Oval cut diamonds are a wonderful and elegant shape option for anyone who is looking to stand out from the crowd with their diamond ring. While round cut diamonds are most popular, the oval cut is the elongated version that has the same modern features as a round diamond while having a more elegant shape. The 58 facets in this brilliant cut make it a perfect option for a sophisticated diamond ring, allowing it to sparkle in any light!
Diamonds have been cut into oval-like shapes for centuries, but it wasn't until 1957 that the modern oval cut diamond we know today was created. Lazare Kaplan was a Russian-born diamond cutter who was known for taking diamonds deemed "worthless" and cutting them into incredibly valuable stones.
However, he really became popular and well known in the diamond world when he created the modern oval cut diamond. Through Kaplan's impressive cleaving skills, he began cutting the useless diamonds into elegant modern oval diamonds, which gained him a spot in the Jewelers International Hall of Fame. Since then, oval cut diamonds have become one of the most sophisticated diamond cut options available!
- Ideal Table Percentage: 55% - 60%
- Ideal Depth Percentage: 60% - 65%
- Ideal Length to Width Ratio: 1.30 – 1.45
Due to the elongated shape of oval cut diamonds, there are certain ring settings that work perfectly to showcase the unique shape. When you have a sophisticated diamond cut like this, you want to show it off the right way!
One of the best options for an oval diamond is either a four or six-pronged solitaire setting. With this option, the diamond is the center of attention, really bringing notice to the elegant shape of the diamond. Four-pronged settings will allow the most amount of your diamond to be visible, while six-prong will give more security, especially with larger diamonds.
Solitaire settings do leave your oval cut diamond more exposed to potential damage due to the lack of protection around the elongated edges. However, as long as you're careful with your ring, this is a small price to pay to be able to showcase as much of your diamond as possible in a ring setting!
If you’re looking for a setting option that is more intricate than a solitaire, another popular option is pavé settings. These settings have many tiny diamonds essentially paving the band around the center diamond, adding extra sparkle to the ring. There are countless variations of pave settings, ranging from classic styles to more whimsical designs, giving you a bit more creative freedom when choosing one.
Another setting that has become more popular in recent years is the halo setting. This style includes a ring of smaller stones that circles around the center stone. This design can create the illusion of a larger stone, or at least the sparkle included in one, without the larger price tag associated with larger round cut diamonds. Halo settings provide extra sparkle, much like pavé settings do!
Another popular option for the oval cut diamond is the split shank setting, which helps to highlight the unique shape of the cut. Split shank settings include rows of diamonds that are split in a way that brings attention to the rounded corners of the center stone, which is perfect for the style of cut. This style helps create intense sparkle, which is sure to garner attention from everyone!
There are many benefits to choosing an oval cut diamond for your engagement ring! Not only do they have an elegant appearance, but they offer these perks too!
- Oval cut diamonds cost less than round cut diamonds per carat.
- The surface area of oval diamonds makes them appear larger than other cuts of the same size.
- The elongated shape provides a slimming effect on your finger!
- The rounded sides won't catch on clothing or hair, making it great for daily wear.
Oval cut diamonds are a sophisticated option for the diamond lover who wants something different than everyone else. These diamonds look wonderful showcased as the only stone in a ring, making them perfect for solitaire engagement rings. No matter how you choose to showcase it, an oval diamond will add elegance to your engagement ring!
