Diamond Shape marquise

The Essentials You Need To Know When Purchasing and Caring For Your Diamond.

Marquise Cut Diamond

The Marquise Cut Diamond looks like a long oval with pointed ends; also called navette. It is said to have been commissioned by France's King Louis XIV for his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour, and inspired by her smile. The Marquise Cut has 58 facets laid in a "step cut" fashion. Step cut diamonds have the facets applied in levels or steps on both the crown and the pavilion.

The Marquise Cut Diamond is distinctive and dramatic with a striking tapered profile that compliments and slenders the finger. The shape maximizes carat weight, looking much larger than other diamond shapes of comparable carat weight. Its opulent presence looks spectacular in a variety of designs and marquise diamonds are often seen with baguette or trillion diamonds along each side or by themselves in a classic solitaire.

Selecting a Well Cut Marquise

Avoid Marquise Shape Diamonds with very thin or very thick girdles. Thin girdles make the stone susceptible to breakage at the tips, while thick girdles can make it hard to set them securely. Marquise Cut Diamonds can also exhibit a pattern of darkness in the center that resembles a bow tie. Although is is an optical property of this shape, there are a number of factors in the cutting process that can intensify or diminish its visibility. Our Amberley West retailers and customer service staff can help you select the best stone.

The science of analyzing light performance in diamonds utilizing computer models is in its infancy. To date, no models have been created for the Marquise Cut. Until clear standards have been widely adopted it is best to look for a stone that is neither too narrow or wide and falls within the suggested proportions and characteristics provided below as a guide.

What to Look For

Cut Factor	Excellent	Very Good	Good
Length to Width	1.33 - 1.66	1.33 - 1.66	""
Table %	53% - 58%	53% - 61%	""
Total Depth %	56% - 72%	52% - 75%	""
Girdle Thickness	Thin - Thick	Thin - Thick	""
Cut Grade (GIA - AGSL)	EX	EX - VG	""
Polish	EX	EX - VG	""
Symmetry	EX	EX - VG	""