Oval Shape Diamonds

Short Description

The oval is an elliptical shaped diamond and it is made quite similarly to the round brilliant cut diamond, but it’s narrower and longer. Oval diamonds are another popular choice for engagement rings or for any diamond retailer. This shape is usually applied to larger stones with an elongated original shape, and can also make the stone appear larger than round stones of a similar weight. A ring with a single large oval diamond visually makes fingers and hands appear longer, sleeker and slimmer. Perfectly suits women with smaller hands.

Characteristics

The oval diamond is seen most frequently cut in the standard 58 facet brilliant pattern. In oval cuts, the preferred ratio is typically between 1.33 and 1.66.

History

Oval-shaped diamonds were established and introduced by Lazare Kaplan not so long ago, in the early 1960s. Lazare Kaplan worked closely with his uncle Abraham Tolkowsky, the diamond cutter that introduced the Ideal Cut diamond, making this diamond cut as brilliant and breath-taking as it is.

Buying Advice

Oval diamonds cannot be judged only by numbers, just like other fancy diamond shapes, you would be wise to visually assess this diamond either in person or through a 360 picture. The bow-tie effect, or the dark area across the centre (a result of light refracting through the pavilions’ angles) in Oval cuts should be modest-minimal. Avoid excessively deep or shallow stones when choosing Oval shaped diamonds, go for symmetrical and elegantly cut stone.

Celebrities spotted wearing Oval diamonds

Tom Cruise’s admirable proposal to Katie Holmes, presenting her with a five carat oval-shaped diamond engagement ring set in platinum and rose gold.  

What’s an acceptable ‘bow tie’ size in an oval diamond? 

Gemmologists and Gem cutters agree that a small bow tie is considered part of the beauty of this unique and beautiful diamond shape. Specialists agree that an oval shape diamond with a depth percentage between 63% and 68% delivers the greatest amount of brilliance while exhibiting only a small bow tie affect. Oval shape diamonds under 62% usually produce larger bow tie affects due to reduced pavilion angles.