Oval Cut Diamonds
So why choose Oval cut diamonds?
Quite simply, this shape is very similar to the round-cut brilliant diamond and offers the same fire, sparkle and immense beauty with the graceful curves of the stone, which looks elegant and sensational on all shapes of fingers.
The oval cut diamond can appear larger than the round brilliant cut for the same carat weight and is very fashionable for brides as it is classic and timeless. This design is often used in a setting along with other smaller diamonds. Although a solitaire oval ring is highly sophisticated, it requires a four-claw setting to hold the stone securely.
Whatever your decision in choosing diamonds, it's worthwhile noting that an oval cut is alluring, flattering, and most of all can give the impression of a larger diamond.
Technical aspects
The oval cut offers a unique and stylish alternative within its 58 facets, and the stone gives the illusion of being sharp and crisp and appears larger. It is known as a ‘fancy shape’, and due to this, the stone has no sharp corners therefore, it is less liable to sustain damage from chipping. The oval cut is known as an oval modified brilliant diamond and is a variation on the round brilliant i.e.:
- 58 facets
- 33 on the crown
- 24 on the pavilion – the oval may have 4.6. or 8 main pavilion facets
An Oval Cut Diamond provides excellent brilliance, durability and unique style, and an H Colour or better and an SI1 or SI2 is recommended for clarity for this diamond shape.
Oval cut diamond colour and clarity
The overall colour is graded by the GIA on a scale from D to Z.
Typically, a diamond that has a Z grade means that it contains an easily noticeable brown or yellow tint. The D grade represents the most colourless that an oval cut diamond can be.
Whilst it’s usually impossible to see the varying grades, the value of the stone can be significant.
Clarity grades are listed below:
The GIA grades of oval cut diamonds
- IF – Internally Flawless
- VVS1 – Very Very Small Inclusions 1
- VVS2 – Very Very Small Inclusions 2
- VS1 – Very Small Inclusions 1
- VS2 – Very Small Inclusions 2
- SI1 – Small Inclusions 1
- SI2 – Small Inclusions 2
- I1 – Inclusions 1
- I2 – Inclusions 2
Length to width ratio of oval cut diamonds
Universally the length to width ratio is 1.50. If a longer stone is required, then choose a 1.50. and a 1.65. is desirable. For a rounder shape then a ratio of around 1.35 and 1.50 is recommended to balance longer fingers. Notably, anything outside of this range can distort the light beauty of the stone.
Best settings for oval cut diamonds
- Halo – offers a magnificent setting with small diamonds radiating the overall appearance.
- Solitaire – the classic and timeless setting that’s always in fashion.
- Pave´ setting – adds unique character to oval cut diamonds.
