Few diamond styles strike the perfect balance between classic beauty and modern flair like the oval cut diamond. With its elongated shape, dazzling brilliance, and timeless appeal, the oval cut has become one of the most desired choices in engagement rings and fine jewellery today.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what oval cut diamonds are, how they’re made, whether they’re worth buying, and who they suit best. Along the way, you’ll get expert-backed insights, practical buying advice, and a few surprising facts that might make you fall in love with this elegant diamond shape.
What Are Oval Cut Diamonds?
An oval cut diamond is a modified brilliant-cut diamond — meaning it has the same facet pattern as a round brilliant diamond but in a stretched, oval shape. It’s designed to maximise sparkle while offering a more unique and elongated look.
This diamond cut was first created in the 1950s by Lazare Kaplan, a master diamond cutter who sought to blend brilliance with sophistication. The result was a shape that flatters the hand, elongates the fingers, and captures light beautifully from every angle.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), oval cuts typically feature 56 to 58 facets, the same number as a round brilliant, which is why they shimmer so beautifully.
In recent years, oval cut diamonds have surged in popularity by over 25%, especially for engagement rings, according to The Knot’s 2023 Jewellery Trends Report. Celebrities like Blake Lively, Kourtney Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber have all chosen oval cut engagement rings — and that trend shows no sign of slowing down.
How Are Oval Cut Diamonds Made?
The process of creating an oval cut diamond combines precision, artistry, and science. Here’s how it happens:
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Selecting the rough stone – Diamond cutters begin with a high-quality piece of rough diamond that has good clarity and minimal inclusions.
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Mapping and shaping – Advanced laser technology is used to plan the shape and maximise carat weight.
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Cutting the facets – The diamond is faceted with 56–58 cuts, ensuring symmetry and brilliance.
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Polishing and inspection – Each facet is polished and inspected to ensure maximum sparkle and symmetry.
A well-cut oval diamond will reflect light evenly across its surface. However, one key thing to watch for is the “bow-tie effect” — a dark area that can appear in the centre of the stone due to poor light reflection. High-quality oval cuts minimise this, producing an even and radiant shine.
Should You Buy Oval-Cut Diamonds?
If you’re drawn to elegance, sophistication, and a touch of individuality, then yes, absolutely. Oval cut diamonds are a beautiful alternative to traditional round brilliants, offering many of the same optical qualities — but often for 10–20% less in price per carat.
Here are a few reasons why oval cuts are worth buying:
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More brilliance for less cost – You get a similar sparkle to round diamonds without paying as much.
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Elongating effect – The shape naturally makes the fingers look longer and slimmer.
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Larger appearance – Because of their spread-out surface area, ovals appear bigger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.
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Timeless yet modern – Oval cuts suit both vintage and contemporary jewellery styles.
For those who want something distinctive yet classic, the oval cut diamond is a perfect balance of both worlds.
Where Can You Buy Oval Cut Diamonds?
Buying an oval cut diamond requires trust, quality certification, and transparency. Always ensure that your diamond comes with a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate.
Some of the best places to buy include:
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Blue Nile – Offers a huge selection of GIA-certified oval cut diamonds with 360° videos.
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James Allen – Ideal for online buyers who want to see their diamond close-up before purchase.
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Brilliant Earth – Known for ethical sourcing and eco-friendly lab-grown options.
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Tiffany & Co. – A classic choice for those looking for luxury and premium craftsmanship.
Pro Tip: When buying an oval cut diamond, aim for a length-to-width ratio between 1.35 and 1.50 for the most balanced and flattering shape.
Are Oval Cut Diamonds a Good Investment?
Yes — especially for those who value both beauty and long-term value.
While round brilliants still dominate resale markets, oval cut diamonds have been gaining steady investment interest. Their unique look and growing popularity mean they tend to hold their value well, particularly when they have excellent cut and symmetry grades.
According to a 2024 report by Rapaport, fancy shapes like the oval cut saw a 12% increase in demand compared to the previous year. This indicates that collectors and buyers are recognising their worth beyond aesthetics.
To ensure a strong investment, look for:
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Excellent or Very Good cut grade
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VS2 clarity or higher
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G colour or better
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GIA certification
These factors contribute significantly to resale and long-term value.
Should You Wear Oval-Cut Diamonds as Jewellery?
Definitely — the oval cut is one of the most versatile and flattering shapes in jewellery. Whether it’s an engagement ring, necklace, or earrings, oval-cut diamonds deliver sparkle and style in equal measure.
Their soft curves and elongated shape suit almost any hand type or jewellery design. They look especially stunning in:
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Solitaire settings for a minimalist look.
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Halo designs that enhance their size and sparkle.
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Three-stone rings paired with side stones like baguettes or pears.
An added advantage is practicality. Since ovals don’t have sharp corners, they’re less likely to chip or snag compared to princess or marquise cuts — making them perfect for everyday wear.
Who Should Wear Oval Cut Diamonds?
Oval cut diamonds are for those who appreciate refined style, timeless beauty, and subtle individuality. They’re elegant without being ostentatious and classic without being traditional.
They’re also a great choice for:
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People with active lifestyles, as the smooth edges make them durable.
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Those who want a diamond that appears larger than its carat weight.
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Anyone who loves vintage-inspired yet modern jewellery.
In short, if you’re someone who values brilliance with a hint of uniqueness, the oval cut diamond will feel like it was made just for you.
Conclusion
The oval cut diamond stands as one of the most versatile and elegant diamond cuts you can choose. It combines the brilliance of a round cut with a distinctive, elongated shape that flatters every hand and jewellery style.
Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a timeless pendant, or a piece to treasure forever, the oval cut delivers both sparkle and sophistication.
Its increasing popularity, timeless design, and exceptional brilliance make it not just a purchase — but an investment in elegance that will never fade.
FAQs
1. What makes oval cut diamonds different from round diamonds?
Oval cuts have the same number of facets as round diamonds but appear longer and larger due to their shape, often costing less per carat.
2. Are oval cut diamonds cheaper than round diamonds?
Yes. On average, they can be 10–20% cheaper than round brilliants of the same quality and carat weight.
3. How do I avoid the bow-tie effect in oval diamonds?
Buy from a trusted jeweller and ask to see the diamond in different lighting conditions. A well-cut stone will have even light reflection and minimal shadowing.
4. Can oval cut diamonds be lab-grown?
Absolutely. Lab-grown ovals are nearly identical to natural ones and are typically 30–40% more affordable.
5. What settings look best for oval cut diamonds?
Solitaire and halo settings are the most popular choices, as they highlight the diamond’s elongated brilliance beautifully.