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What is an oval diamond?
Explore the flattering shape of oval diamonds - discover why oval diamonds look larger than other shapes, how much oval cut diamond cost and which grades to choose for your oval diamond engagement ring.
Tips for choosing the best oval diamond
Opt for an oval shape that’s not too long, and not too squat for maximum brilliance and a minor bow tie effect. The ideal oval diamond ratio is between 1.30 to 1.50
Oval diamonds do not receive a cut grade, but you should look at Excellent symmetry and polish for a balanced diamond with crisp facets
Choose a VS2 to SI1 clarity: inclusions will be minimal and not noticeable to the naked eye, and you make considerable savings on our budget
Choose between D to F colour for a platinum oval ring, and down to G or H for a yellow or rose gold ring
Find Your Oval Diamond Ring
What are oval diamonds?
Oval diamonds are similar to traditional round diamonds, but elongated for an elegant, flattering shape. The elongated oval shape has a large spread, meaning an oval diamond can look a lot bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. The rounded edges of the oval cut diamond allow for an incredibly versatile shape that suits most ring designs. With structure similar to rounds, oval shape diamonds are full of fire, life and brilliance - making their sparkle greater than most other shapes.
Why choose an oval cut diamond?
The biggest pull for oval diamonds is their elongated nature; they sit beautifully upon hands due to their elegant shape that elongates the wearer’s fingers. With an increased spread, oval diamonds can appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight.
Oval diamonds have become a classic diamond shape in modernity, second in popularity to round diamonds. Choose from oval shape diamond rings for a look that strikes a beautiful balance between traditional and contemporary style.
What is an oval diamond's bow tie?
Most elongated diamond shapes, including oval diamonds, will show an optical feature called a ‘bow tie’. The bow tie effect is caused by the way elongated shapes are faceted, and results in a bow tie shaped, dark area at the centre of the stone where light is unable to internally reflect in the same way it does throughout the rest of the stone. More rounded, less elongated ovals will show the least obvious bow tie effect, if noticeable at all.
What's the best cut ratio for my oval diamond?
Oval diamonds do not receive a cut grade in the same way round brilliant diamonds do, so there is no ideal cut grade to aim for when choosing an oval diamond. Instead, you can look at qualities like the diamond’s ratio.
An oval shape diamond can be cut in a variety of ratios, some more desirable than others. In terms of popularity, the most desirable ratio for oval diamonds is 1.30 to 1.50; not too rounded, not too long, and with minimal bow tie effect. The ratio you choose is down to preference - whether you prefer a shape that’s rounded and very subtly elongated, a shape that’s long and slim, or something in between, but most gemmologists would recommend an oval diamond ratio between 1.30 and 1.50.
Oval diamonds can be really flattering for the wearer as they elongate the fingers. Ovals have become really popular with our clients - for great reason!
How do I choose an oval diamond colour?
Diamonds with the least colour present are usually the most desirable, while diamonds with higher amounts of trace elements, like nitrogen, will appear yellowish, brownish or even a dull blue-grey. Choose between D to F colour grades for a totally colourless oval diamond. You can go slightly lower with your oval diamond colour grade if you’re choosing a yellow gold or rose gold ring design, H at the very lowest. Poor colour grades can, however, contrast with the bright, icy tone of platinum, appearing more obvious.
How do I choose the clarity of an oval diamond?
Just like round diamonds, oval diamonds are a type of ‘brilliant cut’, meaning they exude sparkle due to a high amount of facets, cut to optimise the return of light within the diamond. Because of this, you can afford to explore diamonds with clarity grades between VS2 to SI1 - containing small inclusions that won’t be visible to the naked eye, masked further by the sheer sparkle of the diamond. You’d only be able to see these inclusions under a microscope. Some prefer to opt for a higher clarity grade, which will come with a much steeper price tag; the closer to internally flawless, the rarer the diamond.
Oval Diamond Ring Inspiration
Take inspiration from our custom made engagement rings, individually designed with us and crafted by our in-house goldsmiths.
lab Diamond - £6,000
2ct Oval Bardot
Lab Diamond - £6,650
1.50ct Oval Classic Oberon
£4,500
0.70ct Oval & Pear Bespoke Trilogy
£8,000
1ct Oval Classic Oberon
£2,800
0.60ct Oval Bespoke Half Halo
Lab Diamond - £8,000
2ct Oval Bardot
£6,500
1.50ct Oval Bespoke Hidden Halo Scallop Diamond Band
Lab Diamond - £8,400
2ct Oval Bespoke Triple Claw Solitaire
£8,800
1.20ct Oval & Pear Bespoke Trilogy
lab Diamond - £6,000
2ct Oval Bardot
Lab Diamond - £6,650
1.50ct Oval Classic Oberon
£4,500
0.70ct Oval & Pear Bespoke Trilogy
£8,000
1ct Oval Classic Oberon
Queensmith Couples in Oval Diamonds
How much does an oval cut diamond cost?
Oval diamonds are a relatively economical diamond shape, particularly in direct comparison with round diamonds, and in relation to the brilliance they exude as well as the increased spread of the stone that enhances the appearance of size. You’ll notice that oval diamonds retail at cheaper prices than, say, round diamonds of the same carat weight.
Oval diamonds start from around £1,345 (based on 0.30ct, F, SI1). In comparison, a round diamond with the same quality grades will start at around £1,380. The higher the quality, the higher the price jump; a 0.30ct, D, VS2 oval diamond will retail at around £1,530, compared to a round diamond at £1,890.
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