Yes — marquise-cut diamond engagement rings are having a significant comeback in 2026, and the look has moved well beyond the traditional 1970s-style marquise. The current direction is more architectural, sculptural and individual. British Vogue specifically identifies marquise alongside oval and other elongated shapes as defining engagement-ring silhouettes for 2026.
The biggest marquise trends for 2026
1. East-West marquise settings — probably the biggest trend
Instead of the traditional north-south orientation, the marquise is being set horizontally across the finger. This completely changes the personality of the stone, making it look contemporary, slightly unconventional and more fashion-forward.
British Vogue specifically highlights the resurgence of east-west marquise settings, describing them as a confident alternative to the conventional vertical orientation.
2. Bezel-set marquise diamonds
The bezel is becoming particularly interesting for marquise cuts. A slim or sculptural bezel follows the pointed outline of the diamond, giving the ring a clean, almost architectural appearance while also protecting the vulnerable pointed ends.
This fits into the broader 2026 move toward bezel settings and more sculptural jewellery.
3. Yellow gold is replacing the ultra-minimal white-metal look
Marquise diamonds look particularly striking against 18ct yellow gold. The combination of an elongated brilliant-cut diamond with a substantial warm-gold band gives the ring a vintage-meets-modern character.
More broadly, 2026 engagement-ring design is moving toward warmer metals, stronger gold profiles and less delicate pavé.
4. Vintage marquise — but with a modern setting
There is renewed interest in marquise diamonds that have an old-world, slightly imperfect character, rather than extremely precise modern cutting.
Think:
- Antique-inspired settings
- Milgrain details
- Yellow gold
- Hand-finished shoulders
- Softly sculptural bezels
- Slightly warmer diamond colours
The broader vintage revival is one of the strongest engagement-ring movements of 2026.
5. Marquise Toi et Moi rings
Marquise is particularly effective in Toi et Moi designs, either paired with another marquise or contrasted with a different shape such as an oval, pear or emerald cut.
The current version is less about two identical diamonds and more about asymmetry and personality — for example, a marquise paired with an emerald cut or pear.
6. Chunkier, sculptural bands
The very thin pavé shank is no longer the only desirable option. A marquise centre stone looks especially contemporary with a substantial gold band, sometimes fluted, knife-edged or organically sculpted.
This is part of a wider move away from delicate, uniform engagement rings toward rings that look individually designed and almost architectural.
7. More individuality in the actual diamond
One reason marquise is benefiting from the current trend is that no two marquise diamonds look quite the same. Length-to-width ratio, shoulders, points, faceting and overall outline can dramatically change the appearance.
That makes marquise particularly attractive to buyers who want something less ubiquitous than an oval. Natural Diamonds notes that elongated shapes such as marquise are increasingly sought after partly because of their individuality and finger-lengthening effect.
A particularly strong 2026 look
If I were identifying the most contemporary marquise engagement-ring combination right now, I’d put it at:
1.5–3ct natural marquise diamond + elongated proportions + east-west orientation + substantial 18ct yellow-gold band + minimal bezel or four-claw setting.
For a more traditional luxury look:
2–4ct natural marquise + north-south orientation + platinum or yellow gold + delicate shoulders + small tapered side diamonds.
And for the collector/vintage market, I’d look at:
Natural antique marquise + slightly warmer colour + old-world cutting characteristics + handmade yellow-gold setting.
Why marquise is suddenly interesting again
The revival is really part of a larger change in engagement-ring taste. In 2026, buyers are moving away from the idea that the “best” ring is simply the biggest, most flawless and most recognisable stone. Instead, individuality, craftsmanship, unusual orientation and personal symbolism are becoming increasingly important.
That plays directly into the strengths of the marquise: it is recognisable, elegant, flattering on the finger and still unusual enough to feel personal.