What Distinguishes an Oval Shaped Diamond

_{An oval cut diamond}

When it comes to picking a top-quality diamond shape the choice tends to revolve around four main options: the round, the princess, the cushion, and the oval. These ‘top four’ diamond shapes make up the most popular choices for people when it comes to picking a top-cut diamond, either as an individual stone or as is often the case when it comes to picking a diamond for their engagement ring.

However, there are some questions when it comes to what these particular shapes mean. Shapes, not ‘cuts’ as they are often understood or misunderstood. In this Education page, we will break down the main features that help distinguish the oval-shaped diamond, why it is an important diamond shape, and whether should you consider going for it.

What is an Oval Shaped Diamond? 

The origins of the oval shaped diamonds go back to the early part of the 20th century. With the Russian diamond cutter, Lazare Kaplan is accredited for developing this cut. The Russian comes from a family that has a rich heritage in the world of diamond cutting, with the ideal cut being attributed to his uncle.

When it comes to understanding the character of oval shaped diamonds, let us start, as we usually do, in these Education pages, by providing some clarification on the terminology of gemstone cuts and shapes. The first point to consider is that shape of a diamond is not its cut. The cut of the diamond of whatever gemstone concerns the type of faceting the gem is subjected to. The cut of the diamond as one of the 4Cs involves elements like proportions, symmetry, etc. And its quality (cut) is measured by an array of factors. A factor that applies irrespective of the shape of the diamond in question.

When it comes to diamond shapes, our focus in this discussion, the point of consideration is the outward appearance of the gemstone. In the case of oval-shaped diamonds we are presented with a gemstone that is arguably the closest in character to the most popular round cut (shape) diamond, but with the distinctive elongated shape that gives the diamond a distinct character.

The oval shape has become a household name in the world of fine jewellery, becoming a top diamond shape in the world of engagement rings.

Strengths of the Oval Shaped Diamond

So what makes oval shaped diamonds a good option, such as when going for a top-quality engagement ring? The first point is that it is simply different from all the rest. Holding an interestingly middle position between the brilliance and central roundness of the round cut diamonds, and some of the elongation one may find in the emerald shape. So the visual style is a notable consideration. As some buyers are simply captivated by its distinct shape when set in a top ring setting.

Another key strength of the oval shape is that it provides the impression of greater presence on the ring finger. The elongated shape produces the illusion of a bigger stone given the wider surface area of the stone, making oval diamonds shaped diamonds with comparable carats more prominent on the ring.

One of the main strengths of the oval-shaped diamond is that it is a variant of the famous round brilliant-cut diamond. Which is the top shape in the world of diamond jewellery, and is known for its unmatched brilliance, top fire, and scintillation. As the most dominant diamond shape, it is also the priciest and when it comes to price, you will be paying a premium for a larger carat size.

With Oval shaped diamonds, you get many of these core round cut diamond features. High brilliance, though not as high as the round, and with a shape that is too far apart from the premium round shape diamond, but the advantage of being lower in cost.

Factors to Consider when Purchasing an Oval Shaped Diamond

The first point to consider is the aesthetic preference of the gemstone buyer. It must be noted that oval shaped diamonds come with a very distinct shape that can with you either love it or hate it tag. Some people simply would not opt for it, others would love it. And it is important to know where you stand on this.

Once that is out of the way, there is the question of the integrity of the gemstone, particularly when it is set in a particular band style where the ends are open. This becomes an issue if the oval shaped diamonds contain a pointed end, increasing the chances for chipping. This need not be an issue however if the wearer takes the right precautions or does not intend to wear the ring during an outdoor activity or when dealing with heavy instruments. Though this principle applies to all the engagement rings.

Being a stylistic variant of the top round-cut diamond, the oval shape comes with a slightly lower brilliance and is generally not considered the most premium of choice when it comes to engagement rings. However, if the customer connects with the gemstone shape, and is able to find a diamond that scores well in other areas of the 4Cs, and when combined with a solid well design engagement ring band, will be in for a top choice.

Bow tie Effect in Oval Shaped Diamonds

As a potential downside, oval shape diamonds are known for their high visibility. Which basically means that a greater part of the inner diamond is visible to the naked eye. A bit like the emerald cut. So certain visual inconsistencies like the bow-tie effect, which is prominent in the emerald shape, tend to be more visible here as well. So potential oval-shaped diamond ring buyers ought to pay attention to this.

One word of advice when going for oval shaped diamonds is to pay attention to the ratio of the diamond. This might sound a bit technical (because it is) but the ratio of the oval shape diamond will have an effect on whether the diamond is narrower or wider. A bit like humans! However, this variation does have an effect on the visibility of the bow tie effect of the stone. With smaller ratios being the preferred option.