Diamond Shapes
Oval Diamonds
The Basics
The oval diamond, a modified brilliant-cut, offers a distinctive option for those seeking the look of a round diamond with a unique touch. Its appeal is further enhanced by the delicate, elongated shape, creating the illusion of a larger size and potentially elongating the wearer's finger.
Features
Oval cut diamonds with the same carat weight can exhibit significant visual differences due to varying proportions. Because there's no GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grade for this cut, considering the stone in-store is advisable. A well-cut oval is less prone to chipping and typically costs 10-20% less than a round diamond. Opting for a slightly thinner cut can be appealing in a claw setting with side stones. For precision, requesting detailed measurements, including the length to width ratio, is recommended, ensuring rounded ends without sharp edges or pointy tips.
Historical Background
The oval cut was introduced by Lazare Kaplan in the 1960s. Kaplan, a veteran of the industry, commenced his career in 1896 at just 13 years old, working at his uncle’s diamond cutting factory. Renowned as one of Antwerp’s most skilled cleavers, he was particularly noted for his expertise in transforming severely cracked or flawed diamonds into smaller, yet beautiful stones.
Featured collection
Oval Cut Engagement Rings
FAQ's
Google's most common questions about a oval diamonds.
Answered by our expert.
The advantage of oval-shaped diamond rings being more affordable than comparable round cuts allows you the flexibility to invest in higher clarity and color. In summary, the oval cut diamond proves to be an excellent choice if you seek a larger, high-quality stone with ample sparkle, all at an affordable price.
Ovals, despite being rarer than round and princess-cut diamonds, are in lower demand, and you shouldn't have to expand your budget when seeking oval diamond engagement rings. In fact, ovals are typically around 20% less expensive than a similarly sized round diamond!
For the ideal oval shape, we suggest a length to width ratio ranging from 1.35 to 1.50. It's important to note that ovals can be susceptible to the bow-tie effect, where a dark area resembling a bow-tie may appear at the center of the stone.
