Marquise Natural Diamonds

What defines the marquise cut in a natural diamond?

The marquise cut is an elongated fancy shape with two pointed ends and a curved body, typically cut to a length-to-width ratio between 1.75:1 and 2.15:1. Its outline derives from a brilliant-cutting pattern, usually 58 facets, which allows a natural diamond of this shape to return light across a broad face-up area. Because marquise natural diamonds have a larger table relative to their carat weight than most round brilliants of the same mass, they can appear visibly larger when viewed from above. One technical consideration specific to this shape is the bow-tie effect — a dark shadow across the centre that appears when the facet angles do not adequately redirect light. A well-cut marquise natural diamond will minimise this shadow without sacrificing overall brightness. When selecting a loose stone, examining the cut proportions alongside the GIA, HRD or IGI certificate is essential.

How to choose a marquise natural diamond: cut, colour, and clarity

For a marquise natural diamond, cut proportions deserve particular attention. A depth percentage between 58% and 62% and a table percentage between 53% and 63% generally produces the most balanced light return. Colour is also a meaningful consideration: the pointed tips of a marquise natural diamond can concentrate yellow tints, making colour grade more visible at the extremities than in a round stone of the same grade. Many buyers opt for G or H colour to balance value against near-colourless appearance. On clarity, inclusions positioned near the tips are structurally less desirable, as those areas carry the most stress during setting. SI1 or VS2 clarity stones are often practical choices, provided inclusions are not tip-adjacent. Each marquise natural diamond here carries certification from GIA, HRD or IGI, allowing these parameters to be verified directly.

What does a marquise natural diamond cost in the UK?

Pricing for a marquise natural diamond is influenced by carat weight, cut quality, colour, and clarity. Because fancy shapes like the marquise are cut from rough with less material waste than rounds, they can offer a lower price per carat than a round brilliant of identical grades. A 1.0ct marquise natural diamond in G/VS2 will cost notably less than a comparable round, while still presenting a larger face-up surface. Bridebook's 2026 UK average engagement ring spend of £2,247 provides a useful reference point for those planning a ring build around a marquise natural diamond centre stone. Loose stones are available across a range of specifications to suit varying budgets, and each purchase benefits from complimentary insured UK delivery and a 30-day return window, no questions asked, no exclusions.

How long does it take to set a marquise natural diamond into a ring?

Purchasing a marquise natural diamond loose and having it set into one of our rings follows a clear process. Once the stone is confirmed, our Hatton Garden workshop produces a CAD design followed by a silver or wax sample available for try-on at our London showroom by appointment. From order confirmation, production takes 7–14 working days, with simpler solitaire settings at the shorter end and more intricate designs toward the longer end. The marquise shape requires careful setting — the two pointed tips must be secured with V-shaped or claw tips to protect against chipping, a detail our workshop accounts for at the design stage. The finished ring is hallmarked at the London Assay Office before insured UK delivery.

Caring for a marquise natural diamond over time

Natural diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making a marquise natural diamond highly resistant to surface scratching in daily wear. The pointed tips are the most vulnerable area and benefit from the protective V-tip claws mentioned above. Routine care involves cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to clear oils and debris from beneath the stone — the elongated outline of a marquise natural diamond can trap more material along its length than a compact round. An annual professional check at our Hatton Garden workshop is advisable to confirm the tip claws remain secure. With appropriate setting and maintenance, a marquise natural diamond retains its character across decades of wear.