Oval Cut
Oval Brilliant
sample image
Shape: | Oval |
Also known as: | Oval Brilliant |
Cutting style: | Modified brilliant |
Facets: | usually 58 |
L/W ratio: | 1.25 - 1.65 |
Short description:
Oval cut is an elliptical version of the brilliant cut. It's relatively contemporary, developed in 1960s, and may appear similar to the cushion cut. Its fire and brilliance is almost on par with that of a Round Brilliant. Oval is quite distinctive in shape, and a great alternative, if you want something a bit different than the classic Round.
General size appearance:
Oval cuts typically look larger when viewed from the top compared to other shapes of the same carat weight.
Oval diamond size by carat
The following is a chart of actual Oval cut diamond sizes
(from 0.25 to 10 carats)
with their corresponding face-up dimensions (length x width).
This will give you an approximate idea of how big a stone of a certain weight looks or should look.
Length-to-width ratio: 1.5
Actual size is set for screen
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Buying Guidelines: Oval Cut
For Ovals, no strictly accepted standards are defined in terms of cut parameters. You should stay within the recommended parameter ranges defined below. In general, avoid too deep or too shallow stones, and watch out for prominent bow-ties.
Here is a quick guide on what to look for and what to avoid when buying Oval cut diamond:
Here is a quick guide on what to look for and what to avoid when buying Oval cut diamond:
Look for:
- Color: I or higher [depends on a setting]
- Clarity: SI or better [explain]
-
Cut parameters:
- Depth: 59% - 65%
- Table: 53% - 62%
- Polish/Symmetry: Good or better
- Length-to-width ratio: 1.25 - 1.65
- Diamonds certified by GIA or AGS [explain]
- Eye-clean
Watch out for:
Where To Buy Oval Diamonds?
Online-only stores will always offer better prices compared to bricks & mortar stores, their
main drawback, however, is that you rarely get the opportunity to visually inspect the diamond
before purchasing. Luckily, this is not always the case. A few reputable online retailers
(see below) are now providing actual Hi-Res photos of the diamonds
they're selling, making it easy and safe to shop online. For best value, buy online.
Recommended online retailers:
James Allen → huge selection, price match guarantee, highly recommended
Whiteflash → big inventory of Super Ideal cuts
Brian Gavin → Signature Hearts & Arrows, Blue line
Compare Oval with another diamond
Popular comparisons:
- 1ct Oval (8.12x5.41x3.3) vs. 1.5ct Oval (9.29x6.19x3.78)
- 1.5ct Oval (9.29x6.19x3.78) vs. 2ct Oval (10.23x6.82x4.16)
- 1.5ct Oval (8x6x3.66) vs. 2.2ct Oval (9x7x4.27)
- 2ct Oval (10.23x6.82x4.16) vs. 2ct Round (8.19x8.19x4.94)
- 2ct Oval (10.23x6.82x4.16) vs. 3ct Oval (11.7x7.8x4.76)
- 2ct Oval (10.23x6.82x4.16) vs. 2.5ct Oval (11.01x7.34x4.48)
- 1ct Oval (8.12x5.41x3.3) vs. 1ct Round (6.5x6.5x3.92)
- 1ct Oval (8.12x5.41x3.3) vs. 2ct Oval (10.23x6.82x4.16)
- 1.5ct Oval (8.75x5.83x3.56) vs. 1.5ct Round (7x7x4.22)
- 1.3ct Oval (8.87x5.91x3.61) vs. 1.5ct Oval (9.29x6.19x3.78)
Color Recommendation For Oval Diamonds
Oval cuts tend to show color slightly more than Rounds, so if you want to ensure that your stone looks white, you don't want to go too low with the color grades. The choice of color also depends on a setting:
Solitaire | Small side-stones | Substantial side-stones | |
White gold/Platinum | I+ | H+ | same as side-stones+ |
Yellow gold | J+ | I+ | same as side-stones+ |
e.g. pave setting | e.g. three-stone setting |
Note: If side-stones are of any
significant size (like in three-stone settings), you should at least match the color of
the center stone with the color of the side stones,
otherwise the center stone might look out of place (a bit "off-white").
For best value, go with the minimum recommended color for a particular type of setting.
Color variations between I graded and higher colored
Oval cuts are so slight that it's almost impossible to
tell the difference, especially when diamonds are mounted.
The difference in price, however, can be quite considerable.
Clarity Recommendation For Oval Diamonds
Ovals are quite good at concealing inclusions, so you can go relaively low on the clarity scale. SI1, SI2 clarity or higher is recommended.
Note: You can always go lower in clarity, but it's going to get increasingly difficult to find an eye-clean Oval below the minimum recommended SI2 grade.
For best value, go with the lowest clarity possible that is still eye-clean. If a diamond is eye-clean, then it doesn't really matter, if it's flawless or SI2. It will look the same, provided all other characteristics are the same.
Note: You can always go lower in clarity, but it's going to get increasingly difficult to find an eye-clean Oval below the minimum recommended SI2 grade.
For best value, go with the lowest clarity possible that is still eye-clean. If a diamond is eye-clean, then it doesn't really matter, if it's flawless or SI2. It will look the same, provided all other characteristics are the same.
About Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the presence and visual appearance of the flaws inside a diamond (called inclusions)
or on its surface (called blemishes). Clarity tells you to what degree these imperfections are present.
