Jewelry Trends

Is an oval cut diamond best for my engagement ring?

Rachel Akmakjian

Author

If there’s one diamond shape that could knock the round cut diamond out of first place in popularity, it’s the oval cut diamond. From celebrities down to the tightest budget spenders, this cut is swiftly growing in popularity. So why are more and more people gravitating toward this cut? And is it the right one for you?

What You Will Learn

Is oval a good diamond shape?

Oval diamond cuts have a few key things going for them which people LOVE. 

  1. They sparkle a lot. What is an oval cut diamond called? Technically it’s a brilliant cut oval diamond. That’s because like the ever-popular round diamond, oval cut diamonds are brilliant cuts. This a cutting style where lots of tiny facets are cut throughout the stone. These facets reflect the light and create sparkle. 
  2. The brilliant cut oval diamond has a bigger surface area than a round brilliant cut diamond. This makes them appear larger than their carat weight would suggest!
  3. The oval brilliant cut diamond has soft edges that are attractive and classic. Even though they’re having a moment right now, we can count on the oval diamond having a timeless appeal. 

Buying an engagement ring? Here are 16 pieces of advice.

oval diamond ring with visible bow tie effect worn on a woman’s hand

What’s bad about the oval diamond cut?

The biggest drawback to oval diamonds? Bow ties. If you gaze closely at the sparkle pattern in any oblong shaped diamond, you’ll notice a bow tie shaped pattern across the middle of the stone. This is because all those sparkly facets can’t line up perfectly in an oval shape the way they do in a round diamond. The result is a bow tie effect, and a large, dark bow tie distracts from the beauty of the diamond. In an ideal cut oval diamond, the bowtie effect will be the least noticeable. 

The other thing to keep in mind with oval cut diamonds is they show their  color more than other cuts. Since no one wants their white diamond to appear yellowish, you’ll have to budget for a good color grade. We recommend at least an H or higher for an oval cut stone.

Who should wear an oval shaped diamond ring?

An oval cut diamond diamond ring is particularly perfect for anyone with short or wide hands. A finger with an elongated shape diamond appears longer and more slender.

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If you want a look that’s on-trend and popular, look at a modern oval cut diamond ring. This look is quickly becoming one of the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings, just behind round diamonds

But even though it may seem like everyone is opting for an oval these days, you don’t have to worry about them being a passing fad. With their soft edges and elongating effect, an oval diamond will always look classic, especially as a solitaire or with a simple halo.

Which celebrities have oval diamond engagement rings?

Leading the trend on oval shape diamond engagement rings are a host of different celebrities.

  • Blake Lively wears an enormous oval from her husband Ryan Reynolds.
  • Simone Biles wears an oval cut engagement ring with pavé diamond band.
  • Kourtney Kardashian received an oval shape diamond from Travis Barker.
  • Hailey Bieber accepted an oval diamond engagement ring from Justin Bieber.
  • Numerous bachelorette contestants have been proposed to with oval shaped diamonds.
  • Jasmine Tookes the Victoria’s Secret model has an oval engagement ring.
  • Kate Midleton – we can’t forget the Princess Diana ring, a oval shape sapphire surrounded by a halo of white diamonds.

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Are oval diamonds more expensive?

While oval shaped diamonds aren’t as popular as round (yet) they aren’t necessarily more or less expensive. One thing to consider: Oval diamonds have a larger surface area than other cuts. That means a pear shaped diamond will always appear larger than a round cut diamond of the exact same carat weight. So if a big diamond look is what you’re after, you could pay less for a smaller carat weight that appears bigger and more expensive. 

How do I find a good oval shaped engagement ring?

Working with a jeweler in person is the easiest way to find the best oval cut diamond for your budget. Ask them to point out the “bow tie” in oblong diamonds and look for one that isn’t too noticeable.

You also need to look closely at the oval diamond’s color and an oval cut diamond clarity. You might have  to pay for a better color quality (at least H or above) to make sure your diamond doesn’t look yellowish. 

Looking at diamonds online can be helpful in the beginning, but seeing them in person is the fastest way to find the best oval cut diamond for your engagement ring.

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Do I need insurance for an engagement ring?

To protect fine jewelry from loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance, you need specialized jewelry insurance. 

BriteCo’s affordable policy covers up to 125% of your ring’s appraised value and it’s fast and easy to get started. 

Get an instant free quote for an affordable monthly or annual payment. Then all you have to do is upload the required documentation and you’ll be covered in minutes.  

Insurance for engagement rings is a must. And there’s finally an affordable and easy way to get comprehensive jewelry insurance. 

Brides Magazine Rates BriteCo Best Engagement Ring Insurance of 2023

 

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Rachel Akmakjian is Director of Jeweler Relations for BriteCo. She has more than eight years’ experience in jewelry marketing, retail, diamond wholesale, and managing her own company that specializes in creating custom jewelry pieces. Rachel is currently a student at the Gemological Institute of America, on track to receive her Graduate Gemology certificate by the end of this year. Her education and experiences have given her an in-depth understanding of the demands and expectations facing jewelers and customers in today’s evolving retail marketplace.
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