Marquise Cut Diamonds

A diamond knows for its bow-tie effect.Diamond Tips

- A Good to Very Good cut provides the most economical marquise cut.

- A length/width ratio of 1.75 - 2.25 might be a little less expensive but still looks great.

Marquise Cut Diamond L/W Ratio

Marquise Cut Diamonds: As Unique as the Smile of Marquise de Pompadour

As with many of the fancy shaped diamonds, the marquise is a fascinating cut with an ardent presence. This canoe-shaped diamond must be carefully chosen by the diamond cutter because of its unusual geometry. Its beauty dates back to King Louis XIV, who desired a diamond shaped like the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The most important thing to remember when choosing this sophisticated cut is the length-to-width ratio to avoid a bow-tie effect.


Ideal Marquise Cut vs Normal Marquise Cut

The ideal proportions for a marquise cut diamond fall into the following range:

  Ideal Proportions (Class 1A) Acceptable* (Class 2B)
Depth Percentage: 59.0% - 63.0% 63.1% - 65.4%
Table Percentage: 55.0% - 60.0% 51.0% - 64.0%
Polish: Very Good to Excellent Good to Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good to Excellent Good to Very Good
Girdle: Very Thin to Slightly Thick
(0.4% - 4.5%) or
Thin to Thick (1.0% - 5.5%)
Very Thin to Thick
(0.4% - 5.5%)
Culet: None to Very Small None to Medium
Length/Width Ratio: 1.75 - 2.25 1.75 - 2.25

Adapted from D.S. Atlas, Accredited Gem Appraisers, © AGA 1998-2004.

* E.S. Designs does not carry any diamonds below an Acceptable Cut.

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