What Is a Moval Cut Diamond? The Marquise-Oval Hybrid

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    By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 27, 2026

    Short answer: A moval is a hybrid of a marquise and an oval. It has the long, slim outline of a marquise with rounded, softer ends like an oval, so it reads elongated without sharp points. Movals usually sit around a 1.7 to 2.0 length to width ratio, longer than a typical oval at 1.3 to 1.5.

    It is one of the shapes we get asked about most, and one of the ones we build most in a tulip basket.

    What does moval stand for?

    Marquise plus oval. Cutters shape the outline between the two: the tips are more tapered than an oval but not pointed like a marquise. That means no fragile points to protect, and a very long, lean look when worn.

    What ratio should a moval be?

    Ratio is length divided by width, and it changes the look more than carat does. A regular oval is usually 1.3 to 1.5. Moval territory starts around 1.7 and runs to about 2.0. At 1.7 it looks like a slim oval. At 2.0 it looks close to a marquise with soft ends. We always look at the measurements, not just the carat weight.

    How do you set a moval?

    Our favourite is a 6 petal tulip basket with claw prongs at the ends. Set east-west (sideways), a tulip shows the top and bottom corners of the moval, which gives it a completely different look from the traditional north-south layout, where it reads more like a marquise.

    Does a moval have a bowtie?

    It can. Elongated brilliant shapes like ovals, pears and movals can show a dark bowtie across the middle. We check every stone on video for it before recommending it.

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    Questions we get about this

    Is a moval the same as an oval?

    No. A moval is longer, usually 1.7 to 2.0 in ratio versus 1.3 to 1.5 for an oval, with more tapered ends.

    Is a moval the same as a marquise?

    No. A marquise has sharp points at both ends. A moval has soft, rounded ends, so there are no points to chip.

    Can you get a lab grown moval?

    Yes. We source moval cut lab grown diamonds, and natural ones on request.

    What setting suits a moval?

    A tulip basket is our favourite, and it can be set north-south or east-west.

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    Rings we have made for couples

    Moval-Cut Diamond Ring with Tulip Petals

    Moval-Cut Diamond Ring with Tulip Petals

    A 2.05ct moval in a 6 petal east west tulip setting, platinum, with a hand engraved north star beneath the bridge. From Sam's sketch to the finished ring.
    Old Mine Cushion Diamond Ring

    Old Mine Cushion Diamond Ring

    A 2.5ct old mine cushion, newly cut in the antique style, set in 14k yellow gold with a hidden halo and low profile basket. Why Simon asked for an old mine by name, and how we built it.

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