We're about to dish out the sparkling truth about one of the most loved diamond shapes: the oval cut diamond. Celebs and fashion icons have been smitten with oval engagement rings for years, and let's face it, they're simply timeless. With their elongated shape and stunning facets, oval cut diamonds add a unique spin to the classic round diamond cut.
How do I choose a good oval diamond?
Our diamond experts at SHANNON are passionate about sharing our diamond knowledge with you. We’ll answer all your questions and offer multiple diamond options for you to choose from. That being said, here are a few things you should know to pick a perfect oval diamond.
Ratios
Oval diamonds have an elongated face, which flatters the finger and makes them look bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. The ratio of length to width on an oval diamond is what gives it a more rounded, or skinny appearance on the finger. While ratio is totally a matter of preference and style, we recommend a ratio of 1.3 - 1.5 for the ideal oval look.
Bowties
A perfectly cut round brilliant diamond will reflect all the light that enters back out to the eye, creating that super sparkly look that we all know and love. With a fancy cut diamond, such as an oval cut diamond, there will always be some amount of light that sneaks through, or gets blocked. The rounded shoulders on an oval diamond block some of the light trying to get through, which creates the look of a “bowtie”, or shadows going across the middle of the stone. All oval diamonds have a bowtie, but you can choose stones with bowties that are less noticeable from certain angles.
An oval diamond that is very shallow will have a more prominent bowtie, while a deep cut oval diamond can let a lot of light pass through, causing the stone to look dull. An ideal cut oval diamond means minimal bowtie appearance, and more sparkle and fire when you look at it from all angles.
Clarity/Color
The sparkle of an oval cut diamond is like a magic trick for hiding inclusions. You can go as low as SI2 clarity and still come away with an amazing, clear diamond to the naked eye. Your diamond expert at SHANNON will ensure that any inclusions on the diamond are placed in strategic areas, such as where a prong or a bezel may cover it up.
With their elongated faces and slightly bigger appearance, oval diamonds show off a bit more color than rounds. The bigger the diamond, the more color you can usually see. Opt for oval diamonds that are colorless (DEF) or nearly colorless (GH) for the ultimate wow factor.
Trendy, yet classic, less expensive than round diamonds and a very flattering shape on the finger, oval cut diamond engagement rings are a brilliant choice for any bride! Now that you know what to look for in the perfect stone, you can work with your own personal custom ring expert at SHANNON to create the perfect design for it. We can’t wait to get started!