Wholesale Marquise Lab-Grown Diamonds | Bow-Tie Selected Antwerp
The two most consequential marquise selection criteria- symmetry across both axes and bow-tie severity- are not captured by IGI grading. Trade buyers sourcing certified marquise inventory still perform face-up visual evaluation in addition to relying on certificates. Wholesale marquise inventory eliminates the IGI grading cost without removing any evaluation step the buyer needs to perform anyway, which makes marquise one of the strongest commercial cases for non-certified sourcing across the certified-fancy-shape catalogue. The cuts come from the same Antwerp supply chain at approximately 20% lower per-stone cost than certified equivalents.
Sourcing and Specifications
Wholesale marquise inventory mirrors certified marquise sourcing through the same network of Antwerp cutting partners. Active Antwerp inventory includes marquise cuts from approximately 0.30ct through 3.00ct, with extended availability for larger statement sizes on request. All stones are graded in-house by LabGems against the same 4Cs framework used for certified marquise inventory. Standard sizes ship within 1 business day; custom specifications ship within 7 business days, with timelines covered in Shipping & Delivery. A €500 minimum applies across all purchases.
Why Marquise Particularly Suits Non-Certified Sourcing
Marquise cuts are particularly well-suited to wholesale inventory because the visual evaluation workflow does not change between certified and non-certified sourcing. Symmetry receives a graded rating on IGI certificates, but the visual character that determines retail conversion (point alignment, curve balance, bow-tie visibility) requires direct face-up evaluation. Bow-tie effect- the single most consequential visual criterion for marquise- is not graded at all. Trade buyers performing this evaluation anyway gain the cost advantage of wholesale inventory without losing any selection rigor. For solitaire engagement applications at premium retail tiers where consumers expect documentation, the certified marquise inventory remains the right product. For everything else- vintage retail positioning, statement applications, three-stone side stones, pendant designs- wholesale marquise delivers the same stones at meaningfully lower cost.
Symmetry Across Two Axes
Marquise symmetry evaluation requires checking both the longitudinal axis (point-to-point alignment) and the transverse axis (upper curve to lower curve symmetry). Misalignment between the two points causes the stone to appear visibly tilted face-up. Asymmetry between the upper and lower curves makes one side of the stone look fuller than the other. Both faults are immediately visible to clients and reduce retail conversion regardless of certification status. Trade buyers should prioritise Excellent symmetry grading on wholesale marquise cuts and confirm with face-up imagery before committing to stock.
Bow-Tie Evaluation
Bow-tie effect- a dark band running across the centre of the stone- is present in nearly all marquise cuts due to elongated brilliant facet geometry. It cannot be eliminated entirely, but well-cut stones minimise its visibility. Bow-tie is not a graded specification on IGI certificates, so visual evaluation is the only reliable selection method whether sourcing certified or wholesale inventory. Trade buyers should request face-up imagery under diffuse lighting and reject stones with severely visible bow-tie. The non-certified oval and non-certified pear cuts share similar bow-tie evaluation requirements across their wholesale inventory.
Selection Notes for Wholesale Marquise Cuts
- Excellent symmetry grading prioritised across both longitudinal and transverse axes
- Visual bow-tie evaluation through face-up imagery is essential- not captured by certification anyway
- L:W ratio 1.85 to 2.00 captures the most balanced commercial proportion
- VS2 or better clarity for stones above 1.00ct; SI grades viable in smaller sizes
- Workflow parity with certified inventory means trade buyers gain pricing advantage without changing evaluation process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The two most consequential marquise selection criteria- bow-tie severity and visual symmetry- require face-up evaluation regardless of certification. Bow-tie isn't graded on IGI certificates. Trade buyers gain approximately 20% cost advantage without losing selection rigor.
Evaluation method is identical for certified and wholesale inventory. Request face-up imagery under diffuse lighting and check for dark central band. Severely visible bow-tie should be rejected. Subtle bow-tie is acceptable.
Wholesale pricing runs approximately 20% lower per stone at equivalent specifications. Differential reflects saved IGI grading costs without quality compromise.
€500 combined minimum applies. Wholesale marquise cuts can be combined with certified inventory, coloured diamonds, and other shapes.
Marquise converts most reliably in vintage and heritage retail positioning. For contemporary engagement, prioritise non-certified oval cuts which have broader market acceptance.