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Oval-Cut Diamonds
One of the oldest and most elegant diamond cuts, the oval-cut diamond overflows with beautiful brilliance. This cut is experiencing a resurgent in popularity and for good reason – not only is it stunningly beautiful, it has the added advantage of being highly durable for active lifestyles.
The oval-cut diamond’s brilliance is rivaled only by its round brilliant-cut counterpart. In fact, the two shapes share a similar faceting structure and proportions. If you appreciate the brilliance of a round diamond but want something more unique, the oval-cut diamond just might be your perfect match.
What is an Oval-Cut Diamond?
The oval-cut diamond features an elongated shape with 58 facets. While the oval-cut diamond is one of the oldest shapes, a modified brilliant-cut was invented in the 1960’s by Russian diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan. This cut is commonly used to day to create oval-cut diamonds that radiate exceptional fire and brilliance.
Structurally, an oval-cut diamond is similar to the round brilliant shape. Both styles contain 58 expertly-cut facets to maximize exceptional brilliance. For those who desire a luxurious yet unique shape, the elongated design of the oval-cut is as durable as it is beautiful.
Additionally, the symmetrical curved shape of the oval-cut diamond suits those who have an active lifestyle. Because it does not have any pointed edges, the oval-cut is less likely to snag during regular activity, and therefore less likely to chip.
History of the Oval-Cut Diamond
Diamonds featuring an oval shape were first introduced over 200 years ago, however, the modern oval-cut as we know it today was invented in the 1960s by expert diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan of Russia.
Before creating the modern oval-cut diamond shape, Kaplan rose to prominence in the diamond industry for his unique ability to split rough diamonds into smaller stones with a single blow. This process is known as “diamond cleaving.” With his uncanny cleaving method, Kaplan took stones previously labeled “unworthy” and turned them into beautiful creations.
Kaplan’s full talent came to light after he invented the modern oval-cut diamond shape. This creation eventually earned him a spot in the Jewelers International Hall of Fame.
The oval-cut isn’t relegated to diamonds only. In recent years, the modern-day oval-cut made headlines when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton, placing his late mother’s 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring on his bride-to-be’s finger.
Grading System of Peoples Oval-Cut Diamonds
At Peoples, we rely on trusted experts from different gemological laboratories to grade our precious stones.
To determine a diamond’s grade, these labs inspect each diamond under closely controlled lighting and viewing conditions. Trained grading professionals use highly calibrated measurement devices to capture important data for use in determining the oval-cut diamond’s quality. These experts will then grade our oval-cut-cut diamonds on the following determinations:
Oval-Cut Carat
Each diamond is measured using the carat weight system. Diamond experts use specially calibrated scales to ensure accurate measurements with weights measured to the hundred-thousandths of a carat. One metric carat equals 0.2 grams.
As a reminder, the oval-cut tends to have a larger physical appearance for their carat weight when compared to other diamond shapes.
Oval-Cut Colour
The industry standard diamond colour grading system begins with a D grade (colourless), continuing alphabetically with increasing levels of colour to a Z grade.
Diamonds are compared to master stones that have known colour grades. Our diamond experts use only master stone sets that are tested to meet rigorous standards prior to use.
To the human eye, diamond colour is closely tied to the size of the oval-cut diamond in question and its setting. Small differences in diamond colour are very difficult for the naked eye to see but may still account for a large difference in the price of the oval-cut diamond.
Additionally, the setting colour and material selected for your oval-cut diamond can make an immense difference in the diamond’s colour. Ideally, a traditional diamond should always look colourless against its setting. For instance, a diamond with a yellow tint will shine best in a yellow-gold setting. For this reason, we strongly recommend keeping your setting options in mind when shopping for your oval-cut diamond and evaluating its colour.
Oval-Cut Clarity
Oval-cut diamond clarity refers to the appearance of the stone, which notes any blemishes or inclusions. Diamond experts score diamond clarity as one of six grades – Flawless, Internally Flawless, Very Very Small Inclusions, Very Small Inclusions, Small Inclusions, or Imperfect.
When looking at diamonds, much of the decision process may seem subjective. Many blemishes may only be visible to a professional with highly specialized equipment. When evaluating the clarity of a diamond, one of the most important factors is whether or not the diamond appears to look clear to the human eye. Some buyers may prefer to know that their diamond is certified as flawless while others may not mind minor blemishes that are invisible to the naked eye.
If you or your partner prefer a more flawless appearance, you’ll want to choose a Flawless or Internally Flawless diamond. If small imperfections do not stand out to you or your partner, then a Very Small Inclusions or Small Inclusions grade may be preferred.
Do Oval-Cut Diamonds Look Larger Than Others?
In a word, yes. Because of its elongated shape, an oval-cut diamond tends to appear larger than it actually is. When compared to round diamonds of the same carat weight, an oval-cut will create the illusion of being much larger in stature. This optical advantage occurs thanks to the oval-cut’s larger surface area. For example, when comparing a 1-carat oval diamond to a 1-carat round, the oval-cut boasts 10 percent more surface area due to its shape.
As a result, the oval-cut has gained popularity in recent years as center stones for engagement rings. Just as the oval-cut’s shape helps the stone look bigger, its oblong shape can help fingers look longer as well.
Oval-Cut Diamonds: Conclusion
Experiencing a renaissance, oval-cut diamonds are becoming more and more popular as center stones for engagement rings. In fact, they are one of the more popular diamond cuts for engagement rings right now.
The oval diamond gives off a level of brilliance second only to that of the round brilliant style. Despite that, oval-cuts tend to look larger when compared to the round shape.
The shape of the oval-cut diamond gives this cut many benefits such as a larger-looking surface area, a durable and chip-resistant design, and an elegant charm that makes the fingers appear longer and perhaps daintier.
For a look with a unique yet delicately feminine shape, explore the Peoples selection of high-quality oval-cut diamond engagement rings today.