There has been a rise in the number of brides going away from the traditional round brilliant and opting for a style with a bit more character. Oval cut diamonds have become one of the most popular choices for engagement rings due to their ability to elongate the finger, reflect light beautifully, and retain a balance between vintage and modern appeal. This guide will take you through all the key considerations when buying oval diamond engagement rings, from the best settings to gold tones and general buying tips.
Buying Trends and Why the Oval Cut is a Popular Choice for Engagement Rings
The oval cut diamond is, technically speaking, a modified brilliant cut. It features the same 58 facets found in the traditional round brilliant but is elongated into an oval shape to provide extra appeal. This particular diamond shape will make the finger appear longer and slimmer and, compared to the round brilliant, create an illusion of a bigger stone.
The oval cut is also an excellent value choice for those set on getting a big diamond but do not want to stretch their budget too thin. Compared to the round brilliant, the rough crystal is cut into an oval with less wastage, thus providing a larger apparent size for the same carat weight. So, if you are considering gold oval engagement rings or oval diamond ring options that look stunning in photographs, this is one of the best diamond shapes for value.
The only possible downside to buying oval cut diamonds is that they can sometimes display a noticeable ‘bow tie’ effect. This dark knot-like feature is created when the stone is incorrectly cut to display too wide a contrast between dark and light parts of the crystal. To prevent this, ensure the length to width ratio is no lower than around 1.3 and no higher than 1.5 to avoid the ‘bow tie’ effect. It is especially important to view oval cut diamonds in person or ask for a video of the diamond before buying, as the appearance and strength of the ‘bow tie’ effect can vary significantly between different examples of this cut.
Selecting the Best Setting for Oval Cut Diamonds
The setting of an oval engagement ring is nearly as important as the cut of the diamond and is one of the primary factors in determining how the ring will look and feel when worn on a daily basis. There are several popular options to choose from, including:
Solitaire – setting with thin prongs that hold the oval cut diamond from the sides, leaving the front fully exposed.
Hidden halo/pavé – this option uses additional diamonds around the center stone to make it appear bigger and sparklier. Oval halo engagement rings are a fantastic choice for couples who want to get the most sparkle for their money without losing the elegant lines of the oval shape.
Trilogy/3 stone – a trilogy setting uses two smaller side stones to either side of the center oval cut diamond. This style looks particularly stunning as an oval cut solitaire ring since it provides extra contrast between the bigger center stone and the smaller side ones.
East-west – East-west oval engagement rings are worn with the oval rotated sideways, rather than with the points facing up and down.
Hidden halo, trilogy, and east-west settings all provide an alternative to the traditional solitaire style for those looking to make their oval engagement ring look even more unique. In terms of the cut itself, the length to width ratio of an oval cut diamond, as discussed earlier, will define how long and slender the ring will look. For the majority of buyers, a ratio between 1.3 and 1.5 will provide the best balance between beauty and value.
Understanding Gold Tone Options for Oval Engagement Rings
Once the cut and setting have been chosen, it is time to narrow in on the metal tone. This consideration is crucial, as it will define the overall aesthetic of the oval engagement ring for years to come.
White gold and platinum are the two most popular options for oval cut engagement rings since their cool tone will maximise the brilliance of the center diamond by providing the best possible colour contrast. This combination is highly versatile and works with a wide variety of skintones and can also be paired with white gold wedding bands months or even years later at the wedding.
Yellow gold is an increasingly popular choice for vintage-inspired oval engagement rings. The warm tone of this metal will complement almost any setting and provide extra flare to a solitaire oval cut diamond. It also hides minor imperfections in the diamond better than white gold options.
Rose gold is the most unique option, as this metal tone has a warm pinkish hue, is incredibly desirable for its vintage appeal, and pairs exceptionally well with oval cut diamonds. Oval engagement rings in rose gold provide an heirloom-worthy look that is ideal for those who want to ensure their jewelry will still look beautiful in decades.
It is also worth noting that rose gold oval engagement rings look especially amazing when paired with a solitaire setting since the combination of their warm tones will amplify the overall effect. For buyers who want to enjoy the benefits of both white and yellow metals, some jewelers offer two-tone oval engagement rings with white gold prongs and a yellow or rose gold band.
Comparing Oval Cut Diamonds to Other Popular Engagement Ring Shapes
When considering the benefits of oval cut diamonds, it is useful to compare them to other popular engagement ring shapes like the round brilliant, cushion, and pear cuts. Compared to the round brilliant, oval cut diamonds create a longer and leaner look without sacrificing any of the value due to the lower amount of rough crystal waste during cutting. Cushion cut diamonds share the same appeal as oval cut diamonds but provide a rounder, more dramatic look. On the other hand, oval cut diamonds are more balanced in appearance while also being easier to get used to throughout the day since their shape is closer to the traditional round brilliant. Pear shaped diamonds, similarly to oval cut diamonds, offer a unique alternative to the round brilliant but feature a teardrop shape that makes them more challenging to pair with different settings and potentially uncomfortable to wear.
Oval Engagement Ring Buying Advice and Tips
The most important things to consider when purchasing oval cut diamonds are:
- Length to width ratio (1.3-1.5 for best results).
- Placement of prongs that will hold the center stone.
- Quality of the cut.
- Budget, as oval cut diamonds often provide the most value for money among the fancy shapes.
Additionally, oval cut diamonds require regular maintenance to ensure longevity, as they have fewer prongs to hold the center stone securely. It is a good idea to get them cleaned and checked at least once a year. They should also be kept away from harsh chemicals and regular use when swimming or doing manual labour, as all of these activities can damage the setting in the long run.
Conclusion
Oval engagement rings can be an excellent choice for a proposal due to their unique combination of elegance and value. This shape provides a safer alternative to more unique and avant-garde designs while also featuring enough variation to suit different tastes and styles. Choosing between a solitaire, halo, trilogy, or hidden pavé setting is only part of the task – the best oval engagement rings will also feature the best cut and gold tone. Harmony Jewels London looks forward to helping you find the perfect oval engagement ring that you will be able to cherish for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oval Engagement Rings
Are oval diamonds a good choice for engagement rings?
In many ways, oval shaped diamonds are some of the best options for engagement rings due to their ability to elongate the finger and reflect light beautifully. Additionally, they are one of the most versatile fancy shapes, as they provide value and visual appeal across a wide range of settings, vintage-inspired designs, and solitaire styles.
Do oval engagement rings look bigger than round ones?
For the same carat weight, oval diamonds will generally look bigger than round brilliants due to the increased length to width ratio. This is one of the reasons oval engagement rings have become so desirable among those looking for value.
What is the ideal oval diamond ratio?
The best oval diamond ratio will generally be somewhere around 1.3-1.5, with 1.0 being completely round and 2.0 being extremely elongated. The closer to 1.3-1.5 the ratio of an oval diamond is, the more elongated it will look.
Are oval engagement rings more expensive than round ones?
Compared to round brilliant cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds are generally slightly cheaper due to less rough crystal being wasted during cutting. This also makes them one of the best options for those looking for value. As a result of their unique appearance and reasonable price, oval diamonds have become one of the most popular fancy shapes for engagement rings, especially for those comparing gold oval engagement rings.
