Oval Diamonds: What You Really Need to Know
Welcome to The Clear Cut Classroom, where we take deep dives into all things diamonds and jewelry! Today, we are having a conversation all about oval diamonds. The ratio, color and clarity characteristics of an oval diamond will make each oval cut unique. Are you thinking about an oval diamond engagement ring? They're versatile and the cut of the season!
We love an oval cut diamond for its gorgeous elongated aesthetic. Ultra feminine and such a trend in engagement ring stones this past year, the oval cut diamond is here to stay. It is so important to learn what you love about an oval cut and what it is that you are looking for.
Starting with an oval cut's ratio, you can achieve a very different look with different ratios. If a classic oval shape is what you are looking for, the sweet spot is a 1.3-1.4 length to width ratio for your diamond. More elongated ovals have become the trend and that ratio is typically higher, somewhere between 1.4-1.55. For a rounded oval, not entirely circular, we recommend going below 1.4, like a 1.3-1.35 length to width ratio. Figure out your shape preferences and you are on track!
1.05ct Oval Cut Diamond
It is important to keep in mind that these fancy shaped diamonds do not hold carat weight the same way. A 2.00ct oval will look similar sized to a 1.70ct diamond but the proportions and other factors will change the look. You can come across a great oval diamond at decent bargain within those cuts.
With inclusions, oval cuts are great at camouflaging and we love it for that. There is room to play on the range for clarity. You can have a great oval cut with a clarity point of VS2 and up. Going SI1 or SI2 is also an option, you just have to make sure the diamond is eye clean. Inclusions won't be a problem if you know that they are masked very well and its clarity can be flexible.
2.01ct Oval Cut Diamond with SI1 clarity
With color in oval cut diamonds, it is best to stick to Colorless or Near Colorless, this is D-J on the color scale. This is because of oval's tendency to hold color more than other shapes. You can go higher on the color scale then work the clarity and go lower to find a good diamond for your budget and taste. We can always walk you through what you want and what we recommend doing.
1.20ct Oval Cut Diamond
Oval cuts are so satisfying to admire and it is worth noting what detail about oval cuts you may start to notice. Oval cuts can hold some darkness in the center of the stone, this is called the bowtie effect. If you take a look at an oval diamond and see triangular shadows that form the shape of a bowtie, this is going to be very noticeable and we don't want that. This has nothing to do with the polish or the symmetry grade, it just because there is not an exact cut grade with ovals. This assesses the way light bounces off of a diamond, so bowties will be apparent to note.
2.20ct Oval Cut Diamond
Would you take home an oval cut diamond? There are plenty of facts to know before making your decision but now you are well equipped to find the perfect oval cut diamond for your taste! Book a call with us here if you are ready for your diamond adventure!