When choosing a diamond shape that feels both distinctive and timeless, the Dutch Marquise stands in a league of its own. This antique variation of the classic marquise cut carries a fuller silhouette, softer taper, and a vintage charm that speaks to anyone who appreciates diamond jewellery with character and history. As modern shoppers look beyond traditional cuts, shapes like the Dutch Marquise are experiencing a beautiful revival.
While the Dutch Marquise is not a formally standardized shape in gemological grading systems, it refers to an antique-style interpretation of the marquise with broader centers and softened proportions.
What makes this shape even more relevant today is its availability in lab-grown diamonds. With identical brilliance, structure, and durability to mined diamonds. Paired with ethical sourcing and exceptional value. Lab-grown options give buyers the freedom to choose unique, heritage-inspired cuts without compromise.
The Dutch Marquise blends old-world artistry with modern innovation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking something rare, meaningful, and effortlessly elegant.
What is a Dutch Marquise?
Before we explore what makes the Dutch version unique, lets understand the basics. The traditional Marquise cut is a long, boat-shaped diamond with pointed ends and about 58 facets that create strong sparkle. Its stretched shape makes the fingers look longer and slimmer, which is why it has stayed popular for so many years.
Source: Dutch Marquise Cut Diamond
The marquise cut diamond originated in 18th-century France. It was commissioned by King Louis XV to resemble the perfect lips of his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, making it a shape steeped in royal history and romance. However, antique European cutting styles, particularly from Dutch and Belgian cutters known for their precision, have influenced the broader category of vintage diamond proportions.
The so-called Dutch Marquise builds on the classic shape but adds an antique touch. Inspired by historical European cutting sensibilities, this interpretation usually has slightly different proportions. It may look wider in the center, have a more compact length-to-width ratio, or feature vintage-style faceting that gives it a softer glow.
Early diamond cutters shaped stones by hand, working closely with the natural form of each rough diamond. The term 'Dutch Marquise' is a modern, antique-inspired interpretation rather than an officially recognized shape in gemology. It reflects vintage-style proportions such as a broader center and softer taper that may be influenced by European cutting aesthetics (including those from Dutch and Belgian cutters known for their precision, but it is not tied to a specific historic Dutch cut).
What Does a Dutch Marquise Symbolize?
The Dutch Marquise carries a strong sense of romance, history, and individuality. The classic marquise shape has long been linked to love and elegance. The classic marquise cut has long symbolized elegance and love, linked to its royal French origins. The 'Dutch Marquise' variation adds a modern storytelling layer of craftsmanship and uniqueness inspired by vintage European artisanal traditions, rather than a distinct historical symbolism of Dutch cutters.
Because early Dutch cutters shaped stones by hand, every Dutch Marquise naturally symbolized craftsmanship, character, and one-of-a-kind beauty. These cuts showed up in Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewelry, giving them an even stronger connection to heritage and timeless style.
Today, the Dutch Marquise represents something even more powerful. A desire for authenticity in a mass-produced world. Choosing this antique-inspired shape is a way to express individuality and appreciation for artistry. And with lab-grown diamonds, these historic proportions can now be recreated with precision and made accessible to anyone who wants a diamond that feels meaningful, personal, and beautifully unique.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Dutch Marquise?
Lab-grown diamonds make the Dutch Marquise easier to own and enjoy. Since they are created in controlled environments, they are naturally conflict-free and sustainable, without the environmental impact or ethical concerns linked to mining. For buyers who value responsibility, this is a major advantage.
They are also much more affordable. Typically, 50% to 80% less expensive than mined diamonds with the same sparkle and strength. With antique shapes like the Dutch Marquise, this price difference becomes even more meaningful. Mined vintage cuts are rare and often expensive, but lab-grown versions remove that scarcity while keeping the same beautiful proportions.
The Dutch Marquise shape itself offers great benefits. Its elongated form creates a slimming, finger-lengthening look, and its vintage-style proportions make it stand out from modern, mass-produced cuts. If you want a diamond that feels truly unique, this shape is the right choice.
There are a few practical things to keep in mind. Marquise shapes need good symmetry, or flaws become noticeable. You should also watch out for the bow-tie effect, where the center looks dark if the cut isn’t ideal. And because the tips are pointed, they need protective settings like V-prongs or bezel-style ends. Always choose certified diamonds and pay attention to cut quality when shopping.
The 4Cs & Shape-Specific Considerations
The 4Cs, that is, Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity, which guide your diamond choice. But the Dutch Marquise comes with a few extra things to pay attention to.
Cut matters the most for this shape. Traditional marquise cuts generally have a length-to-width ratio between about 1.7 and 2.1 for a slender look. Antique-inspired Dutch Marquise variations tend to have a slightly shorter and broader ratio around 1.6 to 1.7, yet proportions vary by jeweler and personal style preferences. That is, the two sides should match perfectly, and both points must line up cleanly. A well-cut stone also reduces the “bow-tie effect”, the dark shadow some marquise cuts show in the center.
Color is more noticeable in elongated diamonds. A Marquise has more visible surface area, so even small tints can show. For a bright, white look, stick to near-colorless grades like G–H. If you prefer a warm, antique vibe, especially in yellow gold, I-J can look beautiful.
Clarity needs extra attention because the pointed tips are the most fragile part of the stone. Avoid inclusions near these ends, and be cautious of marks in the center area where the bow-tie appears. SI1 and above is generally a safe range, as long as the diamond is eye-clean.
Carat weight looks different in a marquise shape. Because it’s longer, it appears larger than a round diamond of the same weight. This makes the Dutch Marquise a great option if you want maximum size for your budget.
Quick Dutch Marquise Checklist
- Choose a length-to-width ratio that matches your style
- Look for excellent symmetry and aligned points
- Check that the bow-tie effect is minimal
- Avoid inclusions near the pointed ends
- Ask for certification (IGI, GIA, etc.)
- Pick a setting that protects the tips
With the 4Cs in mind, it’s time to explore how this antique shape can be styled in ways that highlight its unique beauty.
Get the Vintage Look with Modern Values
A Dutch Marquise lab-grown diamond gives you old-world romance combined with today's ethical standards. It is a shape that honors centuries of craftsmanship while matching what modern couples care about. In a world where everyone seems to have similar rings, this makes you stand out.
Whether you love how it makes your finger look, appreciate its antique character, or just want something different, the Dutch Marquise is a beautiful choice. And thanks to lab-grown technology, you don't have to compromise on quality, beauty, or your values to afford it.
Ready to find your perfect vintage-inspired diamond?
Browse Solitaire Lab Diamond's Marquise collection, ask for detailed certificates, and start a conversation about this timeless shape. Your unique Dutch Marquise is waiting. That is ethically grown, conflict-free, and ready to become part of your love story.
Explore lab-grown Marquise diamonds and discover your vintage-inspired ring today.