Oval Cut
Engagement Rings
Oval cut engagement rings have visual flash and fire effects similar to round brilliant rings, and oval cuts offer another option other than traditional round engagement rings. Plus, the oval cut is extremely flattering as a solitaire or combined with other side stones. To find out if oval diamond engagement rings or gemstone rings may be what you are looking for, check out the info below to find characteristics of the oval cut, pros and cons, best settings and shopping tips. Characteristics of the Oval Cut: The diamond oval cut is a newer type of cut created in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan International (a popular diamond company). The cut is a modified brilliant cut which preserves many of the qualities of the original (and highly flashy) round brilliant cut.
Most oval cuts contain 56 facets, but some may have a few more facets depending on how the underside of the stone (known as the pavilion) is cut. Ideal perfectly symmetrical ovals have a length-to-width ratio of around 1.5. Higher length-to-width ratios result in longer and skinner ovals and lower length-to-width ratios result in shorter and chubbier ovals. Pros and Cons: Oval cut engagement rings are quite stunning, particularly when the cuts are ideal. The shape itself is extremely stable too - no sharp corners or points which can be vulnerable to damage - a big plus for every day wear engagement rings. Oval diamonds also cost less than round brilliant diamonds. The savings between engagement rings made with oval or round diamonds is usually a few hundred dollars for under 1.0 carat sizes – but once the sizes start going over 1.0 carat the savings can be quite significant. For example, a 1.60 carat oval diamond can cost up to $10,000 less than a 1.60 carat brilliant round diamond of the same quality. The biggest con with this type of cut, known as the bow tie effect, will appear with a poor cut. The bow tie effect causes a small shadow in the shape of a bow tie on all modified brilliant cuts; when a diamond has an excellent cut this visual effect is minimized, but it can be quite significant in a poor cut diamond and will reduce the brilliance and fire of the stone. As with most other types of modified brilliant cuts, the oval cut may highlight any tints of color, inclusions or blemishes in a diamond – so it is best to choose a diamond with a high color and clarity grade. The best color grades for a diamond oval cut are a G or above on the GIA scale and a 1.5 or above on the AGS scale. The best clarity grades are a VS1 or above on the GIA scale and a 3 or above on the AGS scale.
Best Settings for Oval Cut Engagement Rings:The best settings for oval engagement rings include the 4-prong setting, the 6-prong setting and the bezel setting. In some instances, particularly for oval diamond engagement rings, a combination of the 4-prong and bezel setting will be used to securely hold the diamond. 4-prong settings are safer for ovals set down into the ring or combined with a multiple stone ring; 6-prong settings or a combination 4-prong and bezel setting are best on solitaire oval rings or oval diamond rings where the diamond/gemstone is set at a higher point above the hand. Shopping Tips and Precautions: When you are shopping for oval cut engagement rings, keep the length-to-width ratio (ideal 1.5) and grading parameters in mind. To avoid purchasing ovals with a noticeable bow tie effect, look for rings made with oval cut diamonds and gemstones which feature an ideal cut. Shop with reputable jewelry companies which provide a GIA or AGS report with oval cut diamond rings and a report on any gemstones (like emeralds, sapphires or oval cut rubies) which are on the ring too. With any type of wedding ring or engagement ring purchase, be sure that you have a no-nonsense 30-day refund policy – just in case you need to return or exchange the ring.
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