The amount of inclusions and blemishes is directly correlated to a diamond's value. Fewer imperfections mean higher price and vice versa.
Gemological laboratories grade diamond clarity as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1,VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1,VS2), Slightly Included (SI1,SI2), and Included (I1,I2,I3).
The amount of inclusions and blemishes is directly correlated to a diamond's value. Fewer imperfections mean higher price and vice versa.
Gemological laboratories grade diamond clarity as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1,VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1,VS2), Slightly Included (SI1,SI2), and Included (I1,I2,I3).
GIA and AGS Certified Diamonds
Professional and unbiased assessment of a diamond's characteristics is stated on a diamond grading report,
commonly referred to as a certificate. Certificate, while not 100% reliable, is
essential in determining a diamond's value.
The standard for diamond grading is pretty much set by GIA - Gemological Institute of America. They are the most reputable and consistent lab in the industry. AGS (American Gemological Society) is not far behind.
If a diamond is not certified by GIA or AGS, you can be pretty much certain that you are looking at lesser quality than indicated. This puts you in a bad position of not knowing the true diamond characteristics, which almost always results in overpaying. That is why a certificate from a well-respected grading lab is so important.
The standard for diamond grading is pretty much set by GIA - Gemological Institute of America. They are the most reputable and consistent lab in the industry. AGS (American Gemological Society) is not far behind.
If a diamond is not certified by GIA or AGS, you can be pretty much certain that you are looking at lesser quality than indicated. This puts you in a bad position of not knowing the true diamond characteristics, which almost always results in overpaying. That is why a certificate from a well-respected grading lab is so important.
The bottom line: Make sure to always buy a diamond certified by either GIA or AGS.
That's the only way of truly getting the quality you expect.
Diamonds with Blue Fluorescence
Blue fluorescence can have a positive, negative, or zero effect on a diamond. Diamonds in the
lower color range (H or lower) can benefit from it, as it can make them look whiter, more colorless.
On the other hand, strong fluorescence can cause a stone (especially in the higher color range D-G) to
appear hazy or milky under certain light conditions. One of the biggest benefits of
fluorescent diamonds is that they generally cost less.
GIA grades fluorescence as None, Faint, Medium, Strong, and Very Strong.
Faint fluorescence will have zero effect on color and overall appearance. Fluorescence of this type is not an issue and shouldn't be a purchasing factor.
Medium fluorescence will in most cases have zero to very small influence on color and overall appearance, however, colorless diamonds can sometimes exhibit negative effects and should be examined in different light conditions before purchasing.
Strong/Very Strong fluorescence requires caution. Generally, it's not a good idea to buy a colorless diamond with Strong/Very Strong fluorescence. As for lower color diamonds, even they can sometimes look hazy with strong fluorescence, so never buy a stone with this type of fluorescence without careful visual inspection.
GIA grades fluorescence as None, Faint, Medium, Strong, and Very Strong.
Faint fluorescence will have zero effect on color and overall appearance. Fluorescence of this type is not an issue and shouldn't be a purchasing factor.
Medium fluorescence will in most cases have zero to very small influence on color and overall appearance, however, colorless diamonds can sometimes exhibit negative effects and should be examined in different light conditions before purchasing.
Strong/Very Strong fluorescence requires caution. Generally, it's not a good idea to buy a colorless diamond with Strong/Very Strong fluorescence. As for lower color diamonds, even they can sometimes look hazy with strong fluorescence, so never buy a stone with this type of fluorescence without careful visual inspection.
If you're interested in fluorescent diamonds that have been carefully examined and do not
display any negative effects of fluorescence, I recommend
Brian Gavin's Blue Diamonds. Those are definitely top of the line and a great value.
Diamonds Without GIA or AGS Certificates
The problem with diamond grading labs other than GIA or AGS is that they are looser
and more inconsistent in their grading standards.
A GIA color H is an IGI color G and an EGL/HRD color F. The same goes for clarity.
While it's true that IGI, EGL, and HRD diamonds are sold at a discount, you can be certain that the same stones would cost less, if they would be certified by GIA or AGS. Why? Because they would get lower grades and thus lower price. Lower than discounted IGI, EGL, and HRD stones with higher grades.
Diamond merchants use IGI, EGL, HRD, and alike to maximize their profits. They know they can sell diamonds with inflated grades for more, even if they're sold at a substantial discounts. Some merchants also use their in-house certification, usually for the sole purpose of increasing their profits. These kinds of certificates are meaningless.
While it's true that IGI, EGL, and HRD diamonds are sold at a discount, you can be certain that the same stones would cost less, if they would be certified by GIA or AGS. Why? Because they would get lower grades and thus lower price. Lower than discounted IGI, EGL, and HRD stones with higher grades.
Diamond merchants use IGI, EGL, HRD, and alike to maximize their profits. They know they can sell diamonds with inflated grades for more, even if they're sold at a substantial discounts. Some merchants also use their in-house certification, usually for the sole purpose of increasing their profits. These kinds of certificates are meaningless.
The bottom line: If you don't want to overpay and want to know exactly what kind of quality you're
getting, then avoid diamonds without GIA or AGS certification.
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If your screen (phone, tablet, or monitor) is not in diagonal, then the actual size of a diamond, ring and finger will not be shown correctly.
If your screen (phone, tablet, or monitor) is not in diagonal, then the actual size of a diamond, ring and finger will not be shown correctly.