About marquise diamonds
Learn about the intricacies of marquise diamonds, why they are shaped the way they are, how much marquise diamonds cost, and which grades to choose for your marquise diamond engagement ring.
Tips for choosing the best marquise diamond
Ensure your marquise diamond has Excellent or at least Very Good symmetry, meaning the two tips will be perfectly aligned and each side is equally weight
A ratio close to 2.0 is a good aim; this will be not too rounded, not too elongated
Marquise diamonds can contain the bow tie effect, which elongated diamonds are prone to. Avoid large, dark and particularly noticeable bow ties
Opt for a VS2 to SI1 clarity grades; these won’t be totally flawless, but the inclusions will not be visible to the naked eye. This is an area to make great savings with your budget.
Choose diamonds between D to H, ideally stick between D to F colour for the iciest, colourless marquise diamond
Find Your Marquise Diamond Ring
What are marquise shaped diamonds?
Marquise diamonds are a non-traditional, contemporary-looking choice for engagement rings. The marquise diamond shape is believed to have first been modelled on the lips of King Louis XV’s mistress, giving the shape its regal title, ‘Marquise’, although they are occasionally referred to as ‘navette’ diamonds. The alternative engagement ring shape is elongated, and tapered to a symmetrical point and either tip - a little like an American football. Marquise diamonds are an incredibly unique shape with character like few other diamond shapes; both feminine and bold, contemporary and edgy.
Why choose a marquise cut diamond?
A marquise cut diamond is an incredibly characterful choice, the unusual shape suitable for those with alternative tastes seeking a ring with a difference. Choose a marquise diamond for a ring that is equal parts feminine and bold. As an elongated diamond shape, a marquise cut is flattering for the wearer.
Due to an increased spread, marquise diamonds appear larger than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight, such as round or cushion cuts. Marquise diamonds tend to be priced similarly to oval cuts, making them a good choice for making your personal budget stretch a little further.
What to be aware of with a marquise diamond ring
Look out for the bow tie effect, a dark area at the centre of the stone where light is unable to bounce around, found in most elongated shapes. A bow tie effect is a staple feature of such shapes, but is more noticeable (larger and darker) in some stones than others.
Marquise diamonds feature two tapered tips. These points are prone to catching or knocking, so ensure they are protected adequately with the metalwork of the ring. To protect the points of a marquise diamond, choose box claws to encase the tips, or a halo setting.
What’s the best cut ratio for my marquise diamond?
Fancy diamond shapes, such as marquise diamonds, aren’t awarded a cut grade, but it’s important to consider their polish and symmetry grades, as well as the ratio of the diamond. Whatever diamond shape you’re considering, opt for polish and symmetry grades that are Excellent or Very Good. These will have smooth, exact facets and in the case of the marquise diamonds, the two tips of the diamond will align perfectly, each side equally weighted.
When it comes to the perfect ratio for your marquise diamond, your personal preference is important; are you after a more rounded or elongated look? The ratios of marquise diamonds range hugely, typically from 1.70 to 2.20. Somewhere around 1.80 is considered the best ratio for your marquise diamond.
Marquise diamonds are so unique. I love that their elongated and flattering, but a little bolder than other shapes like ovals and emerald cuts. Perfect for alternative engagement rings!
How do I choose a marquise diamond colour?
As a brilliant cut diamond, marquise shape diamonds exude a great amount of sparkle, so choosing the absolute best colour grade may not be necessary. You may notice minimal colouration in grades G to H, so ideally choose between D to F. Despite the sparkle, marquise shaped diamonds can appear yellow, brown or even greyish from grade I and downwards.
As a rule of thumb for platinum rings, aim between D to F colour grades, and for yellow or rose gold rings consider diamonds graded D to H.
How do I choose the clarity of a marquise diamond?
Marquise diamonds are a style of brilliant cut, meaning the structure is made up of lots of tiny, meticulously proportioned facets that work together to emit intense sparkle. Such facet structure is great for disguising the minuscule, natural internal flaws found within diamonds, meaning you’re able to opt for a lower clarity grade for your marquise diamond. Consider grades from VS2 to SI1 for a marquise diamond that is eye clean (meaning it’ll appear flawless without magnification) and the best value for money.
Marquise Diamond Ring Inspiration
Take inspiration from our custom made engagement rings, individually designed with us and crafted by our in-house goldsmiths.
£4,200
0.80ct Marquise Bespoke Double Band
Lab Diamond - £9,900
2ct Marquise Classic Oberon
£1,650
Marquise Bespoke Rubover Shaped Ring
£10,700
1.30ct Marquise Oberon
£7,000
1ct Marquise Turner Pavé
£4,600
0.90ct Marquise Bespoke Solitaire
£6,750
1.58ct Marquise Sapphire Double Halo
£4,200
0.80ct Marquise Bespoke Double Band
£10,700
1.30ct Marquise Oberon
£4,200
0.80ct Marquise Bespoke Double Band
Lab Diamond - £9,900
2ct Marquise Classic Oberon
£1,650
Marquise Bespoke Rubover Shaped Ring
£10,700
1.30ct Marquise Oberon
How much does a marquise diamond cost?
Marquise diamonds are a relatively economical diamond shape, particularly in direct comparison with round diamonds, and in relation to the brilliance they exude as well as the increased spread of the stone that enhances the appearance of size. You’ll notice that marquise diamonds retail at cheaper prices than, say, round diamonds of the same carat weight.
Marquise diamonds start from around £1,345 (based on 0.30ct, F, SI1). In comparison, a round diamond with the same quality grades will start at around £1,380. The higher the quality, the higher the price jump; a 0.30ct, D, VS2 marquise diamond will retail at around £1,530, compared to a round diamond at £1,890.
How many facets does a marquise diamond have?
Marquise diamonds feature 57 facets, cut in typical brilliant cut style. These are cut and polished with meticulous attention to symmetry, and the better the cut grade, the sparklier the stone will appear.
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