Marquise vs Oval Diamonds: Which Should You Choose?

Both shapes are brilliant cuts, with dozens of small, angled facets, so both sparkle much like a round. A marquise is long and narrow and tapers to a point at both ends, like a boat seen from above. An oval keeps the same long line but curves softly at each end.

The marquise reads as bold and vintage; the oval as soft and modern.

The marquise looks longer. In our search a typical 1 carat marquise measures about 10.5 by 5.2 mm face-up, against about 8.0 by 5.6 mm for a 1 carat oval. At 2 carats it is about 13.2 by 6.6 mm against 10.1 by 7.1 mm. The oval is a little wider; the marquise covers more of the finger's length.

Both shapes make the finger look longer and slimmer, the marquise most of all. Our guide Understanding Diamond Size Before You Buy explains face-up size.

• Both points. Choose a setting with a prong or bezel over each tip.
• Ratio. Most marquise diamonds in our search measure about 2.00 to 1; higher looks slimmer, lower looks fuller.
• Symmetry. The two halves should mirror each other, with the points in line.
• Bow tie. A darker band across the center; look for a faint one in the photos and 360° view.

Compare stones in our marquise diamond search, or read Marquise vs Pear Diamonds.

A marquise needs its two points protected: a bezel, a thin rim of metal around the stone, covers both, or a V-shaped prong can sit over each tip. An oval has no points, so simple prongs that show more of the stone suit it well. Many of our designs come in both shapes, so you can compare like for like: Odessa in a bezel, Luna and Aurora as solitaires, Victoria as a three stone ring and Nova as a toi et moi, with a round diamond beside the center stone.

Read Engagement Ring Setting Types for every setting style.