Marquise Cut Diamond Rings: Style & Buying Guide
Marquise cut diamonds maximize carat weight and elongate the finger. Learn how to buy a beautiful marquise ring and avoid the bow-tie effect.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Key takeaways
- •Size Illusion: Marquise cuts look larger than any other diamond shape for the same carat weight.
- •Finger Flattering: The elongated shape makes fingers appear longer and more slender.
- •Durability: V-prongs are essential to protect the two sharp points from chipping.
- •Bow-Tie Effect: Look for a minimal bow-tie (dark shadow in center) that blends with the sparkle.
The marquise cut is the master of illusion. Its elongated shape makes it look larger than any other diamond shape of the same carat weight, and it has a flattering effect that makes fingers look longer and more slender.
The Royal History
Legend has it that King Louis XV of France commissioned a jeweler to create a diamond shape that resembled the lips of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The result was this elegant, boat-shaped cut with pointed ends.
Buying Tips for Marquise Diamonds
1. Watch the Points
The two sharp points of a marquise diamond are vulnerable to chipping. Always choose a setting with V-prongs (or V-tips) that protect these delicate ends.
2. Symmetry is Key
Because of its length, any asymmetry in a marquise cut is very noticeable. The two points should align perfectly, and the left and right sides should be mirror images.
3. The Bow-Tie Effect
Like radiant and oval cuts, marquise diamonds often have a "bow-tie"—a dark shadow across the center. A well-cut marquise will have a minimal bow-tie that blends in with the sparkle. Avoid stones with a stark, black bar across the middle.
Best Settings for Marquise Cuts
- Solitaire with V-Prongs: Classic and lets the unique shape shine.
- East-West Setting: Setting the stone horizontally for a unique, modern look.
- Halo: Adds even more size and sparkle to an already large-looking stone.
Where to Shop
We recommend retailers that offer high-resolution imagery so you can check for symmetry and the bow-tie effect.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.