Looking for the perfect diamond cut for your engagement or wedding ring? An oval cut diamond engagement ring could be the one for you.
Oval cut diamonds are known to be unique and timeless, and they stand out against other shapes like round cut diamonds. The oval cut’s elongated design makes it appear larger to the eye than other cuts of the same carat weight.
If you prefer rounder diamonds, but you’re after a unique stone with character, an oval diamond may be the perfect choice. Our guide covers what an oval cut diamond is and what makes it so special, to help you make the right decision for your other half.
What is an oval cut diamond?
As the name suggests, an oval cut diamond is a type of diamond cut, with a symmetrical, elongated, and rounded shape.
With their larger surface area, oval diamonds optimize carat weight – meaning they often look larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. This makes them an impressive and economical option if you prefer bigger diamonds. The slender shape can also make the wearer’s finger appear longer and slimmer.
The history of the oval cut diamond
While diamonds have been cut into oval shapes for centuries, the modern oval cut wasn’t created until 1957.
Russian-born diamond cutter, Lazare Kaplan, invented the oval cut we know today. Kaplan was born into a family of educated jewelers, and before inventing the modern oval cut he gained fame for his skills in cleaving. Cleaving is the process where cracked or flawed diamonds are cut into smaller diamonds. He worked with diamonds that were so flawed they were regarded as worthless by other diamond cutters. His talent wasn’t fully recognized until he invented the modern oval cut, which gave him a spot in the Jewelers International Hall of Fame. Today, oval cut rings make some of the most desired pieces on the market.
The best settings for oval cut diamonds
Prong
The prong is one of the best settings for oval diamonds. Its classic setting type allows most of the stone to be visible – allowing more light to enter the diamond, which increases its brilliance (also known as its “sparkle”).
Most prong settings feature four or six prongs. Four prongs allows you to see more of the stone, while six prongs make the diamond more secure, but can make the diamond appear smaller.
One downside of the prong setting is that it leaves a portion of the diamond surface more prone to accidental damage. A prong setting can also snag clothes, especially if the diamond is high-set.
Bezel
A bezel setting is also a popular pick for oval diamonds. A bezel setting encircles the diamond with a thin metal frame that holds the stone in place, which can protect the diamond from accidental damage. It’s also unlikely to snag clothes, unlike the prong setting.
A bezel setting can be full of half – a full bezel surrounds the diamond, while a half bezel leaves it open on the sides. A potential disadvantage to consider is that the bezel setting covers a significant portion of the diamond, making it appear smaller than its actual size. Depending on its structure, the bezel setting can also give the diamond a more subtle look, which can reduce the stone’s brilliance due to less light being able to enter the stone.
Do oval cut diamonds look bigger?
Oval cut diamonds can come out larger than round cut diamonds and other diamond cuts of the same carat weight because of their elongated shape and greater surface area. They are said to be around 10% bigger than a round cut diamond of the same carat weight. With this in mind, an oval cut might be able to get a larger-looking diamond for a lower price.
Is color or clarity more important in an oval cut diamond?
Usually you should pay more attention to the color of a diamond than its clarity, to get the most beautiful diamond that fits within your budget.
The color of a diamond is graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) from D to Z. On one end of the scale, a D grade represents the most colorless a diamond can be, while a Z color grade means the diamond contains a noticeable brown or yellow tint. It’s often difficult to notice a difference between two color grades, but it can make a significant difference to the price of your diamond. If you want to be certain you’re getting an oval cut diamond that is clear and colorless, you can reach out to our experts here at Diamond Mansion for more information.
When choosing your diamond, it’s important to consider all four Cs – cut, color, clarity and carat, to guarantee you’re purchasing the best diamond for you.
What does an oval cut diamond say about you?
The oval cut diamond is an elegant and captivating cut, which carries its carat weight well. If your partner prefers to an attention grabber, an oval cut ring may be the excellent choice.
The shape of the diamond is perfect for those looking to enhance long and slender fingers, or those looking to create the illusion of longer fingers due to its oval shape. In recent years, oval cuts have become a popular vote for engagement rings, particularly amongst celebrities like Blake Lively and Hailey Baldwin Bieber.
Oval engagement rings for inspiration
Looking for some inspiration to find the perfect oval engagement ring to wow your significant other? Here are some oval engagement rings to help you decide:
Oval cut solitaire diamond engagement ring
This classic and timeless solitaire diamond engagement ring can feature an oval cut diamond that really attracts attention in a solitaire setting. You can also customize the ring to suit your taste, from a rose gold to platinum band, so it symbolizes the love you share. Our diamonds are always conflict-free so you can find the absolute ring for your partner, while ensuring the diamond is ethically sourced.
Forever halo ring
If you’re looking for a luxurious but classic ring, this halo engagement ring is a perfect choice. Featuring a delicate center stone that you can have as an oval cut, the sides of the ring include small side stones that add a touch of glamor. You can customize the ring to make it truly personal, from choosing the metal of the band, to the color and clarity of the diamond.
Diamonds on prongs
If you’re looking to impress your partner, this oval cut natural diamond u-pave on prongs ring features an exquisite center stone surrounded by diamond on the shank and prongs, making for a unique and stunning design.
Need more reasons why an oval engagement ring might be the right choice for you? Read our blog 4 Reasons to Choose an Oval Diamond Engagement Ring In 2022
Upgrading your ring
You can decide to upgrade your ring in the future. Perhaps once you’ve reached a relationship milestone like an anniversary, or you may find you have a bigger budget in the future than when you made your initial purchase. Here at Diamond Mansion, we offer lifetime upgrades on all GIA-certified diamonds that were originally bought from us. For more information on how you can upgrade your ring, take a look at our FAQs.
Ready to take that next step in your love story? Find your dream engagement ring today.
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