Way back in 2012, Hailey Bieber tweeted, 'If my ring isn’t as big as Blake Lively’s, I don’t want to get married.' Looks like Hailey got her heart’s desire when she tied the knot years later with a similar oval-cut diamond ring, estimated to be around 10 carats. Over the years, celebrities have favored this elegant center stone, including gymnast Simone Biles and socialite Kourtney Kardashian.
The oval-cut ring was once considered a substitute for a round-cut diamond, but no more. Since its inception in the 1950s, it has steadily earned a reputation as an 'always in vogue' stunner. In fact, according to Google Trends estimates, oval-cut diamonds are among the top searches for engagement rings.
1) Timeless Elegance
Long story short, even Queen Victoria chose to have the Kohinoor diamond cut into an oval shape. The elongated silhouette of an oval has captivated brides, grooms, and everyone else for centuries. When New York-based diamond dealer Lazare Kaplan figured out how to cut diamonds into an oval shape with ease, their popularity soared. Royalty and style icons still covet this sophisticated, elongated shape. Catherine, Princess of Wales, continues to wear an heirloom piece that once belonged to her mother-in-law, underscoring the enduring appeal of this cut. While the length-to-width ratio of an oval-cut diamond can vary based on personal preference, a ratio of 1.35 to 1.50 is considered the most timeless and flattering for most brides.
Thanks to its versatile shape, the oval cut looks stunning in various settings, from vintage bezels to contemporary prong settings. Its lack of sharp corners means it won’t snag or chip easily, giving it an edge over other elongated shapes like the emerald cut. The oval cut also pairs beautifully with both cool and warm-toned metals—whether platinum, rose, or yellow gold. Its slender shape allows for the addition of accent stones on either side without compromising the ring's proportions. For instance, Ariana Grande’s 6-carat oval ring is set alongside an angled bright white pearl, creating a simply stunning effect. For those looking to make an offbeat or avant-garde style statement, the oval cut stands out when set in an east-west orientation rather than the traditional north-south one.
The oval cut is incredibly sparkly—one of the most brilliant cuts, second only to the round diamond. Its facets interact beautifully with light from multiple angles, reflecting it to create a dazzling sparkle. An oval diamond with excellent cut and clarity can sparkle just as brilliantly as a round diamond, especially in an open setting like a four-prong setting. To ensure maximum brilliance, look for stones with a ‘very good’ or a better cut grade. However, be cautious of the bow tie effect, where light distribution causes a bow tie-shaped shadow in the center of the stone.
We all know how the right outfit silhouette can make us look slimmer—why should our fingers be any different? Enter the oval cut, the most flattering silhouette in the gemstone world. Thanks to their unique shape, oval engagement rings are the best diamond cuts if you want the appearance of long, slender fingers. The elongated shape creates an illusion of length, making your fingers appear leaner and more attractive. An oval cut could be the perfect choice if you have broader hands or shorter fingers. Just be sure to choose an oval with length-to-width proportions that suit your hand; try on a few options to see whether a broader or narrower stone looks best.
Because of its shape and cut, an oval diamond looks larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. It sits beautifully on the finger, making a statement with its size. Moreover, an oval-cut diamond could cost less than its round counterpart—sometimes up to 30% less—making it a more practical choice in the long run, both for its size and value.
