Picture this: you're scrolling through your favorite celebrity's Instagram feed, and there it is—a jaw-dropping oval engagement ring, sparkling brighter than a Hollywood premiere. From Blake Lively's timeless elegance to Sophie Turner's modern chic, to Kourtney Kardashian's gobstopper on a barely-there band, oval engagement rings are out here stealing the hearts of celebs, trendsetters, and everyday couples alike. But what makes this style so cool, you ask? Well, hang tight, because we're about to embark on an exploration of everything oval. Here's what you need to know about making this dream shape your engagement ring reality:
Embrace sophistication with theTriad Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamonds.
What is an Oval Engagement Ring?
Let's break down the basics. An oval engagement ring can be literally any style of engagement ring, as long as it features a diamond or gemstone cut in an oval shape, shining at its center. There are tons of alluring things about this shape, though, it isn't simply an outline appeal. Oval diamonds typically have 56 to 58 facets for maximum brilliance, they're like if you stretched out the uber-popular round diamond to full effect. They show up large for their carat weight (if cut well), and can save you big bucks on the price tag front. Oval engagement rings beautifully balance classic elegance with a modern twist, making them a top choice for couples seeking something unique yet timeless.
The History of Oval Engagement Rings
While diamonds themselves date back billions of years, their fashioning into modern jewelry is a relatively new thing. In fact, it wasn't until the 20th century that we even had an industry standard for cutting round diamonds, and we still don't have this for any other shape! While oval-cut diamonds date back to the late 18th century (when diamond-cutting techniques evolved to include more intricate shapes), they quickly became a favorite among royalty and romantics alike, symbolizing eternal love and commitment. However, today oval cut diamonds still vary widely in proportions and facet patterns, so it's important to find the one that really speaks to you if you're considering an oval-cut engagement ring for your own betrothal.
Are Oval Engagement Rings Trending?
Absolutely! While round brilliant cuts have long reigned supreme throughout the diamond and jewelry industry (they're by far the most popular, and thus the most expensive diamond shape), oval engagement rings have been stealing the spotlight in recent years. Their elongated shape creates the illusion of longer, slender fingers, making them a flattering choice for all hand sizes. It also amounts to more visual size. Plus, oval rings offer a unique twist for traditional solitaire or halo settings, perfect for couples who crave individuality.
The Pros and Cons of Oval Diamonds
When it comes down to choosing a diamond shape for your engagement ring, what matters most is personal preference. Do you love it? Great. Go for it. But making an informed decision about your purchase, whether you shop on the internet or with a jeweler in your town, can help start your love story off on the right foot. So here's a quick breakdown of oval-shaped diamond strengths and quirks:
Pros:
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Flattering Silhouette: Oval diamonds elongate the finger and show up large for their carat weight.
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Unique Appeal: Oval cut diamonds stand out from the crowd with a distinctive shape that exudes sophistication without straying too far from the classics.
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Brilliant Sparkle: With their brilliant facets, oval diamonds dazzle with unparalleled brilliance and fire.
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Costs:While the cost of any diamond is ultimately determined by the 4Cs, oval cut diamonds can run 15-20% more affordable than a comparable round diamond — savings you can instead spend on the honeymoon!
If you're looking for even more cost savings and are open to it, lab-created diamonds can save you nearly half on the overall price. And don't let the newfangled tech scare you off. Lab-grown diamonds have the same visual and chemical properties as natural, mined diamonds, only with less impact on the Earth.
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Versatility:Whether you like a solitaire or side stones, a modern oval cut diamond works with nearly any design and style of ring, making them high on many a wish list.
Cons:
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Bow-Tie Effect: Some oval diamonds (and other elongated brilliant shapes such as pear or marquise), may exhibit a dark shadow, known as the bow-tie effect, in the center of the stone. However, proper cut quality can minimize this phenomenon. Nearly every oval will have some degree of bow tie, so it's good to look at the stone in person, or in photo and video, to see what's up.
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Proportion Concerns: Because oval diamond cutting varies so much, and there is no industry standard cut grade, it's hard to say for certain that an oval will sparkle in the way you want it to. The shape might be wonky, it might be a "moval" which kind of looks like an oval diamond and a marquise diamond combined, it might be skinnier or more squat, or it might simply not shine. Finding a jeweler you trust, along with looking at the diamond itself is really the only way to ensure that it's going to be the diamond of your dreams.
The 4Cs of Oval Cut Diamonds
Cut
While finding your perfect oval-shaped diamond can be a bit tricky, a well-cut oval engagement ring can exhibit exceptional brilliance, reflecting light beautifully, and sparkling like the stars. As with any diamond shape, cut is the most important of the 4Cs because it most dramatically impacts how beautiful and sparkly your diamond will be. However ideal proportions for oval-cut diamonds can vary depending on personal preferences and the specific characteristics of the diamond.
For elongated diamond shapes, the length-to-width ratio plays a big part in visual appeal. Some folks like a more round, squatty oval, while others like a very elongated shape. However, many people find oval diamonds with length-to-width ratios between 1.35 and 1.50 to be visually appealing. This range typically results in a well-balanced oval shape that is neither too elongated nor too round. You'll also want to check that your diamond has excellent polish and symmetry, as alignment and finish of facets is crucial for maximizing brilliance and fire.
