What Is a Dutch Marquise Diamond? The Cut to Watch in 2026
Oval, emerald and traditional marquise diamonds have dominated elongated engagement ring styles for several years, but another distinctive shape is beginning to attract attention: the Dutch marquise.
Combining the length of a classic marquise with a more angular, architectural outline, the Dutch marquise feels unusual without straying too far from familiar engagement ring design. Its mix of vintage character and clean geometry is particularly well suited to the growing preference for distinctive diamond shapes, making it an engagement ring cut worth watching in 2026. Dutch marquise and other unconventional shapes have already begun appearing in wider engagement ring trend coverage this year.
What Is a Dutch Marquise Diamond?
A Dutch marquise diamond is an elongated diamond shape characterised by pointed ends and straighter, angled sides. Rather than the continuously curved outline of a traditional marquise, its sides create a more geometric silhouette, often resembling an elongated hexagon.
A step-cut Dutch marquise
The important thing to know is that “Dutch marquise” is a trade term rather than an officially standardised diamond shape. This means there is no single specification that every Dutch marquise must follow. Depending on how an individual stone has been cut, a grading report may instead describe it using terminology such as a hexagonal modified brilliant.
This also explains why Dutch marquise diamonds can vary noticeably from one stone to another. Some have particularly angular shoulders, while others have a fuller centre and softer transition towards the points. Faceting can vary too, with brilliant-style cutting generally creating more lively sparkle and other variations producing a more structured appearance.
That individuality is arguably part of the appeal.
Dutch Marquise vs Marquise: What's the Difference?
The traditional marquise is one of the most recognisable fancy diamond shapes. It has two pointed ends connected by sweeping curved sides, creating its distinctive eye or boat-shaped outline.
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The Dutch marquise keeps the elongated proportions and pointed tips but replaces much of that curvature with straighter lines.
A classic marquise therefore feels soft and flowing, while a Dutch marquise is noticeably more geometric.
According to the GIA, a traditional marquise can also offer excellent face-up presence for its carat weight and create an elongating effect when worn on the finger. Its pointed ends do, however, require protection from an appropriate setting.
The Dutch marquise retains much of that flattering elongated appearance while offering something visually less familiar.
Why the Dutch Marquise Is One to Watch
Engagement ring trends have increasingly moved away from the idea that there is one universally "perfect" diamond shape.
Elongated cushions, marquise diamonds, coloured diamonds and unusual cuts have all gained greater visibility, alongside a wider preference for rings with a more individual appearance. Recent 2026 trend coverage has specifically highlighted unconventional shapes including the Dutch marquise as part of this movement.
The Dutch marquise fits naturally into that shift.
Dutch Marquise Diamond Engagement ring
It has enough similarity to familiar elongated diamonds to remain elegant and wearable, but its angular outline immediately distinguishes it from an oval or conventional marquise. It also sits comfortably between contemporary and vintage-inspired design, depending on the setting around it.
For couples increasingly looking beyond the most established engagement ring styles, that combination could make the Dutch marquise particularly appealing.
Does a Dutch Marquise Diamond Sparkle?
It can, although the precise appearance depends heavily on the stone's faceting.
Because Dutch marquise is not a standardised grading category, there is no single prescribed facet arrangement. Brilliant-style versions use facets designed to produce lively reflections and sparkle, while more unusual faceting patterns can create broader or more architectural flashes of light.
As with other elongated diamonds, it is worth examining the centre of the stone carefully.
Traditional marquise diamonds can display a bow-tie effect, where an area of darker contrast appears across the centre. GIA notes that some degree of bow-tie can occur in marquise diamonds and that excessive darkness can detract from the stone's appearance.
A brilliant-cut Dutch marquise
For an unusual fancy shape such as the Dutch marquise, judging the actual diamond rather than relying solely on measurements is especially important.
What Settings Suit a Dutch Marquise Engagement Ring?
A solitaire ring is perhaps the most natural way to showcase the cut. With very little competing for attention, the outline of the centre diamond becomes the defining feature of the ring.
A fine pavé or shoulder-set band can introduce additional sparkle while keeping the focus on the centre stone, while a bezel setting can emphasise its geometric edges and give the design an especially contemporary appearance.
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An east-west setting, where the diamond sits horizontally across the finger, creates an even more distinctive look. The straight lines of the Dutch marquise lend themselves particularly well to this architectural style.
Whatever the setting, protecting the pointed ends remains important. The points are naturally more vulnerable than the rounded edge of a diamond such as an oval, so the setting should be designed with both appearance and everyday wear in mind.
Can You Get a Lab Grown Dutch Marquise Diamond?
Yes. The Dutch marquise shape can be cut from a lab grown diamond just as it can from a natural diamond. Several jewellers and diamond cutters now offer lab grown examples, which is helping previously niche shapes become more accessible.
This is particularly interesting for engagement ring design. Lab grown diamonds have made it easier for couples to explore larger carat weights and less conventional shapes without being restricted to the small number of unusual natural diamonds that happen to reach the market.
As demand for greater individuality continues, this could help cuts such as the Dutch marquise move from specialist jewellery collections into the wider engagement ring conversation.
Is the Dutch Marquise the Next Big Engagement Ring Cut?
It is still far less established than round, oval, emerald or traditional marquise diamonds, and that is precisely what makes it interesting.
The Dutch marquise offers the elongated proportions many couples already love, while its angular edges give it an identity of its own. It can feel vintage in one setting and strikingly contemporary in another.
Whether it becomes a mainstream engagement ring shape remains to be seen, but its growing visibility throughout 2026 suggests it is certainly one to know.
For those drawn to the elongated look, Lily Arkwright's marquise lab diamond engagement rings offer another distinctive take on the silhouette, with classic marquise diamonds available across solitaire, petite and hidden halo designs.