Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring: The Complete Guide

The marquise diamond, also called navette, is an elongated shape with two points, like a small boat. It is the shape that looks largest for its weight and the one that most slims the finger. Dramatic and a touch vintage, it makes for an engagement ring that does not go unnoticed. In this guide: how to choose a marquise diamond (proportions, symmetry, color), what size to expect by carat, which setting and which wedding band, and how much a marquise diamond ring costs. All our rings feature IGI- or GIA-certified lab-grown diamonds, in 18k gold or platinum, and can be tried on in our 10 showrooms in France.

Contents
Why this diamond · Size and carat: the chart · What to check · Comparing shapes · Which setting · Which metal · Which wedding band · Price · Frequently asked questions

Why choose a marquise diamond?

• It is the shape that looks largest. A 1-carat marquise measures about 10 × 5 mm: no other shape offers as much length for its weight.
• It slims the finger. Set lengthwise, it dramatically elongates the hand.
• It has a history. Legend has it that Louis XV had a stone cut in the shape of the Marquise de Pompadour’s smile, hence its name.
• It is uncommon. Less common than the round or the oval, it gives a ring a distinctive character.
• It sparkles brightly. Brilliant-cut, it returns light along its entire length.

Marquise diamond: size, carat and price

Carat measures weight, not size. The chart below gives the typical dimensions of a marquise diamond with classic proportions (length-to-width ratio of about 2), along with the price of our Montaigne Marquise solitaire in 18k gold, for each of our three diamond qualities.

At 1 carat, a marquise is already a centimeter long. For a dramatic effect on a controlled budget, a 0.70-carat marquise (nearly 9 mm) is an excellent choice.

Choosing your marquise diamond: 5 things to check

1. Length-to-width ratio

A classic marquise falls between 1.75 and 2.25, ideally around 2. Below that, it looks stockier; above, very slender. The calculation is simple: length divided by width, both listed on the certificate.

2. Symmetry of the points

The two points must be perfectly aligned on the same axis, and the two halves of the stone identical. Even a slight misalignment is immediately visible on the finger: it is the first thing to check, stone in hand.

3. The “bow-tie” effect

Like the oval and the pear, the marquise can show a dark area across its center. When faint, it adds contrast; when pronounced, it dulls the stone. It does not appear on the certificate: you need to see the stone.

4. Color

The two points concentrate color slightly. On white gold or platinum, aim for at least H, and F or D for a very crisp white. On yellow or rose gold, H looks white to the eye. We offer three qualities: H/VS2, F/VS1 and D/VVS1.

5. Clarity and the points

A clarity of VS2 is eye-clean. Avoid an inclusion located in a point, the thinnest area. Both points are protected by V-prongs. To read a certificate in detail, see our article on lab-grown diamond certification.

Marquise, pear or oval?

These three elongated shapes all slim the finger. The marquise, with its two points, is the most dramatic and looks the largest; the pear keeps one rounded end; the oval is the softest. At Laveran, all our Montaigne solitaires are priced the same for the same carat weight and quality. Here is how the marquise compares:

To learn more, read our guide which diamond shape to choose for an engagement ring, or which ring to choose for your hand shape.

Which setting for a marquise diamond?

• The solitaire, with a V-prong at each point: this is the Montaigne Marquise, from €880.
• The pavé band extends the brilliance along the band: this is the Vendôme Marquise, from €1,280.
• The halo follows the outline of the navette and makes it even more dramatic: this is the Odéon Marquise, from €1,480, or the Odéon Double Halo, from €1,580.

Vertical or horizontal? The marquise is traditionally worn along the length of the finger. Set horizontally (east-west), it becomes more graphic: we make this version on request.

Yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum?

All our rings are available in 18k yellow, white or rose gold, and in 950 platinum. Yellow gold highlights the vintage charm of the marquise; white gold and platinum give it a more modern look; rose gold a romantic touch. Platinum is the densest and most durable of the four. For a full comparison, see the differences between yellow, rose and white gold.

Which wedding band with a marquise ring?

Because of its points, the marquise leaves a small gap against a straight wedding band. A slim band, pavé or plain, is the most elegant; a half-eternity band leaves the spotlight on the solitaire. In the showroom, we check with you that the two rings sit well together. To know in which order to wear them, see in what order to wear an engagement ring and wedding band.

How much does a marquise diamond ring cost?

At Laveran, a marquise solitaire starts at €880 and the 1-carat solitaire is available from €1,744, with an IGI or GIA certificate. The price depends on four things: carat weight, diamond quality (H/VS2, F/VS1 or D/VVS1), setting and metal. The chart above gives the details carat by carat.

A lab-grown diamond costs significantly less than a mined diamond of the same size and quality, which often means you can choose a larger carat weight for the same budget. To learn more: how much a lab-grown diamond costs, the 1-carat lab-grown diamond and the average price of an engagement ring. Our diamond guide also explains each of the 4Cs.

How does buying from Laveran work?

1. You book an appointment at one of our 10 showrooms in France or by video call. The appointment is free, with no obligation.
2. You compare stones and settings. An advisor shows you several marquise diamonds, you try them on, and your ring size is taken with a professional ring sizer.
3. We craft your ring in your size, in 18k gold or platinum, with the diamond you chose.
4. You receive your ring with the stone’s IGI or GIA certificate, whose number is laser-inscribed on the diamond.

Frequently asked questions

How big is a 1-carat marquise diamond?

About 10 × 5 mm for a marquise with classic proportions. The exact measurements appear on the certificate.

Why does the marquise look so large?

Because its weight is concentrated in its length: for the same carat weight, it is the shape with the largest visible surface.

Are the points of a marquise fragile?

They are the thinnest areas of the stone. In our settings, each point is held by a protective V-prong.

Where does the name “marquise” come from?

Legend has it that Louis XV had a diamond cut in the shape of the Marquise de Pompadour’s smile. It is also called “navette.”

Marquise or pear?

The marquise has two points and looks larger; the pear has one rounded end and a softer style. Both are priced the same at Laveran.

How much does a 1-carat marquise diamond solitaire cost?

At Laveran, €1,744 in H/VS2 quality, €2,096 in F/VS1 and €2,360 in D/VVS1, in 18k gold, with an IGI or GIA certificate.

Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?

Yes. It is pure carbon, with a hardness of 10 and the same optical properties as a mined diamond; only its origin differs. Each stone is IGI- or GIA-certified, with its number laser-inscribed.

Can I see the rings before buying?

Yes, in one of our 10 showrooms in France, by appointment only and with no obligation, or by video call. Each ring is then made in your size.

Other diamond shapes: round · oval · cushion · princess · pear · emerald cut

Also explore: all our engagement rings · our diamond wedding bands · how to measure your ring size · caring for lab-grown diamond jewelry