oval engagement rings are timeless, elegant, and increasingly popular among modern brides and jewelry lovers. Combining the brilliance of a round cut with a sleek, elongated shape, oval diamonds offer a perfect blend of sparkle, sophistication, and style.

Whether you’re in the early stages of ring shopping or narrowing down your choices, this comprehensive guide from krk jewels will walk you through everything you need to know about oval cut diamonds—from history and advantages to buying tips and setting styles.

A Brief History of the Oval Cut
The modern oval cut diamond was created in the 1950s by master cutter Lazare Kaplan. It was designed as a modification of the round brilliant cut, retaining its brilliance while offering a more elongated silhouette. Since then, the oval cut has steadily grown in popularity, offering a fresh alternative to traditional shapes while maintaining a classic feel.

Why Choose an Oval Cut Diamond?
Oval cut diamonds are known for their:

Elegant shape that flatters all hand types

Brilliant sparkle similar to round cuts

Larger face-up appearance per carat

Versatile style that suits vintage, modern, and minimalist designs

Thanks to their unique combination of brilliance and elongation, oval diamonds are ideal for those who want something distinctive yet timeless.

Key Features of an Oval Diamond
1. Brilliance and Fire
Oval diamonds are brilliant cuts, which means they reflect light beautifully. While not as symmetrical as round brilliants, they come close in sparkle and are often chosen for their dazzling appearance.

2. Length-to-Width Ratio
This ratio determines the overall shape of the diamond. A length-to-width ratio between 1.35 and 1.50 is considered most balanced. Lower ratios produce a rounder appearance, while higher ratios appear more slender and elongated.

3. Bow-Tie Effect
Many oval diamonds display a “bow-tie” across the center—a shadow caused by light leakage. While common, a well-cut oval will have a minimal or soft bow-tie that doesn’t detract from the overall sparkle. Always view the diamond in person or request a video to assess this.

Understanding the 4Cs for Oval Cuts
Cut: Though GIA doesn’t assign an official cut grade to oval diamonds, cut quality remains crucial. Look for good symmetry, polish, and proportions.

Color: Oval diamonds can show color more readily than round ones, especially near the tips. Stick to D–H color grades for a whiter appearance in white metals, or I–J in yellow/rose gold settings.

Clarity: As brilliant cuts, oval diamonds hide inclusions well. A clarity grade of VS1–SI1 often offers the best value while remaining eye-clean.

Carat: Ovals face up larger than rounds of the same weight, making them a smart choice if you want size impact without increasing budget.

Popular Settings for Oval Diamonds
Solitaire: Highlights the shape and sparkle of the stone; timeless and minimalist.

Hidden Halo: A modern favorite that adds sparkle beneath the stone without changing the profile.

Halo: Enhances the diamond’s presence and brilliance.

Three-Stone: Offers symbolic meaning (past, present, future) and added finger coverage.

East-West: A trendy alternative that places the oval horizontally across the finger.

Each setting changes the visual impact of the stone, so choose one that complements your personal style and hand shape.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

Visually elongates the finger

Appears larger than most cuts

Offers high brilliance

Suits many hand types and ring styles

Cons:

Bow-tie effect can be distracting in poorly cut stones

Lacks official cut grading (requires careful visual evaluation)

May show color at tips if not properly selected

Final Thoughts
Oval cut diamonds offer a rare combination of beauty, size, and sparkle. Their flattering shape, versatile appeal, and romantic aesthetic make them one of the most beloved diamond cuts available today.

At KRK Jewels, we specialize in sourcing the finest oval cut diamonds, ensuring every piece meets our exacting standards of brilliance and symmetry. Whether you're after a sleek solitaire or an ornate vintage-inspired design, our experts are here to help you discover the oval diamond ring of your dreams.