What is the "bow-tie" effect in a marquise?

The bow-tie is a darker, bow-tie-shaped shadow that appears across the centre of elongated cuts, including the marquise. It arises from the way the diamond returns light. In a well-cut marquise it is inconspicuous, while in a poorly cut one it can be distracting — which is why it pays to assess the diamond in person or from a video.

What length-to-width ratio is ideal for a marquise?

A classic marquise has a length-to-width ratio of roughly 1.85 to 2.10. Around a value of 2.0 the shape looks most balanced. A lower ratio makes the marquise chunkier, a higher one stretches and slims it — it comes down mainly to personal taste and how you want the diamond to look on the hand.

Are the points of a marquise prone to damage?

The points are the most exposed part of a marquise and can chip on impact. The risk is significantly reduced by a V-prong setting, which protects the points. When choosing, it is also advisable to check that the points are not too sharp and have no nicks.

Does a marquise look larger than other diamonds of the same weight?

Yes, thanks to its elongated shape and large crown surface, a marquise generally looks larger for the same carat weight than more compact cuts, and it also visually lengthens the finger. It is therefore popular with those who want to draw the maximum visible size from the carat weight.

Shape · Marquise

Engagement Rings with a Marquise-Cut Diamond

The marquise is an elongated cut with points at both ends — a dramatic, unmissable shape that visually lengthens the finger and draws the maximum visible surface from every carat.

It suits anyone seeking a striking, elegant diamond with character. Thanks to its slender silhouette, the marquise looks larger than many other cuts of the same weight and stands out on the hand even at a smaller carat weight.

GIA · IGI · HRD certificate from 0.30 ct
Made in our Czech goldsmith workshop
Maximum perceived size per carat

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Engagement Rings with a Marquise-Cut Diamond

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Collection · Marquise

Selected marquise designs

Choose a marquise engagement ring to match your vision.

Solitaire

Marquise Halo Ring

Halo setting around the marquise centre with double split-shank pavé.

With diamond

from€7,365.10

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How it works

From consultation to the finished ring

Four steps — from the first consultation to handing over the finished ring with its diamond certificate.

01
Consultation

We discuss your vision, budget and timeline — in person or online. No obligation, at your own pace.
02
Choosing the diamond

We select a certified natural or lab-grown diamond by the 4Cs specifically for your ring.
03
Design and crafting

We prepare the design, confirm the details and craft the ring by hand in our Czech goldsmith workshop.
04
Handover and care

We hand over the ring with its diamond certificate. We offer engraving, resizing and lifetime jewellery care.

Character of the shape

Why a marquise

The marquise is among the most striking cuts of all. Its elongated silhouette with points at both ends looks dramatic and slender — on the hand the diamond lengthens the finger and visually slims the whole hand.

Thanks to its large crown surface, the marquise generally looks larger than more compact cuts of the same weight. It will appeal to anyone who wants an unmissable, distinctive diamond while drawing the maximum visible size from the carat weight.

What to look for in a marquise

Symmetry, points and the "bow-tie" effect

With a marquise it is the quality of the cut and its symmetry, rather than colour or clarity, that matter most. Both points must sit exactly opposite each other and both halves of the diamond be mirror images — even slight asymmetry is immediately visible in such an elongated shape.

Watch for the so-called "bow-tie" effect: a darker, bow-tie-shaped shadow across the centre of the diamond that appears in all elongated cuts. In a well-cut marquise it is barely noticeable, whereas a pronounced one detracts from the brilliance. A balanced length-to-width ratio of roughly 1.85 to 2.10 gives a classic, elegant marquise — lower values look stubby, higher ones fragile.

Setting and metal

How to set a marquise

The points of a marquise are the diamond's most vulnerable spot, so it is wise to protect them. We offer settings with so-called V-prongs, which wrap around the points and shield them from impact and chipping.

A marquise can be set lengthwise along the finger for maximum slenderness, or crosswise ("east-west") for a modern look. White metals such as white gold or platinum underscore the sparkle and cool elegance of the shape, while yellow and rose gold lend a warmer, bolder frame. We would be glad to design the specific execution to your vision.

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Pillar

Engagement rings

An overview of all diamond shapes and how to choose an engagement ring to match your vision.

Shape

Pear

A teardrop shape combining a point and a rounded end — elegant and likewise visually lengthening the finger.

Shape

Oval

An elongated rounded cut with the sparkle of a round diamond that also visually lengthens the finger.

Frequently asked questions

Consultation

Find your bespoke marquise

Choose a marquise-cut diamond to match your vision. In a no-obligation consultation we will help you compare length-to-width ratios, assess symmetry and the "bow-tie" effect, and design a setting that protects the points. We craft every engagement ring in our Czech goldsmith workshop and supply diamonds from 0.30 ct with a GIA, IGI or HRD certificate.