Diamonds Cuts and Shapes: Oval Cut Diamonds

Tap to Read ➤ Gauri Waikar

Oval cut diamonds are less common, offer maximum optical effect, and are perfect for casual as well as formal occasions. Read on for more information regarding the oval cut, along with some useful tips about buying a diamond jewelry.

Diamond is the hardest and also the most beautiful known material on Earth. Many people use the terms 'cut' and 'shape' interchangeably, but are not the same.

Diamond cuts are nothing, but the styles based on arrangement of facets.

There are 3 main types of cuts; brilliant cut, step cut, and mixed cut. It needs to be cut, to give it a desired shape. Cuts and shapes are styles, developed to make full utilization of its properties. Here are the different types of shapes:

Round Brilliant

Oval Marquise Pear Shaped Heart Shaped Princess Cut

Oval Cut

The oval or elliptical cut, is a relatively new shape, invented in the early 1960s by Lazare Kaplan. It provided a change from the classic round cut and hence became very popular. The angles used in oval cut are ideal for the maximum optical effect.

The oval shape is also best for maximum scintillation and fire. It has triangular facets and looks even better with a brilliant cut. Before buying an oval diamond, you need to take some precautions. Check it carefully at different angles in natural sunlight.

The right width is 1.5:1. If the width is more than this, it may have an undesirable effect, popularly known as the 'bow tie effect'. If the 'bow tie effect' is present, you can see some unwanted dark shades at a few angles of the diamond. If the width is less than 1.5:1, then there are chances that your oval-shape may look like an ill-cut round.

Oval Cut Diamond Jewelry

An even and perfectly symmetrical oval diamond can go well with any jewelry. They are used for necklaces, bracelets and especially rings. The oval diamond ring is mostly used as an engagement ring.

Women with small and tiny fingers opt for oval cut rings as they give an elegant and slender look to their fingers. For engagement rings, the most important parts are the shape and settings.

If you have chosen an oval cut for the diamond in your engagement ring, there are a plenty of settings to choose from. A few of them have been listed here.

Solitaire setting : In this setting, the main focus is the diamond. A six-prong setting is considered good, because it provides maximum security. The mounting can be white gold or platinum.

Side-stone setting : The small side stones added to the large oval cut, enhance the spark of the ring. The side stones can be of any cut or color. Rubies are a very good option for side stones.

Wedding band : Along with the engagement ring, you can also wear a wedding band.

Three-stone setting : This is a very common setting. The oval cut in the center is surrounded by two smaller stones.The side ones are generally emerald or pear-shaped.

Precautions before Buying Diamond Jewelry

Diamonds are indeed very expensive; so before buying any jewelry, keep the 4 C's in mind: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Buy your jewelry from a trusted and reputed brand. Remember to get the GIA certificates for your jewelry (especially during on-line transactions).

Diamond is the best friend of every woman. While choosing them, make well-informed decisions, especially in case of engagement rings. This is something you will be wearing for your whole life. It should be a perfect balance between quality and value.