Dutch marquise and elongated hexagon diamonds share a similar silhouette but perform very differently. The Dutch marquise elongates more dramatically, appears larger face-up, and carries a romantic, vintage character. The elongated hexagon is more balanced, more protected at the corners, and more versatile in faceting. This guide covers every meaningful difference so you can choose with confidence.
Dutch Marquise Diamond
A Dutch marquise is a modified version of the traditional marquise cut, featuring two pointed ends with flat or slightly angled sides between them. The result is a six-edge shape that combines the dramatic elongation of a classic marquise with a broader, more structured center section.
Dutch marquise diamonds typically carry a longer length-to-width ratio, often between 1.6:1 and 2.0:1. This makes them one of the more dramatically elongating shapes available. Most Dutch marquise stones use brilliant or modified brilliant faceting, which produces strong, rapid sparkle across the entire surface. For a deeper look at this specific cut, Our Dutch marquise cut diamond guide covers proportions, settings, and buying considerations in full.
Elongated Hexagon Diamond
An elongated hexagon diamond has six straight edges arranged in a balanced, architectural outline. Two longer parallel edges run along the length of the stone. Four shorter angled edges connect at the corners, forming a shape that reads as geometric and structured rather than pointed or romantic.
The length-to-width ratio of an elongated hexagon typically sits between 1.2:1 and 1.5:1, which is more moderate than a Dutch marquise. Elongated hexagons are also available in a wider range of faceting styles. Step-cut hexagons produce a quiet, hall-of-mirrors effect, while brilliant-cut hexagons sparkle more actively. Rose-cut variations, which have a flat back and domed top, add a vintage softness to the geometric outline.
Dutch Marquise vs Elongated Hexagon: Key Differences
The table below summarizes the most important differences between these two shapes.
| Feature | Dutch Marquise | Elongated Hexagon |
|---|---|---|
| Shape Outline | Pointed ends, flat or angled sides | Six straight edges, angled corners |
| Length-to-Width Ratio | 1.6:1 to 2.0:1 (dramatic elongation) | 1.2:1 to 1.5:1 (balanced) |
| Sparkle Style | Brilliant – rapid, high-contrast flashes | Step, brilliant, or rose cut options |
| Face-Up Size Per Carat | Larger due to strong elongation | Slightly smaller per carat than Dutch Marquise |
| Finger Effect | Strong elongating and slimming effect | Balanced coverage, less dramatic elongation |
| Durability Concern | Acute tips need V-prong protection | Angled corners are naturally more protected |
| Bow-Tie Effect | Possible on poorly cut stones | Not typical due to flat corner geometry |
| Style Personality | Romantic, vintage, bold | Modern, architectural, structured |
Shape and Outline
The most practical distinction between these two shapes is the tip geometry. Dutch marquise diamonds come to two pointed ends, just like a traditional marquise. Those points are one of the shape’s defining features. They create a dramatic, elongated silhouette and contribute heavily to the finger-lengthening effect. However, they also require careful setting protection, typically V-prong tips, to prevent chipping on impact.
Elongated hexagon diamonds, by contrast, end in angled corners rather than sharp points. Those corners are naturally more protected than marquise tips and require less specialized setting work. For buyers who love the elongated look but want a more resilient edge geometry, the hexagon is the more practical choice.
Sparkle and Faceting
Dutch marquise diamonds use brilliant or modified brilliant faceting, which returns light in rapid, high-contrast flashes across the stone’s surface. The elongated outline creates flowing patterns of light that shift with every movement of the hand.
Elongated hexagons offer more variety in this regard. A step-cut hexagon produces long, calm reflections that draw attention through depth rather than flash. A brilliant-cut hexagon sparkles more actively, similar to the Dutch marquise but within a more balanced outline. Additionally, rose-cut hexagons with a flat back and domed top are available for buyers who prefer soft, diffuse light over sharp scintillation. This range of faceting options gives the hexagon more versatility across different aesthetic preferences.
Face-Up Size
The Dutch marquise appears larger face-up per carat. Because of its more dramatic elongation, the stone spreads across more of the finger’s length. A 1-carat Dutch marquise will typically look noticeably larger face-up than a 1-carat elongated hexagon of the same weight.
