The marquise has two pointed tips — one at each end — and both are vulnerable to chipping if left unprotected. V-prongs at each tip are essential: they shield the points without obscuring the diamond's outline. A bezel setting eliminates the risk entirely but partially covers the elongated silhouette, which is the marquise's defining feature. For maximum visual impact, a 6-prong setting with V-prongs at both tips is the classic choice.

The marquise is traditionally set north-south along the finger, but east-west settings — where the stone lies perpendicular to the finger — have grown significantly in popularity and create a bold, contemporary look. Halo settings amplify the already generous face-up size. Three-stone designs work beautifully with tapered baguette or trillion side stones that echo the marquise's pointed geometry.

Marquise diamonds offer excellent value. As a general guide at G colour and VS2 clarity: approximately €700–€1,100 for a 0.50ct stone, €1,400–€2,400 for a 1.00ct, €2,500–€4,200 for a 1.50ct, and €5,500–€9,000 for a 2.00ct.

At Diamantwerp, our prices are typically 75% below what you would pay at a traditional jeweller for the same certified stone.

Antwerp is the world's diamond capital — over 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through the city's diamond district each year. Buying certified natural diamonds in Antwerp means purchasing direct from the source, with none of the retail markups added by high-street jewellers or international online platforms.

At Diamantwerp, our office on Pelikaanstraat 62 sits at the heart of the Antwerp diamond district, allowing us to source marquise cut diamonds directly from cutters and sight-holders and pass the savings to you.

Unlike round brilliants — which can achieve a Triple Excellent cut grade from GIA — marquise cut diamonds receive no standardised cut grade. GIA grades marquise diamonds on polish and symmetry only. For a marquise, symmetry is particularly critical: any asymmetry between the two pointed tips or the two curved sides is immediately visible and significantly impacts beauty.

When assessing a certified marquise, check the length-to-width ratio (ideally 1.75–2.15), verify that both tips align perfectly on the central axis, inspect the severity of any bow-tie effect, and ensure the belly curves are symmetrical. Every marquise diamond at Diamantwerp comes with a verified certificate from GIA, HRD or IGI — and our team walks you through the proportions before you commit.