Oval Cut Diamonds

The timeless, elegant shape of the oval cut diamond adds a touch of class to any piece of jewelry. Combining the classic, high brilliance of the round cut with a more unique shape, the oval cut produces a sophisticated, modern twist on the traditional round shape. The elongated shape creates the illusion of longer, more slender fingers, making it extremely flattering on the hand. Created by Lazar Kaplan in the late 1950’s, the oval diamond is an excellent choice for the sentimental buyer on a budget. The oval is symbolic of a relationship built on trust and stability, and its lengthened shape makes this diamond look larger than other shapes of the same carat weight.

Similar to the marquise diamond with its elongated proportions, the oval cut diamond may exhibit a “bow-tie” effect across the center of the stone. This darkened area can be seen in certain angles of light and is not a feature desired by most buyers. “Bow-ties” are more common in oval diamonds that are more elongated (those with length to width ratios greater than 1.55 to 1) and in excessively deep or shallow stones. Additionally, oval cuts are prone to showing color more easily, so we suggest selecting a stone with an H color or higher. As always, it is advisable to get a visual inspection on any loose oval diamond prior to purchasing.

Oval Cut Diamond Guide

Every diamond shape has a length-to-width ratio that determines how a diamond will appear when viewed from above. When selecting a loose oval diamond, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.3 and 1.8.