Ultimate Buying Guide of Oval Cut Diamonds
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What is Oval Cut Diamond?
A diamond with an oval shape has a long, elegant shape. Due to their similar cut to round diamonds, ovals are one of the most brilliant and sparkly diamond shapes. As well as looking larger than other diamond shapes, they make fingers appear longer. They’re also cheaper than round diamonds! Ovals are not graded by the Gemological Institute of America for “cut,” which means it is essential to understand the specifications for Ovals, the “bow-tie effect” and their length-to-width ratio.
The 4C’s of Oval Cut Diamonds
Cut
On a scale of Excellent to Poor, diamonds are expertly graded based on their cut. Diamonds can be graded based on this grading with some cuts, but certification agencies like GIA won’t grade oval cut diamond because of their complex and varying structure.
The quality of its light return determines a diamond’s cut, which can be very challenging across various oval shapes. Squat and rounded ovals will have a different light return profile than long and skinny ovals. The best way to determine cut quality is to compare multiple diamonds side-by-side.
You’ll be able to figure out what would look best for you based on the cut of an oval cut diamond. The length-to-width ratio of diamonds is between 1.28 and 1.70. Round cut diamonds look wider but have a ratio close to 1.3. Most oval cut diamond have a ratio between 1.34 and 1.42.
Color
The GIA grades colored diamonds on a scale from D to Z, with D color diamond being the most colorless diamond. Color differences are challenging to see in side-by-side comparisons, and oval cuts may affect grading slightly.
Oval cut diamond look more like average H or I colors than near colorless gradings of G. Due to their shallower cut, oval cut diamond show a more significant amount of color, so a higher color grade is needed to look still white or colorless.
Clarity
A diamond with an oval facet is much better equipped to mask inclusions and blemishes due to its brilliant faceting style. However, ovals do have a particular imperfection: the bow-tie effect. In all oval cut diamonds, there is a shadow that appears to be like a bow tie across the diamond’s center.
All oval cut diamonds have only one bow-tie level, which is only visible when you look directly at them. A piece of jewelry that looks good with a minimal bow tie will be beautiful. You don’t want to get hung up on the bow tie, and you need to think about all the other things about an oval cut diamond to pick one that’s your favorite.
Carat
An oval cut diamond is sold based on its carat weight, just like any diamond. Oval cut diamond have a unique carat weight compared to other shapes. Oval cut diamond will look bigger than round diamonds of equal weight because of their elongated shape and weight distribution.
Ovals appear 10% bigger with a larger expanse of surface area due to the weight distribution pushed toward the top of the stone. As a result, if you’re looking for a 2 carat diamond, a 1.86 carat oval cut diamond might look just as big and save you money by saving you the price jump at a larger carat.
Pricing of Oval Cut Diamonds
Diamonds with oval cuts typically cost 10-30% less than diamonds with round cuts. Oval cut diamond have less demand due to their smaller size, but how cut also plays a significant role. Oval cut diamond save more of the rough diamond because of their cut. It reduces the cost of producing diamonds because of that retention.
The price comparison between stones isn’t as straightforward based only on lab reports, so inspecting stones in person is vital. As with all diamonds, the price will increase exponentially as the carat weight increases for the highest quality stones.
Best Settings for Oval Cut Diamonds
Prong
Solitaire settings with four or six prongs are best for oval cut diamond. This option brings attention to the diamond’s elegant shape because it’s the center of attention. Regarding large diamonds, six-prong settings will provide more security, whereas four-prong settings will let you see more of your diamond. Due to the elongated edges of the oval cut diamond, solitaire settings leave it vulnerable to damage. As long as you are careful with your ring, this is a small price to pay for being able to show off as much of your diamond as possible.
Pave
Pave settings are another popular option if you want something more intricate than a solitaire. The ring band is paved with tiny diamonds, creating a pave around the center gem. Pave settings come in countless variations, from classic styles to whimsical designs, giving you more creative freedom.
Halo
Halo settings have also become more prevalent in recent years. A ring of smaller stones surrounds the center stone. By using this design, you can create the illusion of a larger stone, or at least the sparkle of one, without the more significant price tag. Like pave settings, halo settings add extra sparkle!