An oval cut diamond engagement ring features a diamond that has been shaped into an elongated oval, offering a unique twist on the traditional round cut. Oval diamonds are known for their brilliant sparkle because they share the same faceting style as round brilliant cuts. The oval shape enhances the diamond’s ability to catch and reflect light, making it a radiant choice for an engagement ring.

One of the standout features of an oval diamond is its elongated shape, which creates the illusion of a larger stone, even if the carat weight is the same as a round diamond. Additionally, the oval’s shape helps make fingers appear longer and slimmer, giving it a flattering look on most hands. Whether set as a solitaire or surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, the oval cut is a striking, elegant, and modern choice for an engagement ring.

Oval cut diamond engagement rings have surged in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. One of the biggest reasons is the cut’s ability to maximise sparkle while offering something a bit more unique than the classic round diamond. The elongated shape not only makes the diamond appear larger, but it also gives the finger a slender and elegant appearance, which many brides love.

Another reason for their popularity is the versatility of the oval shape. Oval diamonds complement both modern and vintage-inspired settings, making them suitable for a wide range of tastes. Celebrities and influencers choosing oval cut diamonds for their engagement rings have also boosted their popularity, as this shape offers a fresh, contemporary style while still being timeless.

Moreover, oval diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight. Because the oval cut retains more of the original rough stone, less material is wasted during the cutting process, resulting in a lower price per carat. This makes oval diamonds an attractive option for those looking for maximum sparkle and size without the higher cost.

When it comes to sparkle, both oval and round brilliant cut diamonds are designed for maximum brilliance, thanks to their similar faceting structures. However, a round brilliant cut typically has a slight edge in overall brilliance because of its perfect symmetry. That said, oval diamonds are still incredibly sparkly and can appear even more brilliant in certain lighting conditions due to their elongated surface area, which allows more light to reflect.

One of the advantages of an oval cut is that it tends to hide inclusions (imperfections) and colour better than many other fancy shapes, so you can often choose a lower clarity or colour grade without compromising the diamond’s overall beauty. The elongated shape of the oval also makes it appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight, giving you a bigger look for your money, even though it might not outshine the round cut in pure brilliance.

If you’re after that signature sparkle but want something a bit more distinctive than the classic round diamond, the oval cut offers a great balance of brilliance, size, and style.

Oval cut diamonds are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in a variety of settings. One of the most popular choices is the classic solitaire setting, where the oval diamond is the star of the show. The solitaire setting allows the diamond’s brilliance and shape to take centre stage, creating an elegant and timeless look.

For those who want added sparkle, a halo setting is another great option. In a halo setting, the oval diamond is surrounded by smaller diamonds, which not only enhances its brilliance but also makes the centre stone appear even larger. If you prefer a more vintage or intricate style, a pavé setting, where the band is lined with small diamonds, or a three-stone setting can add extra glamour and detail to your ring.

Oval diamonds also look stunning with a split shank setting, where the band splits into two as it approaches the stone, adding a modern and unique touch to the design. Whether you prefer minimalist or more intricate styles, the oval cut’s shape lends itself well to a variety of settings, making it easy to customise a ring that reflects your personal taste.

Yes, oval cut diamonds are generally more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This is because the oval cut retains more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, resulting in less waste. Since round diamonds require more material to be removed to achieve their perfect circular shape, they tend to be more expensive per carat.

In contrast, the oval cut is more efficient, which lowers the price without sacrificing beauty or brilliance. For brides who want a larger-looking diamond without the higher price tag, the oval cut offers excellent value. The elongated shape also makes the diamond appear bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight, giving you a bigger visual impact for your budget.

While the cost of an engagement ring depends on many factors, including diamond quality (cut, clarity, colour), metal choice, and design details, opting for an oval cut can be a savvy way to maximise both size and sparkle without spending as much as you might on a round brilliant cut.

The “bow-tie effect” refers to a shadowy, dark area that can appear across the centre of an oval cut diamond when light doesn’t reflect evenly off the stone’s facets. It gets its name because the shadow looks like a bow tie and is common in elongated diamond shapes such as oval, marquise, and pear cuts. The degree of the bow-tie effect varies depending on the diamond’s cut quality, and in some cases, it can be barely noticeable, while in others, it can be quite prominent.

Should you be concerned about the bow-tie effect? It depends on personal preference. A slight bow-tie effect is common in most oval diamonds and can actually add character to the stone. However, if the effect is too strong, it can detract from the diamond’s overall brilliance, making it appear darker or less sparkly in the centre.

When shopping for an oval cut diamond, it’s important to see the stone in person (or through high-quality images) to assess how noticeable the bow-tie effect is. A well-cut oval diamond will minimise this effect, ensuring you get the maximum sparkle and brilliance from your stone.