Navette cut diamond - Royal brilliance in an elongated silhouette
Navette cut diamonds (also known as marquise cut diamonds) are one of the most distinctive shapes available. With their elongated, pointed shape, they resemble an eye or a boat - creating the illusion of a larger stone than its actual carat weight. The shape has a classic, almost regal feel and gives the finger an elongated and graceful appearance.
History and origins
According to tradition, the navette cut was created in the 18th century at the behest of Louis XV of France. He wanted a diamond that resembled the smile of his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour - hence the name marquise. The shape has since become a symbol of elegance and aristocracy.
Today, the grinding is fine-tuned with advanced 3D technology to achieve the best possible symmetry and light reflection, and to avoid visual imperfections such as the so-called bow-tie effect - a dark shadow area that sometimes occurs in oblong shapes.
Advantages of a navette-cut diamond
- Maximized visual size - looks larger than many other cut shapes in the same carat.
- Elegant and vintage-inspired design.
- Visually lengthens the finger - thanks to the narrow, pointed shape.
- Distinctive and personal choice.
Recommended proportions for navett
| Class | Table % | Depth % | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal | 53-63 | 58-62 | 1.75-2.25 |
| Very Good | 52-65 | 56-66 | 1.60-2.30 |
| Acceptable | 50-70 | 53-71 | 1.55-2.40 |
A ratio around 1.90–2.00 is considered the most balanced. Read more about symmetry and ratio .
Size guide in mm for navette cut diamonds
| Carat | Dimensions (approx. in mm) |
|---|---|
| 0.30 ct | 6.0 × 3.0 |
| 0.50 ct | 8.0 × 4.0 |
| 1.00 ct | 10.5 × 5.0 |
| 1.50 ct | 12.0 × 6.0 |
| 2.00 ct | 13.5 × 6.5 |
| 3.00 ct | 15.5 × 7.5 |
| 5.00 ct | 18.5 × 8.5 |
(Exact measurements may vary depending on the depth of the grind.)
What you should consider when choosing a shuttle
Color: Color is more visible at the tips. For white metal, D–H is recommended, for yellow gold, I–J also works.
Clarity: SI1–VS1 provides good visual clarity. Look closely at certificates for larger stones.
Grinding: Assess symmetry and polish. Choose at least “Very Good” - preferably “Excellent”. Read more about grinding quality .
Common settings for navette cut diamonds
- Solitaire - focuses on the shape.
- Halo - creates volume and drama.
- Tresten or vintage - classic and royal.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Navett Diamonds
We offer both natural and lab-grown navel-cut diamonds. The cutting is done according to the same principles and with the highest precision - only origin and price differentiate them.
Filter our selection
In our range - for both natural and lab-grown diamonds - you can filter by navette cut, carat, color, clarity and certificate. All stones are displayed with dimensions in mm and 360° view.