Marquise Cut Diamonds: Ideal Proportions & L/W Ratio Guide

Sharif Khan
Sharif Khan
Last Updated    EST 
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The marquise cut diamond represents a modified brilliant cut, distinguished by its elongated, pointed end and gracefully curved, football-like shape. Its nomenclature traces back to the Marquise of Pompadour in the 18th century when King Louis XIV of France commissioned a stone to mirror her mouth's contour perfectly. It is alternatively referred to as the "Navette" cut and shares certain attributes with oval cut diamonds.

The slender, elongated form of the marquise cut imparts the illusion of a greater size, even with identical carat weights to other shapes. Opting for the marquise cut diamond can lend an exceptional aura to your gem, setting it apart from the norm. Its distinct shape is bound to command attention, especially when adorned in a solitaire setting. Additionally, marquise cut diamonds lay claim to the most expansive crown surface areas across all diamond shapes, further augmenting the perception of a larger size.

Key Points To Know

  • Bow-Tie Effect: Marquise cut diamonds with their elongated, narrow edges are susceptible to a "bow-tie effect," causing them to appear dull or have undesirable dark patches in the center. Make sure to account for this phenomenon during your selection by carefully reviewing its cut proportions shown below.

  • Cut Quality: Buy a marquise cut diamond graded by GIA with a length-to-width ratio of 1.8 to 2.05, depth of 56-64%, and table of 52-63%.

  • Edges and Angles: Keep an eye out for sharp edges and pointed ends in a marquise cut diamond. Ensuring its angles are precisely cut is crucial to its overall appearance and brilliance.

  • Examination: Utilize high-resolution 3D video technology with an in-depth visual of different angles to inspect the diamond and make a well-informed decision.

  • Fluorescence: Avoid fluorescence in colorless marquise cut diamonds. 

By considering these factors, buyers can make a more confident and informed choice when buying a marquise cut diamond.

Search and watch marquise cut diamonds in super HD 40X magnified videos.

Marquise Cut Highlights

Shape
 Marquise cut diamonds are among the most popular diamond shapes. There are times when they are the go-to choice, but they can also be the least popular choice.
Cut
 Consider a marquise cut with a total depth of 56%–64%, a table of 52%–63%, and a tolerance of 1-2% (up or down). See more below.
L/W Ratio
 When buying marquise cut diamonds, ensure you know the length-to-width ratio you prefer (see the image below for comparison). We recommend a range between 1.8 and 2.05.
Clarity
 Regarding clarity, SI1 is often eye-clean under 1.5-carat stones, while VS2 is also a good grade in the 2-2.5 carat range. A good SI2 might also work in the under-1-carat range if you are on a budget.
Color
 In terms of color, D-F colors are great options, though we recommend G color. H and I are also great budget options.
Certification
 We recommend you consider a GIA or AGS graded marquise cut diamond. Review the section below on carefully reading a grading report for further insights.
Fluorescence 
 Be sure to have sufficient knowledge about fluorescence and how it affects the price of a diamond. Avoid it in D to G colors and be flexible in H and lower grade colors.
Settings
 Marquise shaped diamonds look best in halo settings. Check our list of top marquise engagement rings.
Best Places
 Here is a list of the best places online to buy diamonds.

Proportions for an Ideal Marquise Cut

This chart functions as a general reference when assessing the cut quality of a marquise cut diamond. The length-to-width ratio, typically ranging from 1.74 to 2.25, is traditionally deemed classic, though individual preferences might sway this parameter.

marquise cut chart

When procuring a marquise cut diamond, meticulous attention should be directed toward its symmetry. Achieving near-mirror imaging between the right and left sides, coupled with precise alignment of both ends, is imperative. Even a slight misalignment could detrimentally impact the diamond's aesthetic appeal, underscoring the significance of seeking marquise cut diamonds exhibiting excellent to very good symmetry.

The potential occurrence of a bow-tie effect in marquise diamonds necessitates astute consideration, with an emphasis on acquiring well-cut marquise-shaped diamonds to avert this phenomenon.

Depth %

Poor/Fair: <48 or >73.5 / 48-73.5

Good: 50.1-53 / 71-74.5

Very Good: 56.2-58.1/62.3-67

Excellent: 57.8-62.3

Table %

Poor/Fair: <49 or >71/49 or 69

Good: 49-71

Very Good: 52/65-66

Excellent: 53-64

Culet

Poor/Fair: Very Large/Large

Good: Slightly large

Very Good: Medium/Very Small

Excellent: None

Girdle

Poor/Fair: Ex. Thin – Ex. Thick

Good: Very thin - thick

Very Good: Very thin - slightly thick

Excellent: Very thin - slightly thick

Length to Width Ratio

Poor/Fair: >1.56 or <2.47

Good: 1.63-1.73/2.26-2.32

Very Good: 1.74-1.80/2.06-2.25

Excellent: 1.80-2.05

Crown Height %

Poor/Fair: <7.9 or >20/7.9-20

Good: 8-19

Very Good: 10-17.9

Excellent: 11.7-15.7

Leverage tools such as James Allen's cutting-edge High-Resolution 3D Video Technology to effectively evaluate and compare various marquise cut diamonds. This innovative platform empowers you to discern the most suitable option based on the following crucial proportions and the desired length-to-width ratio. James Allen's advanced filter and video magnification technology set the industry benchmark for diamonds, offering an unparalleled exploration experience at no cost. By utilizing their resources, you can gain insights into diverse ratios and make informed decisions tailored to your preferences.