That said, the hexagon’s balanced proportions mean the stone carries its weight more evenly across both length and width. Some buyers prefer this even distribution because it reads as more centered on the finger rather than straining toward the tips.
Overall Appearance
These shapes carry completely different personalities despite sharing six edges and an elongated format.
Dutch marquise reads as romantic and dramatic. The pointed ends give it a strong visual direction and a connection to the classic marquise’s long history in fine jewelry. It suits buyers who want a ring that commands attention and feels genuinely individual. For a direct comparison of how the Dutch marquise differs from the standard marquise shape, see the Dutch marquise vs regular marquise guide at Carat Diamonds.
Elongated hexagon reads as modern and architectural. Its straight edges and balanced geometry feel considered and deliberate. It suits buyers who are drawn to structure, clean lines, and a contemporary aesthetic that still stands apart from conventional shapes.
Which Diamond Shape Fits Different Styles?
A Dutch marquise is the right choice for buyers who want a ring that feels vintage-inspired, emotionally resonant, or dramatically elongating. It pairs naturally with solitaire settings, east-west orientations, and three-stone designs where the pointed outline takes center stage. Browse solitaire engagement rings to see how a clean solitaire frame allows the Dutch marquise silhouette to speak for itself.
An elongated hexagon, by contrast, suits buyers who prefer something more architectural and modern. Halo settings work particularly well with this shape because the six-edge geometry can be echoed in a shaped hexagonal halo frame. Explore halo engagement rings for setting ideas that complement the hexagon’s structured outline.
Both shapes work beautifully in three stone designs. The three stone engagement rings collection at Carat Diamonds includes Dutch marquise designs alongside tapered baguettes and kite-cut side stones that balance the center stone’s elongated character.
Lab Grown Diamond Options
Both Dutch marquise and elongated hexagon shapes are available in lab grown diamonds at Carat Diamonds. Lab grown diamonds carry the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds. Each stone is IGI certified and graded across the same cut, color, clarity, and carat weight standards.
For buyers who want maximum visual size on a specific budget, lab grown diamonds in either shape offer a strong value advantage. Because lab grown stones are available at lower price points than mined diamonds of comparable quality, buyers can often move up a carat size and choose a higher color grade while staying within their original budget. Explore the full Dutch marquise engagement rings collection for lab grown and moissanite options in this specific shape.
Pros and Cons
Dutch Marquise
Pros:
- Maximum elongating effect on the finger
- Larger face-up appearance per carat
- Romantic, vintage-inspired character
- Strong visual impact at any carat weight
- Available in brilliant and rose-cut variations
Cons:
- Pointed tips require V-prong protection
- Possible bow-tie effect on poorly proportioned stones
- Less versatility in faceting styles than hexagon
Elongated Hexagon
Pros:
- Naturally more protected corner geometry
- Available in step, brilliant, and rose-cut faceting
- Modern, architectural aesthetic
- Balanced proportions suit a wide range of hand types
- No bow-tie effect
Cons:
- Less elongating effect than Dutch marquise per carat
- Slightly smaller face-up appearance at the same carat weight
- Less widely available than Dutch marquise in standard settings
Which Diamond Shape Should You Choose?
The Dutch marquise is the better choice if finger elongation, romantic character, and dramatic visual impact are your top priorities. It performs best in solitaire and east-west settings and suits buyers who have researched their options and know they want something genuinely bold. The pointed tips require attentive setting work, but with the right prong design they wear well in daily use.
The elongated hexagon suits buyers who want a distinctive, geometric alternative to conventional shapes without the maintenance considerations of pointed tips. Its range of faceting styles also gives it more design flexibility. For buyers who want a custom design, visit custom jewelry to build either shape around your preferred stone, metal, and setting style.
Conclusion
Dutch marquise and elongated hexagon diamonds share a similar outline but deliver different results on the hand. The Dutch marquise elongates more dramatically, appears larger face-up, and carries a romantic character tied to the marquise’s long history. The elongated hexagon is more balanced, more protected at the corners, and more versatile across faceting styles. Neither is objectively better. They suit different personalities, priorities, and preferences. Choose the one that genuinely reflects who you are.
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