Color
Color is the second most visible diamond trait after cut, but lucky for you, the brilliant facets of oval-cut diamonds tend to disperse color more effectively than other shapes, making slight color differences less noticeable. This means you can often opt for a lower color grade without sacrificing beauty. Note, however, that a pronounced bow tie may appear darker, potentially accentuating any color tints in the stone.
Clarity
Similar to color, the brilliance of oval diamonds can help mask certain clarity characteristics, such as small inclusions. This allows for greater flexibility in selecting a diamond with a slightly lower clarity grade and thus lower price tag. We recommend looking for an oval engagement ring with an eye-clean diamond, meaning it may have inclusions but they're not noticeable to the naked eye.
Carat Weight:
As mentioned earlier, oval diamonds often appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape and shallower depth. This means you can achieve a significantly larger look without necessarily breaking the bank.
Exploring Oval Engagement Ring Styles
Now that you know all the intimate details of oval cut diamonds, you're ready to find your perfect Oval engagement ring, right? This versatile, sophisticated diamond shape works so well in a myriad of styles to suit every taste and personality, that it's hard to choose a favorite. But we're here to help you narrow down the playing field. It's the least we can do.
Classic Solitaire
If you really just want something simple and elegant that lets your oval diamond shine, a timeless solitaire engagement ring might be your thing. A solitaire can come in a variety of designs, the key is just that it's a solo diamond, with no side stones. But the ultimate classic is a gold or platinum prong set solitaire engagement ring. The easiest-wearing solitaire we've ever made, ourThin and Simple engagement ring features a prong-set oval diamond affixed to a barely-there band. This allows the diamond to nearly float on your hand, while the prong setting allows light to flow through the gem from all angles. It's kind of magic.
If you want to keep it super classic but with a bit more sparkle, you can go with a tapered baguette three-stone style engagement ring, which flanks your center oval cut diamond with two small baguette diamonds as a brilliant transition into the band of the ring. Oval-cut engagement rings are beautifully offset by this elongated little side stone, giving you elongation in each direction for maximum beauty and finger coverage.
Elevate your elegance with a timeless solitaire. OurThin + Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamond lets your oval diamond work its magic.
Modern Minimalism
For the new is now couple, sleek and minimalist engagement ring settings can highlight the clean lines of the oval diamond while also offering added protection against active daily life. Because we know you're out there doing all the things. If you're super active or just looking for an oval engagement ring that's super clean, a bezel setting can be a stunning choice.
A bezel setting surrounds your diamond (any shape will do) with a thin ring of metal, whether you prefer white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum, take your pick. The metal offers an added geometric element to your overall design while helping to protect the edges of your diamond from any bumps along the way.
Like the way a bezel might enhance your diamond engagement ring but don't want all that heavy metal? Go for a half-bezel, which breaks the bezel setting down into pieces, with metal walls at only two ends of the diamond. Today's most modern engagement ring in the mix is also an east-west style engagement ring, which turns the diamond sideways on your finger for more visual coverage and a little twist on a classic.
Embrace your active lifestyle with ourPenumbra Bezel Set Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamond.
TheEast West Half Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring with an Oval Cut Diamond offers a unique and attention-grabbing style for the daring bride.
Halo Glamour
If you're feeling angelic, an oval halo diamond engagement ring is super stunning. A halo surrounds your diamond with a row of tiny diamonds, adding extra sparkle around the center stone, creating a dazzling halo effect. Since this also adds visual size to the overall design, it can give the illusion of a larger diamond. You can choose a single halo of diamonds, which is a stunning choice and super classic, or amp it up with a double halo oval diamond ring that really blings out your finger. A hidden halo, which instead of being seen from the top is seen only from the side, surrounding the setting itself, is a more demure, kind of sexy secret sparkle that works beautifully for an oval halo engagement ring that's a bit more subtle.
Three-Stone Standout
If you like a lot of bling but tiny diamonds aren't your thing, go big and bold with a Triad Three-Stone Engagement Ring. This signature style of ours pairs your oval cut diamond with two barely smaller oval cut diamonds, one on each side, for a big band of brilliance. While the sparkle is big on top, the band keeps it simple and skinny for a comfortable fit and easy pairing with a wedding band, or wedding bands (plural) if you're more the stacking ring type.
Big diamonds, mega sparkle, slim band – pure comfort. Shine bright with ourTriad Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamonds.
New Age Eccentric
For those couples searching for a true original, unique design details create magic around an oval cut diamond in our Taurus Engagement Ring. This eye-catching, asymmetrical design hugs your oval-shaped diamond with a thin band of gold or platinum, accented by a petite round diamond on one end. It accentuates the elongated shape of the oval cut, adding form and geometric lines that reflect your standout personality perfectly.
Unveil your one-of-a-kind style withTaurus Engagement Ring with an Oval cut.
Vintage Vibes
Embrace old-world charm with intricate vintage-inspired details like filigree, milgrain, and lots of tiny accent side stones. Speaking of side stones, if you know one row of diamonds justisn't enough for your engagement ring, go for three! Adiamond-encrusted oval-cut engagement ring is just the thing with a ring that features baby diamonds on the top of the band and both profile sides.
Sparkle bright with theTriple Row Pavé Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamond.
Shine Bright with an Oval Engagement Ring
No matter what style suits you, in the world of engagement rings, the oval-shaped diamond reigns supreme as a sparkling symbol of everlasting love and timeless charm. Whether you're drawn to its flattering silhouette, brilliant sparkle, or unique appeal, an oval engagement ring is sure to steal your heart for generations to come. Who knows, maybe you'll even pass it down one day?!
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