Page
Lab-Grown Marquise Cut Diamonds: The Complete Guide
A marquise cut lab-grown diamond is an elongated, boat-shaped stone with two pointed ends and a brilliant-cut facet pattern, giving it the largest face-up size of any shape per carat. Its dramatic, regal outline suits buyers who want maximum perceived size and a distinctive silhouette. Sourced to order, certified by IGI or GIA at VS1 minimum, with pricing on enquiry.
Overview
The Marquise diamond is known for its distinctive elongated shape with pointed ends, creating an illusion of increased size and grandeur. This dramatic cut is designed to capture and reflect light in a way that enhances its visual presence. The marquise’s unique form gives it a bold and sophisticated appeal, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a diamond that stands out. Its streamlined silhouette offers both elegance and a touch of opulence, making it suitable for a variety of jewellery designs.
Origin and development
The origin of the marquise cut is steeped in legend, with one story suggesting it was inspired by the smile of a noblewoman. Dating back to the 18th century, this cut was designed to maximise the stone’s visual impact while symbolising elegance and luxury. Its distinctive shape has evolved over centuries, with modern cutting techniques enhancing its symmetry and light performance. Today, the marquise remains a timeless choice for those who appreciate a blend of historical charm and contemporary style.
How the marquise cut is shaped
The marquise cut features a long, narrow body with gracefully curved sides that taper to pointed ends, resembling the shape of a football or a boat’s prow. This elegant form is achieved through precise faceting that maximises both the stone’s reflective properties and its overall proportions. The combination of elongated curves and sharp points creates a distinctive silhouette that is both modern and classically glamorous. Its design not only accentuates the stone’s brilliance but also adds an element of drama and sophistication to any setting.
Why choose a marquise cut
Marquise diamonds are particularly prized for their ability to make the stone appear larger than its actual carat weight, thanks to the extended outline and tapered points. The design optimises light reflection and refraction, resulting in a captivating sparkle that is both unique and dynamic. This cut also brings a sense of elongated beauty that flatters the wearer’s hand, providing an impressive blend of size illusion and refined brilliance that enhances any piece of jewellery.
What to look for when buying
In elongated brilliant cuts, check the length-to-width ratio for the silhouette you want, and ask us to screen the bowtie, the shadow across the centre, which we inspect on every stone we shortlist. Every CRTD stone is independently certified by IGI or GIA at a VS1 minimum clarity.
Choosing well
The two pointed tips are the marquise cut's defining feature and its main vulnerability: those points can chip if left exposed, so a V-prong or bezel that shields each end is worth specifying. Equally important is symmetry; check that both halves mirror each other and that the points align, as an off-centre stone is immediately visible at this elongation.
Sourced to your brief
We do not hold a wall of inventory. Tell us your brief and our atelier shortlists certified marquise cut stones to match, each with full IGI or GIA paperwork. See how we source.
Common questions
What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for a marquise cut diamond?
A length-to-width ratio of 1.85 to 2.10 is generally considered ideal for a marquise cut, producing the classic elongated, balanced outline the shape is known for. Lower ratios look rounder and more compact, while higher ones can appear too narrow. Within this range the choice comes down to personal preference and the setting.
Does the marquise cut hide inclusions well, and what should I screen for?
As a brilliant cut, the marquise scatters light and can help soften the look of minor inclusions, though at our VS1 minimum clarity the stones are already eye-clean. The main thing to screen for is the bowtie, a darker band across the centre caused by faceting; choose a stone where it is faint. Also confirm the symmetry of both points.
Is a marquise cut durable enough for everyday wear?
Yes, with the right setting. The marquise has two pointed ends that need protection, as exposed points are the area most likely to chip. A setting with V-prongs or a bezel shielding each tip makes the stone well suited to daily wear, while preserving its dramatic outline and largest face-up size per carat.