Buying Guide
If apparent size at a fixed budget is the goal, marquise is the answer and it is not close. The long navette outline spreads weight across the finger instead of down into the stone, so a marquise reads substantially larger than a round of the same weight — and because the shape uses the rough crystal efficiently, it costs less per carat at the same time.
Two points mean two V-prongs, fitted as standard. Past that, symmetry is what to examine. An off-centre point on a marquise announces itself from across a table in a way no inclusion ever will, so cut quality outranks the clarity grade on this page. Some bow-tie across the centre is normal on any elongated brilliant, and a well-cut stone keeps it faint rather than absent. A contoured band usually suits the outline better than a straight one. Every stone is IGI-certified in D–F colour, VVS–VS clarity and Excellent cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a marquise diamond look bigger than other shapes?
Yes — it has the largest surface area per carat of any shape we cut. The long, pointed outline spreads weight across the finger rather than into depth, so a marquise reads larger than a round of the same weight and costs less per carat. We carry 135 marquise pieces across the range.
How are the points on a marquise protected?
With a V-prong over each end, fitted as standard. A marquise has two points rather than the pear’s one, so both need covering. The other consideration is symmetry: the two halves should mirror each other, because an off-centre point is far more visible on a marquise than a flaw would be on a round.
What is a bow-tie, and does it matter?
A bow-tie is the dark band that can appear across the centre of an oval, marquise or pear when light passes straight through instead of reflecting back. Every elongated stone has some; a well-cut one keeps it faint. We reject stones where it dominates the table, so it is worth looking at the video before you order.
Are pear and marquise shapes fragile?
The points are the vulnerable part, not the stone itself. A diamond is a 10 on the Mohs scale everywhere, but a sharp point concentrates impact. We set every pear and marquise with a V-prong over the point as standard, which is the accepted solution. Worn normally, a protected point is no more at risk than a round.
Does the shape change the price of a lab grown diamond?
Yes. Round costs the most per carat because cutting it wastes the most rough material. Step cuts such as emerald and asscher, and elongated brilliants such as marquise, generally cost less at the same weight. Across our range the same budget will usually buy noticeably more carat weight in an emerald cut than in a round.
- IGI certification Every Beyond Carat diamond is graded by IGI, and the report ships in the box.
- Flexible payments Affirm monthly payments and Shop Pay Installments at checkout.
- Returns 65-day returns, measured from the date your order ships. Free prepaid, insured UPS return label on U.S. orders. Free ring resizing for a full year.
- Warranty Lifetime manufacturing warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Not sure where to start? Book a free 30-minute call with our team — video or phone, no obligation.