5 Tips to Choose the Best Oval Cut Diamond
Oval cut diamonds are becoming increasingly popular these days, especially when it comes to engagement rings. While round diamonds are timeless, oval diamonds are equally classy and sophisticated. The oval diamond shape is a combination of the round brilliant and pear-shaped diamond. Just like a round-cut diamond, an oval-cut diamond contains 58 facets that give it excellent sparkle.
If this is your first time buying an oval-cut diamond ring, here are a few tips to help you choose the best one.
1. Select the Ratio
An oval shape doesn’t have any standard. It mostly depends on the ratio of its length to with. Depending on the length and width you choose, the shape of the diamond will appear either wide or narrow. The shape you select relies on your personal preference and the setting that the diamond will be placed in.
While a traditional oval cut diamond is the perfect center stone for engagement rings, a narrow cut diamond is great for earrings and pendants. Also, if you want to adorn your engagement ring with a side stone, then a wider oval cut diamond is the best option as shown here in our unique Tasya three stone oval engagement ring.
2. Pay Attention to the Symmetry of the Stone
An oval cut stone must be symmetrical. Not only should an oval-cut diamond have an identical side, but it must also have properly rounded edges that slope elegantly towards the ends. One of the biggest concerns of an oval cut diamond is that even the slightest amount of disproportion is extremely visible. It is best to buy an oval cut diamond from a well-renowned expert as it takes a very high amount of skill to craft out a perfectly symmetrical shape.
3. Steer Clear of the Bow-tie
One of the biggest concerns of getting an oval cut diamond is the bow-tie effect. This effect refers to the darkened area shaped like a bow tie that appears in the center of the diamond, when seen from certain angles. Almost all oval cut diamonds have a certain degree of the bow-tie effect, ranging from severe to nearly invisible. The best way to know whether a diamond has a bow-tie or not is by observing it closely. If the bow-tie is the first aspect to catch your eye, then you should opt for another stone.
4. Choose Your Color Grade
The cut of an oval diamond makes it good at hiding color. Due to its excellent faceting pattern, you can drop down on the color scale and still have a stunning diamond. If you don’t have a set budget, then the D-G colorless grades are one of the top choices. When it comes to diamonds, the less the color, the better, and the D-G colorless grades offer fantastic fire and sparkle. However, you have more options, including M, H, and K color diamonds.
5. Check the Level of Clarity
An oval cut is fantastic for hiding blemishes in the diamond, especially those around the edges. This means that you can easily find a gorgeous oval-cut diamond without having to opt for high clarity. Diamonds with high clarity grading are much pricier than low clarity ones. So, you can easily save some money by moving lower on the grade of clarity without compromising on the magnificence of the stone.
Overall, oval cut diamonds are a fantastic choice for earrings, studs, pendants, and especially engagement rings. Follow the above tips to find yourself a magnificent and stunning oval cut diamond.
Once you’ve chosen your diamond, you know where to find the perfect oval setting, and the Sylvie Jewelry has hundreds to choose from! Simply browse our engagement ring gallery and choose your favorite setting. Each Sylvie engagement ring setting can be customized with an oval center just like the one below!
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Like these oval diamond tips and want to see more oval engagement rings? Browse our full collection of oval engagement ring settings by clicking here!
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