’s a shape that doesn't just sparkle—it commands the room.