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Ultimate guide to oval cut engagement rings

Ultimate guide to oval cut engagement rings

Searching for the perfect engagement ring for your future fiancé is often a difficult choice. With a multitude of options to choose from, you’re often posed with questions, such as – how much should an engagement ring cost? And how do I choose the right engagement ring

However, one of the first decisions people tend to make when searching for engagement rings is choosing between the different types of engagement ring shapes and cut. Oval diamonds are known to be a modified variation of the round brilliant cut, both have an incredible sparkle but there is a distinctive difference with Ovals due to their elongated shape.

This guide looks directly at the oval cut diamond – focusing on what an oval cut diamond is, and why it would be the perfect choice for your partner’s engagement ring.

Oval Halo Diamond Ring

Oval Shoulder Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold

What is an oval cut diamond?

An oval cut diamond has the brilliance of a round cut diamond, but showcases an elongated, more unique shape. This type of diamond cut is especially popular because of its connotations to the round cut diamond – which is one of the most popular, sought-after engagement ring cuts available. As well as representing a similarly round cut shape, oval cut rings are known for their fashionable and trendy style – which is the perfect choice for someone who wants a diamond ring bursting with brilliance and fire. 

The earliest oval cut diamond actually dates back as far as the 1300s. Its lengthened shape makes the stone appear longer and larger than other types of cuts, making it an impressive diamond – while at a lower price than a round brilliant cut diamond ring. With no sharp corners, the slender body of the oval cut is also less prone to chipping. 

What’s the best setting for an oval cut diamond?

With their elongated unique shape, this allows the oval cut diamond to be versatile – meaning they’re well-suited to most types of ring setting. However, for some steer on the best setting for an oval cut ring, having four or six prongs is important – as this will support the elongated shape well, and emphasise the brilliance of the diamond well. Other settings that oval diamonds thrive in include solitaire settings, halo settings and side-stone settings.

Do all oval diamonds have a bowtie?

The elongated shape of an oval diamond means that there can be a chance of seeing what is known as a bowtie in the centre of the stone. Many people have heard of the bow-tie effect which is not so desirable as it casts a shadow across the centre of the diamond in a bow-tie shape, which is where it gets it’s name from.

Some bowties are more noticeable in an oval cut diamond than others along with Marquise cut, heart cut and pear cut diamond shapes, they can all have a chance of seeing the bow-tie effect due to their elongated shape. Many customers don’t realise that the diamond’s dimensions play an important role in how visible this will be, meaning that no two ovals will have the same bowtie as each other. An oval with a minimal bowtie can add contrast and sparkle to the stone. You should make sure when buying your oval diamond to keep a close eye on the diamond’s cut and quality and always ask for advice from reputable jewellers.

Diamond grading agencies, such as the GIA don’t specify the dimensions cut grade for fancy diamonds compared with Round and Princess cut diamonds as they are elongated and can’t be assessed in this way due to their oblong shape. GIA and other grading agencies do specify the diamond’s polish grade and symmetry grades, which have a big impact on the diamond’s scintillation and sparkle. If you are buying an oval diamond, make sure you speak to a professional jeweller and enquire into these grades to make sure your diamond will have that stunning sparkle your partner will look at and smile forever.

How many facets are in an oval cut diamond?

Another similarity between the round brilliant and oval cut diamond is the number of facets. They both have 58 facets – although, a round brilliant cut is likely to have a slightly stronger sparkle than an oval cut diamond ring, which explains its difference in price. However, both offer a superior level of brilliance and fire – so for a more affordable choice, the oval cut diamond is the perfect solution. 

The differences between round cut and oval cut diamonds

While round cut diamonds and oval cut diamonds have lots in common with one another, there are noticeable differences between the two diamond shapes.

Size and shape

When it comes to buying an oval diamond, it ultimately comes down to your partner’s personal style and preferences. Ideally, the length-to-width ratio of an oval diamond should be somewhere between 1.35 to 1.50. An oval with a ratio of 1.25 can look more like a round diamond, as it will be wider with a shorter length and this can make the Oval shape look short/stubby and less like the classic Oval cut we love and dream of. A ratio over 1.50 can make the diamond’s width appear more skinny with a really long length and many people think it looks a bit more like a marquise cut, which is quite different to a classic Oval Cut. This is something to always check on the diamond visually and read the dimensions on your diamond certificate.

Before settling on an oval cut diamond for your ring, have a look at various cuts and ask a professional jeweller to find the best ratio for that diamond cut and shape so that you can adore its brilliance and sparkle every time you look down at it on your partner’s hand.

Price and demand

Oval Diamonds can be a more affordable choice compared with the most popular round cut choice. This is because when the rough stone is cut after the mining process into the round shape we all love, it requires around 40% approx of the rough diamond to then be wasted, thus making this type of diamond more expensive than an oval. Whereas an oval wastes less of the rough diamond as it is an easier shape to cut and less to waste. This makes the oval cut diamond more affordable from the cost price for the initial carat weight than a round brilliant cut stone.

Ovals are rarer than round diamonds

With round cut diamonds maintaining their popularity, it means that they’re tailor made for engagement rings, and you can guarantee to see many in any jeweller you enquire with. Oval diamonds are still on sale in many jewellers however you will see they are a rarer choice than the round cut, but are growing in popularity day by day and worn by big celebrities all round the world. This makes the Oval cut a great option for a more unique engagement ring, with a better price per carat which gives that impressive final look in the ring, particularly if you want a piece of jewellery that’s both beautiful and different.

Can you get oval lab grown diamonds?

Yes, you can find lab created oval diamonds on the market, alongside their natural oval counterparts. Both lab and natural oval diamonds share the same appearance as each other, with some small differences between each other. 

Lab grown oval diamonds are a great option for couples who want a bigger carat weight at an affordable price point, allowing the stone to shine and sparkle on the finger.

Are oval diamonds more expensive?

Oval diamonds are more affordable than their round-cut counterparts, from a cut quality, colour, clarity and carat weight standpoint. Our oval diamond engagement ring prices start from £600 and the sky’s the limit as you can customise the carat weight to make the most premium ring. Couples planning to pop the question will be able to find their perfect ring to suit all budgets.

Oval cut engagement rings from Shining Diamonds

Here at Shining Diamonds, each of our oval cut diamond rings are ethically sourced and created with the 4C’s right at the forefront: clarity, colour, cut and carat. For more information about the 4C’s, visit our diamond buying guide – which explains this in further detail.  

Oval Halo Diamond Ring

Oval Halo Diamond Ring

Are you currently planning your engagement proposal? When it comes to asking that all-important question, our experts in our Hatton Garden and Brighton showrooms can assist in helping you find the perfect engagement ring to propose to your partner with.

Book an appointment at our London or Brighton showrooms and we’ll make sure you have a ring to begin the next chapter of your love story.