The ideal setting for a marquise cut diamond should incorporate prongs strategically positioned to safeguard the delicate endpoints of the diamond. These prongs assume a pivotal role in concealing potential flaws like naturals, extra facets, and other inclusions frequently located near the outer periphery of a raw stone.

Ideal Color in Marquise Cut Diamonds

Similar to other diamond shapes, color holds a crucial role in marquise cut diamonds. A higher color grade invariably translates to superior quality. Drawing from our experience, a considerable number of buyers exhibit a preference for diamonds with warmer hues due to the notable price distinction. In the realm of color spectrum, "warmer colors" pertain to the near-colorless domain of G-I color diamonds, while "colorless colors" denote D-F color diamonds. Opting for a lower color grade can substantially lower the cost of a marquise cut diamond. Nonetheless, it's pertinent to acknowledge that marquise cut diamonds with a carat size exceeding 1.0 might present slightly deeper colors at the endpoints. To mitigate this effect, we propose contemplating a selection that is one color grade higher than your customary choice.

diamond

For a more comprehensive understanding of the color aspect in marquise cut diamonds, we invite you to consult the detailed table below:

< 0.50 Carat

Poor/Far: >M/ L-M

Good: I-K

Very Good: G-I

Excellent: D-G

0.51 – 1.0 Carat

Poor/Fair: J-K / >L

Good: I

Very Good: H

Excellent: D-G

1.0 – 2.0 Carat

Poor/Fair: H-I / >I

Good: G

Very Good: D-F

Excellent: D-F

>2.0 Carat

Poor/Fair: H-I / >I

Good: G-H

Very Good: D-F

Excellent: D-F

Clarity in Marquise Cut Diamonds

Selecting a marquise cut diamond that aligns with your clarity preferences is paramount. Recognizing that each of our customers possesses distinct standards for clarity and color, we acknowledge that preferences can vary significantly. While some may gravitate towards flawless diamonds, others may find solace in a minor inclusion as long as it doesn't readily catch the eye.

diamond clarity chart

GIA's comprehensive clarity grading system serves as an invaluable framework to evaluate and cherry-pick a marquise cut diamond in accordance with your unique parameters. Referencing the subsequent chart, you'll find our recommended clarity tiers contingent on the diamond's carat weight.

< 0.50 Carat

Poor/Far: I2 / >I2

Good: I1-I2

Very Good: VS2-S12

Excellent: FL-VS1

0.51 – 1.0 Carat

Poor/Fair: I2 / >I2

Good: SI2

Very Good: VS2-SI2

Excellent: FL-VS1

1.0 – 2.0 Carat

Poor/Fair: SI2-I1 / >I1

Good: SI1-SI2

Very Good: VS2-SI1

Excellent: FL-VS1

>2.0 Carat

Poor/Fair: >SI2

Good: SI1-SI2

Very Good: VS1-VS2

Excellent: FL-WS2

Reading a Marquise Cut Grading Report

Apart from the widely acknowledged 4Cs, buyers must familiarize themselves with the following pivotal aspects of an marquise cut grading report or certificate, as the image below underscores.

Marquise Cut GIA Grading Report

Watch the HD Video of this Diamond.

Measurements: This holds significant importance as it imparts to the buyer information regarding the diamond's surface size, thereby indicating its apparent size in millimeters. Furthermore, it provides the length-to-width ratio by dividing the length by the width (in the given case, resulting in a ratio of 12.54/5.99=2.08).

Fluorescence: This should be regarded as the 5th C. Given the diamond's F color grade, avoiding fluorescence is the optimal choice in this specific example. Nevertheless, strong blue fluorescence is more concerning than medium blue fluorescence. Faint is safe.

Comments: This section will showcase clarity factors and highlight whether a diamond has undergone clarity enhancement, employing methods like laser drilling or color enhancement, among others. Additionally, be attentive to comments such as "clarity grade based on clouds," which is a worrisome indicator within clarity grades of VS2 and below. The laser inscription of the report number on the girdle is positioned above the comments section, offering an optional service for added verification.

Proportions: This chart is fundamental in assessing the diamond's cut. Specifically, focus on the table percentage (57% in the provided example - excellent), depth percentage (63.8% - excellent), girdle (thin to very thick - excellent), and culet (none - excellent).

Clarity Characteristics: This section will indicate the types of inclusions and their respective locations. It proves invaluable for buyers seeking to avoid diamonds with conspicuous inclusions at the center. Furthermore, these details are also helpful in correlating the report with the diamond, as these inclusions serve as the diamond's distinctive birthmarks.

Budget Pear Cut Options

Recommended carat weight, cut, color, and clarity guidelines for marquise cut diamonds tailored to budget-conscious buyers:

Excellent Choice:

  • Carat Weight: Minimum 1.2 Carats
  • Polish and Symmetry: Very Good to Excellent
  • Color: G or above
  • Clarity: SI1 or above
  • Fluorescence: None
  • Length/Width Ratios: 1.74-2.02

Very Good Choice:

  • Carat Weight: Minimum 1 Carat
  • Polish and Symmetry: Good to Excellent
  • Color: H or above
  • Clarity: SI1 or above
  • Fluorescence: None, faint, or medium blue
  • Length/Width Ratios: 1.74-2.02

Good Choice:

  • Carat Weight: Minimum 0.90 Carats
  • Polish and Symmetry: Good to Very Good
  • Color: I or above
  • Clarity: SI1 or above
  • Fluorescence: None, faint, or medium blue
  • Length/Width Ratios: 1.74-2.02