Updated . Published .
Marquise Diamond Guide: Ideal Ratio, Depth and Price
Short answer: a marquise diamond is a long, boat shaped brilliant cut with curved sides that meet at two points. For most buyers, the ideal marquise has a length to width ratio of 1.75 to 2.20, a table of 56% to 62%, a depth of 58% to 65%, Excellent symmetry and protected tips.
- The marquise is the longest diamond shape. Its ratio averages about 1.95 on StoneAlgo, and 1.90 is the most common.
- A marquise looks larger from above than a round of the same carat weight.
- In November 2026, a 1 carat natural marquise averaged $3,480 on StoneAlgo, 25% less than a 1 carat round.
- Both tips can chip. Choose V shaped prongs or a bezel that covers them.
- Marquise is one of the least common shapes, so selection is limited.
What is a marquise diamond?
A marquise cut diamond has gently curved sides that meet at two tapered points. The shape looks like a boat, a football or an eye. GIA notes that King Louis XV of France named the cut for his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour (GIA's marquise diamond guide).
The marquise is the most elongated of all diamond shapes. On StoneAlgo, its average length to width ratio is about 1.95, well ahead of the pear, the next longest shape.
The long shape can make fingers look slimmer and longer. It is a rare choice: marquise is one of the two least popular shapes in StoneAlgo's shopper data, ahead of only the Asscher.
Marquise diamond pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A rare, eye catching shape | Two pointed tips that can chip |
| Looks larger per carat than a round | Many show a dark bow tie in the center |
| Costs less than a round of the same weight | Limited selection |
| Works north to south or east to west | No GIA cut grade, so you judge the cut yourself |
On November 12, 2026, StoneAlgo listed 3,491 natural 1 carat marquise diamonds, against 72,170 rounds. Search marquise diamonds from many online jewelers in one place.
What are the ideal proportions for a marquise diamond?
GIA assigns an overall cut grade to round brilliants only. For a marquise, the report gives polish and symmetry grades (Excellent to Poor) plus the measurements. Choose Excellent symmetry, since the two halves and the two tips should match. Then use the ranges below, taken from the marquise diamonds in StoneAlgo's database.
| Measurement | Where most marquise diamonds fall | Most common value |
|---|---|---|
| Length to width ratio | 1.75 to 2.20 | 1.90 |
| Table percentage | 56% to 62% | 60% |
| Depth percentage | 58% to 65% | 63.1% |
| Polish and symmetry | Excellent or Very Good | Choose Excellent |
Best length to width ratio for a marquise
The most common marquise ratio is 1.90, and most fall between 1.75 and 2.20. GIA describes the classic marquise as about twice as long as it is wide. A higher ratio gives a slimmer, longer stone.
Best depth percentage for a marquise
The most common marquise depth is 63.1%, and most fall between 58% and 65%. Interest drops faster above 63.5%. Deeper stones look smaller from above, so shoppers avoid them.
Best table percentage for a marquise
The most common marquise table is 60%, and most fall between 56% and 62%. For more on both numbers, read how depth and table affect a diamond.
How do you avoid a bow tie in a marquise?
Like ovals and pears, a brilliant cut marquise can show a dark bow tie across its center. GIA notes that a pronounced bow tie can reduce brilliance and distract the eye. The grading report does not show it, so check photos or a video and choose a stone with a faint bow tie. The oval cut diamond guide shows examples.
What color and clarity are best for a marquise?
A marquise has brilliant facets, so it hides small inclusions well. A VS2 or an eye clean SI1 gives the best value for most buyers.
| Grade | Best value for most buyers | Step up if |
|---|---|---|
| Color | G or H in white metal, I in yellow or rose gold | The stone is over 2 carats, or you want a colorless look (D to F) |
| Clarity | VS2 or eye clean SI1 | You cannot confirm the SI1 is eye clean from photos or video |
| Polish and symmetry | Excellent | This is the top grade. Very Good is the lowest we suggest |
The diamond color grade guide explains each grade on the GIA scale.
How much does a marquise diamond cost?
In November 2026, a 1 carat natural marquise cost about 25% less than a 1 carat natural round on StoneAlgo. That makes it pricier than a cushion, emerald or princess, but cheaper than an oval or pear. These averages cover every color and clarity grade listed, so they move with the grade mix.
| 1 carat diamond, November 12, 2026 | Natural, average | Lab grown, average |
|---|---|---|
| Marquise | $3,480 | $616 |
| Round | $4,635 | $534 |
The live table below updates with StoneAlgo's price index.
Marquise Cut Diamond Prices
Below are prices for Marquise Cut diamonds as of November 13, 2026. Prices are based on StoneAlgo's proprietary diamond price index calculation.
| Carat Weight | Price | Price Per Carat |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | $842 | $1,684 |
| 1 | $3,467 | $3,467 |
| 2 | $19,322 | $9,661 |
| 3 | $46,614 | $15,538 |
- 0.5 carat marquise diamond prices
- 1 carat marquise diamond prices
- 2 carat marquise diamond prices
- 3 carat marquise diamond prices
For a price on one exact set of grades, use the diamond price calculator.
What is the best setting for a marquise diamond?
GIA calls the tips the parts most likely to chip. Most settings place a V shaped prong over each tip, and a bezel covers the whole edge. A marquise is usually set north to south, along the finger. An east to west setting turns it across the finger for a modern look. The two rings below hold center stones of nearly the same weight.
How big is a marquise diamond?
GIA notes that a marquise can look larger face up than a round of the same carat weight. See the marquise diamond size chart for the typical length and width at each carat weight. StoneAlgo's visual carat weight shows how big each diamond looks from above.
How to buy a marquise diamond
- Choose your ratio. Most buyers like 1.75 to 2.20.
- Search marquise diamonds with Excellent symmetry, a 56% to 62% table and a 58% to 65% depth.
- Check each photo or video for matching halves, a faint bow tie and clean tips.
- Run your top picks through the Diamond Check tool to see the visual carat and a price and quality check.
- Put your finalists side by side in the diamond comparison tool, then choose a setting that protects both tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal table and depth for a marquise diamond?
Most marquise diamonds have a table of 56% to 62% and a depth of 58% to 65%. The most common values are a 60% table and a 63.1% depth.
What is the best length to width ratio for a marquise?
Most marquise diamonds fall between 1.75 and 2.20, and 1.90 is the most common. The classic marquise is about twice as long as it is wide.
Are marquise diamonds cheaper than round?
Yes. On November 12, 2026, a 1 carat natural marquise averaged $3,480 on StoneAlgo, against $4,635 for a 1 carat natural round.
Why is it called a marquise?
GIA notes that King Louis XV of France named the cut for his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour.
Do marquise diamonds look bigger?
Yes. The long shape spreads the weight over a large face up area, so a marquise can look larger than a round of the same carat weight.
