If you love the curved edges and sparkle of a round diamond, but want something more unique, an oval diamond fits the bill. It’s often said that oval cut diamonds are somewhere between the round and the Marquise shape.
As their name suggests, oval diamonds are symmetrical, elongated rounded shapes which possess a similar level of fire and brilliance to that of a round diamond. They are a modified brilliant cut, which means they share the same faceting pattern as round brilliant diamonds. The oval cut combines the timeless elegance of a round diamond with the elongated silhouette, creating a unique and versatile shape.
Oval cut diamonds typically have 58 facets, including a large flat table on top and a pointed culet at the bottom. The curved sides of the diamond give it an elongated appearance, with rounded ends that can vary in their degree of elongation. The length-to-width ratio of oval cut diamonds can vary, allowing for customization based on personal preference.
With an increased surface area, an oval diamond optimises carat weight; this means that oval diamonds often appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight–an impressive and economical choice.
The elongated shape is also known to flatter the wearer as they move with the natural lines and curves of your finger. It has the ability to create the illusion of longer, slender fingers when worn as an engagement ring. The elongated shape offers a flattering and elegant look on the hand.
Oval cut diamonds exhibit excellent brilliance and sparkle. When well-cut, they can showcase a beautiful play of light, with impressive fire and scintillation. The oval shape disperses light in a radiant manner, giving the diamond a lively and eye-catching appearance.
In recent years, oval diamond engagement rings have seen an increase in popularity, with stars like Hailey Baldwin and Blake Lively leading the trend.
Oval diamonds are available in ratios (length divided by width) from 1.30 to 1.60, with the most popular between 1.30 to 1.45.
Oval diamonds can possess a bow-tie effect, which occurs when the light doesn’t bounce into the middle of the diamond, because of the way the diamond is cut.
This appears as a bow-tie shape darkness visible in the centre of the diamond. While most agree that this a part of an oval diamond’s beauty, a severe effect, as shown, is undesirable.
All of our diamonds are hand-inspected by our diamond buyer to ensure they do not possess a strongly visible bow-tie.
While oval diamonds don’t have an official cut grade, the chart below offers general guidelines to follow when considering the cut of an oval diamond.
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table % | 53-63 | 52 or 64-65 | 51 or 64-65 | 50 or 69-70 | <50 or >70 |
| Depth % | 58-62 | 56-57.9 or 62.1-66 | 53-55.9 or 66.1-71 | 50-52.9 or 71.1-74 | <50 or >74 |
| Girdle | Very Thin - Slightly Thick | Very Thin - Slightly Thick | Very Thin - Thick | Very Thin - Very Thick | Ex. Thin - Ex. Thick |
| L/W Ratio | 1.35-1.50 | 1.30-1.34 or 1.52-1.55 | 1.25-1.29 or 1.56-1.60 | 1.20-1.24 or 1.61-1.65 | >1.20 or <1.65 |
Choosing colour grade in oval cut diamonds is entirely dependent on the preference of its buyer or wearer.
Some customers prefer the warmer tones of colour grades G-H to the icy cool tones of colour grades D-F.
In reality, the difference between these two colour grade ranges (colourless and near colourless) is difficult to perceive, especially to the naked eye.
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| <0.50ct | D-G | H-I | J |
| 0.51-1.00ct | D-F | G | H-I |
| 1.00-2.00ct | D-F | D-F | G-H |
| >2.00ct | D-F | D-F | G |
Clarity really is dependent on personal preference. When diamonds are formed deep in the earth, they develop clarity characteristics–slight irregularities visible under 10x magnification. Depending on the size, quantity, placement, tone or colour of these clarity characteristics, they may or may not be visible to the naked eye. This is one of the reasons why a truly flawless diamond is so rare.
Some people may be entirely comfortable with a diamond that features clarity characteristics (also known as inclusions) that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Others may insist on a technically flawless appearance for absolute perfection.
To ensure the brilliance and fire that makes oval diamonds so enchanting, we recommend SI1 clarity grades or higher.
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| <0.50ct | FL-VS2 | SI1 | SI2 |
| 0.50-1.00ct | FL-VS1 | VS2-SI1 | SI2 |
| 1.00-2.00ct | FL-VVS2 | VS1-VS2 | SI1-SI2 |
| >2.00ct | FL-VVS2 | VS1-VS2 | SI1 |
Oval cut diamonds are a popular and elegant choice for engagement rings. This modified brilliant cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round cut with the elongated shape of an oval, resulting in a captivating and elongating effect on the finger.
One of the key features of oval cut diamonds is their versatility. The elongated shape creates an illusion of length, making the fingers appear more elongated and elegant. This makes oval cut diamonds a flattering choice for a variety of hand shapes and finger sizes.
Oval cut diamonds can be set in a variety of engagement ring settings, from solitaires to halos to vintage-inspired designs. Their elongated shape allows for creative and unique setting options, making them a versatile choice for different engagement ring styles.
Overall, oval cut diamonds offer a blend of timeless elegance, versatility, and impressive sparkle. Their elongated shape and exceptional brilliance make them a sought-after choice for those seeking a sophisticated and eye-catching diamond.
Halo, double halo, and hidden halo settings can enhance the beauty of an oval diamond engagement ring. A traditional halo setting provides a classic and refined look, while a double halo adds extra drama and glamour. A hidden halo, placed beneath the centre stone, offers a subtle touch of sparkle and adds dimension to the overall design.
Be inspired by our most popular collections of gold oval engagement rings, rose gold oval engagement rings, oval vintage engagement rings and unique oval engagement rings. There are many options for pairing an oval diamond engagement ring with a wedding band.