People will often ask what the best diamond shape to buy is. This is a very personal choice, as each shape offers its own beauty and points of difference. Nevertheless, there are certain key elements to look for and be aware of when choosing the right diamond for your engagement ring.
Oval diamonds are a very popular shape for engagement rings. This is because it’s intended to represent the longevity of a relationship and, of course, its unique shape and brilliance.
We’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about oval cut diamonds so you can decide whether this is the right diamond shape for you.
What is an oval cut diamond?
An oval cut diamond has the brilliance of a round diamond but provides this in a unique shape. It offers more character and is almost always priced slightly lower than round brilliants. This is because it wastes less precious rough material than its round counterparts. As oval diamonds require less depth, they tend to look larger and fuller.
The oval cut diamond concept came to light in the late 1950s by Russian diamond cutter, Lazare Kaplan. By cutting down damaged and deformed gemstones, he created the oval cut diamond and perfected the process. Today, diamond cutters continue to use Kaplan’s process to create oval cut stones.
Things to consider when choosing an oval diamond ring
There are plenty of benefits offered by an oval diamond ring. If you like the look of a round diamond but you want a more unique design, then an oval cut diamond ring might be the choice for you.
For example, the elongated body of an oval diamond makes it appear more significant than other shapes that share the same carat weight. In addition, it often makes the hand and fingers appear slimmer. Another benefit is that the shape has no corners, making it less prone to chipping and getting caught on clothes or even hair - a big plus for engagement rings worn every day.
You can also personalise your oval cut diamond ring by deciding which type of precious metal to place it in – known as the setting. Yellow gold can add a vintage feel to your oval diamond ring, even if it’s brand new. You could also opt for brilliant white gold if you’re looking for a style that makes your ring appear like it’s made up entirely of diamonds. This is because white gold melds seamlessly with diamonds, so your eye is drawn to the stone, not the setting.
What to look for when buying an oval diamond ring
Once you’ve decided on an oval diamond engagement ring, there are some considerations to take into account. One of the most important characteristics when choosing your diamond is the cut, which is often referred to as the make. This relates to how perfectly the diamond has been cut and polished, and also its symmetry.
All diamonds will sparkle, but some are more brilliant and livelier than others; this comes down to how they’ve been cut and therefore how they interact with light. Oval cut diamonds, for example, if they have been well cut, will deliver a magnificent-looking ring.
However, it’s important to make sure your oval diamond ring has certain key factors. As diamond specialists, Fifth Avenue can offer you a premium oval cut diamond ring with beauty and brilliance like no other!
When oval-shaped diamonds are cut they will generally have two slightly darker shadows on the centre-left and centre-right of the stone. These are often referred to as the ‘bowties’. The bowtie effect happens in areas where light can’t bounce back into the stone and refract, so it leaves a slight shadow that impacts the diamond's performance and brilliance. It is very difficult to cut an oval shaped diamond without bowties appearing, due to the stone’s proportions.
Some diamond experts believe that these bowties offer uniqueness within the stone and some people find this an attractive characteristic. While the bowtie effect is unavoidable, the key is to choose an oval cut diamond that has a subtle bowtie instead of a dominant one.
Another key characteristic to consider is the ratio of the stone. While this is also subjective and based on personal preference, there are ideal ratios. Most oval cut diamond rings include 56 facets, but some may have a few more facets, depending on how the stone is cut. The proportional oval cut diamond has ideally a length-to-width ratio of around 1.4 to 1.5.
The ratio of the stone, like the bowtie effect, is a characteristic that, along with cut, colour, and clarity, can influence how a diamond is priced. For example, you could have two 1ct oval shaped diamonds that have the same colour and clarity but can differ in price due to how they’ve been cut, and their polish and symmetry.
Custom made oval diamond rings
When selecting the perfect diamond for you, Fifth Avenue Diamond Experts take all these factors into account to ensure you get the best diamond possible that fits your brief and price range. And, if you’re looking for something a bit more personal and unique, consider getting a custom-made diamond engagement ring.
The process is much simpler than you might think; we work with you to design and create a beautifully hand-crafted ring that meets your specifications and budget. We sit down with you and listen to your thoughts and ideas, then turn them into a sketched design, which we refine with you. Finally, we then beautifully hand-craft your dream ring to give you something you’ll love and cherish for many years.
Visit our specialists at Fifth Avenue Diamond Experts in Takapuna. Have a chat with us, view our diamonds, and ask any questions you may have about purchasing an oval shaped diamond ring.
5 Hurstmere Avenue, Takapuna.
Call us on (09) 489 8461, email us, or send us a message online.