Diamond shapes
The marquise engagement ring
A marquise diamond is the most elongated of the classic diamond shapes, pointed at both ends and curved like a small boat. No other cut looks as large per carat or elongates the finger as clearly.
At émin we show you how a marquise sparkles in daylight, what to watch for at the two delicate points, and how the shape can be worn lengthwise or turned sideways across the finger, known as east-west.
Why couples choose a marquise
The biggest look per carat
Thanks to its elongated shape, a marquise diamond looks larger per carat than any classic cut. A 1-carat marquise can visually outshine a noticeably heavier round brilliant.
Noticeably elongates the finger
Worn lengthwise, the narrow, pointed shape makes the hand look visibly longer and slimmer. An effect barely any other diamond shape achieves as strongly.
Modern and unexpected
Worn sideways across the finger, known as east-west, a marquise looks especially modern and distinctive. An unusual choice for couples who deliberately want to move away from the classic look.
What a loose marquise diamond looks like
A loose marquise diamond shows its distinctive silhouette most clearly from above: two pointed ends with a curved, wide body in between. The brilliant-style facets make the stone sparkle along its entire length, not just in the middle.
When selecting one, we pay particular attention to symmetry and the length-to-width ratio, since a marquise that's too narrow or too rounded quickly looks unbalanced. We show you several stones in direct comparison, so the proportions genuinely suit your hand.
Marquise or brilliant: the differences at a glance
Both sparkle strongly. The main differences lie in the shape and the two delicate points.
| Feature | Marquise | Brilliant (round) |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle | Lively sparkle across the entire length | The strongest sparkle of all shapes |
| Size effect per carat | Looks the largest of all shapes thanks to its length | Looks compact and round |
| Price level | Usually a little lower than a brilliant at the same carat weight | Reference price, usually traded highest |
| Visible inclusions | Partly, especially near the two points | No, the many facets hide small inclusions well |
| Distinctive feature | Possible bow-tie effect, both points need a protective setting | 57 facets, the classic round cut |
Marquise in our Zurich collection
Luna shows the marquise cut as a clean solitaire in yellow gold. On request we build any model in our collection with this cut.
What a marquise engagement ring costs
Guide prices for a first orientation. We always discuss the exact figure in your personal consultation.
Price depends on the work involved. We calculate openly, no surprises.
Guide prices, as of 2026, incl. VAT. The exact price depends on stone, metal and work.
Frequently asked questions
The elongated shape spreads the weight across a large surface area instead of depth, so a marquise diamond looks noticeably larger from above than a round brilliant of the same weight. That's exactly why it's popular with couples who want maximum visual size on a tighter budget.
Yes, both fine ends are the most vulnerable parts of the stone. A good prong setting protects each point with an extra, discreet prong, so the stone sits securely in everyday wear without the setting hiding its elegant shape.
East-west means the stone sits sideways across the finger instead of lengthwise. It looks more modern and distinctive than the classic direction, where the points face the wrist and fingertip. We're happy to show you both options so you can find the direction that suits you.
Usually a little, yes, because less rough weight is lost during cutting compared to a round cut. The exact difference always depends on colour, clarity and the quality of the individual stone. We show you several stones side by side in your consultation and break down the prices openly.
Yes, that's exactly what the atelier appointment is for. You see the stone under a loupe, in daylight and right next to other shapes for comparison. For a video consultation we show you stones on camera and send close-up photos and the certificate as well.
Both work equally well, the difference lies only in price and origin. A lab-grown diamond often allows for a larger carat weight at the same budget, which shows especially well in the elongated marquise shape. We explain both sides honestly, the decision is yours.
Quick enquiry
Ready for your marquise ring?
Send us a short message about what you're looking for. We'll give you honest advice on shape, setting and price, and suggest an appointment, in Zurich or by video.