Hey, it’s Jenessa.

In today’s issue:

• Deep Dive: Why marquise engagement rings are making a comeback…

• Production Tip: The most important tool I own…

• Let’s Connect: Here’s How I Can Help You...

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•DEEP DIVE

ARE MARQUISE DIAMONDS MAKING A COMEBACK?

If I told you marquise engagement rings popular during the 70s and 80s are about to return to the spotlight, would you believe me?

Well, guess what...

Get ready to tease up your hair and grab that Aqua Net because marquise diamonds are poised to make a comeback in 2025.

WHAT’S FUELING THIS RESURGENCE?

On December 11, 2024, Selena Gomez—a powerhouse actress, singer, producer, and business founder—became engaged to record producer and cookbook author Benny Blanco.

Just like Blake Lively and Hailey Bieber popularized the oval hidden halo engagement ring (read more here), jewelry experts predict Selena Gomez will do the same for the marquise diamond engagement ring.

THE GLOBAL INFLUENCE OF SELENA GOMEZ

With over 423 million Instagram followers, Gomez is the third most-followed account worldwide.

Her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, is valued at over $2 billion, ranking among the top three celebrity beauty brands.

She also stars in one of Hulu's most popular shows, the critically acclaimed true crime comedy series Only Murders in the Building, alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Selena's devoted fan base, who have followed her since her Disney Channel acting days, will definitely notice her engagement ring choice.

BREAKING DOWN SELENA’S ENGAGEMENT RING

While the jeweler behind Selena's ring remains undisclosed, here's a professional breakdown based on available photos:

• Center stone: A six-prong marquise diamond, estimated at 6-8 carats.

• Setting: 18k yellow gold with a shared prong diamond eternity band.

  

  The marquise diamond engagement ring of Selena Gomez | Selena Gomez

The look is timeless and elegant, blending modern simplicity with classic sophistication.

MARQUISE ENGAGEMENT RINGS IN HISTORY & POP CULTURE

Selena isn't the first celebrity to rock a marquise cut. Here is a quick history and other celebrities that love the cut.

• History: The marquise cut dates back to 18th-century France, commissioned by King Louis XV to resemble the lips of his mistress, Madame de Pompadour.

  

  The lips that inspired the cut. Madame de Pompadour as Diana the Huntress, 1746, Jean-Marc Nattier

• Jackie Kennedy: In 1968, she received the legendary 40-carat marquise diamond "Lesotho III" from Aristotle Onassis, which she wore out publicly twice and then secured the ring in a vault.

  

  It shockingly sold for $2.59 million at Sotheby's in 1996 | Los Angeles Times

• Victoria Beckham: Her first engagement ring from David Beckham (1998) featured a 3-carat marquise diamond.

• Portia de Rossi: Her east-west set marquise diamond engagement ring, gifted by Ellen DeGeneres and designed by Neil Lane, features a bead-set woven design.

• Catherine Zeta-Jones: Inspired by 1920s glamour, her platinum engagement ring from Michael Douglas, designed by Fred Leighton, features a 10-carat marquise diamond set east-west incorporates a diamond halo.

  

  Victoria Beckham | Portia de Rossi | Catherine Zeta-Jones

INSIDER SECRETS TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT MARQUISE DIAMOND

Selecting the perfect marquise diamond with zero overwhelm.

This guide simplifies the process, offering expert guidelines for beginning a marquise diamond search.

• Color Grading: When narrowing down color, the ideal mid-range price point for a marquise set in white metal is H or above, with F being the preferred choice.

  If you're setting the diamond in yellow gold, you can opt for a lower color grade, as the diamond's warmth will complement the metal's tone.

  

  GIA Color Scale | GIA

• Recommended Clarity: VS1 through SI1 is an excellent starting point when narrowing down marquise options.

  

  GIA clarity scale | GIA

• Shape: The marquise cut is also called "navette," French for "little ship." The cutter's artistry determines the shape of the marquise. Here are the interesting shapes you can source to help create the perfect design.

  

  Varying marquise shapes | GIA

• Proportions: The ideal length-to-width ratio for marquise diamonds comes down to personal preference, but both the trade and consumers often favor a 2:1 ratio. I prefer a rounder ratio in the 1.8:1 range.

  

  Different length-to-width ratios from left to right- 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.7:1 | GIA

• Watch out for bow-tie: When buying a marquise or oval diamond, be aware of the bow-tie effect—a subtle gray shadow across the stone's width.

  A faint bow tie is normal. Darker shades of this shadow can affect the stone's desirability.

  Viewing the diamond from above in both indoor and outdoor light will help you with your decision.

• Practical considerations: The tips of a marquise are fragile like all pointed corners.

  Jewelers prefer protective "V" prongs over traditional round prongs to safeguard the stone.

THE CHALLENGE FOR JEWELERS & DESIGNERS

What excites me most about trending designs is the challenge of making it uniquely yours.

Trends may come and go, but the real opportunity lies in making a distinct design mark.

As marquise diamonds make a comeback, I challenge you to create a unique marquise design that reflects your aesthetic.

Reply with a photo of the finished piece, and I may feature your work in an upcoming issue!

Need inspiration? Check out some of my past marquise designs created for jewelry studios nationwide.

•PRODUCTION TIP

HANDS DOWN MY #1 MOST IMPORTANT JEWELRY MAKING TOOL

Protect Yourself: A Guide to Safe Polishing Practices for Jewelers

You need a dust collection tool ASAP.

Gone are the days when exposing yourself to harmful polishing compounds was just part of the job.

Prioritizing your health as a professional jeweler is non-negotiable.

When I was starting out and building my home studio on a tight budget, I found simple ways to minimize exposure to toxic polishing dust.

I typically hand-polish jewelry with a flex shaft at my bench, and a miniature shop vac became my go-to dust collection tool.

Secure the vacuum hose to your bench pin with a Velcro strap, and always polish in reverse.

Polishing in the forward motion blows dust directly at you, even with suction on, exposing you and others in your area to the airborne particles.

These habits—like using a vacuum system, wearing an N95 mask, and washing your hands immediately after polishing—protects your lungs and overall health.

When you're ready to upgrade, I recommend this:

After 20 years in the industry and testing multiple systems, this one stands out for its strong suction and smart design.

The removable clear cyclone chamber is a game-changer, allowing you to empty dust regularly without replacing the HEPA filter which means you buy fewer filters.

It's a purchase I've never regretted.

Have a jewelry-making question? Reply to this email—I'd love to help solve your biggest challenges!

•THAT’S A WRAP

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See you next Sunday,