05/28/2025
The oval cut diamond has been captivating hearts since its modern creation in the 1960s by master diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan. Today, it's experiencing a renaissance as couples seek distinctive yet timeless engagement ring options.
Love how an oval diamond makes your finger look? That's no accident! The elegant elongated shape creates a gorgeous slimming effect that flatters every hand. Plus, those smooth, rounded edges won't catch on your favourite sweater like some pointier cuts might. It's the best of both worlds—you get all the fire and sparkle of a round diamond but with that special something that makes heads turn. Classic yet distinctive? That's the oval magic!
Want to know a little secret? Oval diamonds pack the same 58 facets as round brilliants, giving you that eye-catching sparkle from every angle! Plus, their clever shape creates a larger surface area than round diamonds of the same weight—meaning your ring looks bigger without the extra cost. Talk about smart shopping!
Solitaire Settings: Nothing beats a classic! A solitaire setting lets your oval diamond be the star of the show. With just a simple band and prongs or bezel holding your gem, all eyes stay on that stunning sparkler. Want a fresh twist? Try setting your oval east-west (horizontally) instead of the traditional north-south for a modern look that'll turn heads!
Halo Settings: Love a bit of extra dazzle? Halo settings surround your oval with a circle of smaller diamonds that make the centre stone pop! Not only does this style add serious sparkle, but it also makes your diamond look even bigger (who doesn't want that?). You can choose a halo that follows your oval's exact shape or mix things up with a cushion or round halo for a unique contrast.
Trilogy designs: Tell your love story with a three-stone ring! Your gorgeous oval centre represents your present, flanked by stones symbolizing your past and future together. Try pairing your oval with tapered baguettes or smaller ovals for a flowing, harmonious look that captures your continuing journey together.
Vintage-Inspired Settings: Dreaming of old-world romance? Oval diamonds shine in vintage-inspired settings! Go Art Deco with bold geometric patterns for dramatic contrast, or embrace Victorian scrollwork for that fairytale feeling.
Platinum and White Gold: Want that crisp, contemporary vibe? Platinum and white gold create a seamless look that lets your diamond's sparkle take centre stage. Platinum offers incredible durability that never needs replating, while white gold gives you a similar look at a friendlier price point (just remember it needs occasional rhodium refreshing to keep its bright shine).
Yellow Gold: Wondering why yellow gold is making such a comeback? It's that gorgeous warmth that makes diamonds pop! The rich contrast between golden metal and brilliant white diamond creates an eye-catching effect that's both timeless and trending. For that truly luxurious glow, 18K yellow gold adds a rich warmth that pairs beautifully with any oval diamond.
Rose Gold: Looking for something a little different? Rose gold adds that blushing, romantic touch that feels both vintage and totally now. It's perfect for couples who want something unique without going too trendy. The warm pink hue especially complements oval diamonds with warmer tones (H-J colour grades), creating a soft, harmonious glow that's absolutely dreamy.
Want something nobody else has? We get it! Creating a bespoke oval ring lets you express your unique love story. Our expert jewellers will walk you through the whole process, sharing tips and tricks to make your oval diamond shine its brightest while creating a ring that feels 100% you.
Ready for diamond shopping? Three quick tips:
Consider the Length-to-Width Ratio: Most ovals range from 1.3:1 to 1.7:1, with 1.5:1 being the classic favourite. Like longer ovals for more finger-lengthening? Go higher! Prefer rounder? Go lower!
Check for the "Bow-Tie" Effect: That dark shadow across the middle? It's in every oval, but look for one where it's minimal. Always view in person or via HD video to make sure you love it.
Prioritize Cut and Symmetry: Look for "Excellent" or "Very Good" symmetry and polish grades—these ensure maximum sparkle! Both halves should mirror each other perfectly with no odd bulges.
A: Yes, oval diamonds typically cost 10-25% less than round diamonds of the same carat weight, clarity, and colour. This price difference occurs because oval diamonds are cut from rough diamond crystal with less waste material, allowing you to get a larger-looking stone for your budget.
Q: Do oval diamonds look bigger than other shapes?A: Absolutely! Oval diamonds have one of the largest surface areas of any diamond shape relative to their carat weight. An oval diamond can appear up to 30% larger than a round diamond of the same weight, making them an excellent choice for maximizing visual impact.
Q: Can I design my own oval engagement ring?A: Yes, at Harmony Jewels, we specialize in custom engagement rings. Our design team works closely with you to create a one-of-a-kind oval diamond ring that perfectly captures your vision, style, and budget requirements.
Q: What's the best setting style for an oval diamond?A: The "best" setting is ultimately a matter of personal style preference. Solitaire settings highlight the diamond's elegant shape, halos maximize sparkle, three-stone settings offer symbolic meaning, and vintage settings provide intricate detailing. Consider your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences when choosing the perfect setting for your oval diamond.
Q: How do I know if an oval diamond has good proportions?A: Most experts recommend looking for oval diamonds with a length-to-width ratio between 1.3:1 and 1.7:1, with 1.5:1 being the classic proportion. However, the "ideal" ratio is subjective and depends on your personal preference for a more elongated or rounded appearance.
Q: What metal looks best with an oval diamond?A: All precious metals complement oval diamonds beautifully. Platinum and white gold create a seamless, bright appearance; yellow gold offers warm contrast; and rose gold provides a romantic, distinctive look. Choose the metal that best suits your personal style and the jewellery your partner typically wears.
Feeling that spark? Come explore our stunning oval diamond collection or chat with us about creating your dream custom ring. At Harmony Jewels, we're all about turning your love story into a sparkling forever piece!