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Oval Cut Diamond Guide: History, Pricing, and Jewelry Styling Tips
Among all diamond shapes, the oval cut diamond stands out with its elegant silhouette, fire-filled sparkle, and flattering presence on any finger. First developed in the 1950s as a brilliant alternative to the round cut, the oval diamond has steadily grown in popularity — especially for those seeking a timeless look with a modern twist.
Whether you’re shopping for an oval diamond engagement ring or simply exploring different cuts, this guide offers an in-depth look at the history, pricing, styling, and expert buying tips around this versatile shape.
1. What is an Oval Cut Diamond?
The oval cut is essentially a modified brilliant cut, boasting 56 to 58 facets that deliver exceptional brilliance, similar to the classic round cut. Its elongated shape (explore more elongated shape) makes the diamond appear larger than it actually is — a bonus for budget-conscious buyers who still want visual impact.
A well-cut oval diamond typically has a length-to-width ratio between 1.35 and 1.50, with personal taste determining the ideal proportion. A longer oval offers a more dramatic look, while a rounder oval feels softer and more traditional.
However, unlike round diamonds, oval cuts are prone to what is called the bow-tie effect — a dark shadow across the center of the stone. While almost all ovals display it to some degree, a well-cut stone minimizes this effect.
Tip: When a diamond's length-to-width ratio exceeds 1.5, it earns a new name: the Moval. This distinct shape approaches the aesthetic of a marquise cut but without its sharp points, resulting in a modern and highly fashionable cut. The Moval gets its name from its hybrid form, situated between an oval and a marquise.
2. Oval Diamond Price Guide: Affordable Brilliance
Compared to round cut diamonds, oval diamonds offer more value per carat. This is largely because cutters can retain more of the original rough stone when shaping an oval, resulting in 10–20% lower pricing on average.
According to data from StoneAlgo, here's a comparative snapshot:
| Shape | Avg Lab-Grown (1ct, VS2, G-H) | Avg Natural (1ct, VS2, G-H) |
|---|---|---|
| Round | ~$1,600 | ~$6,100 |
| Oval | ~$1,400 | ~$5,200 |
| Cushion | ~$1,250 | ~$4,800 |
Looking to save even more? Consider lab-grown oval diamonds, which offer the same chemical and visual properties as mined ones, at a fraction of the cost. Learn more about the lab grown diamond.
3. The History and Evolution of the Oval Cut
The modern oval cut was developed in 1957 by Russian-born master cutter Lazare Kaplan, known for his skill in salvaging flawed rough stones. His design retained the brilliance of round diamonds while offering a fresh, elongated shape that maximizes carat weight.
Earlier versions of oval-like cuts appeared as early as the 1800s, often seen in rose cut or old mine cut styles with fewer facets and less sparkle. Over the years, diamond artisans have introduced modified variations such as the:
Elongated Oval – with more slender proportions
Vintage-style Ovals – with chunkier facets and floral symmetry
Oval Rose Cut Diamonds – a flat-top antique revival with soft sparkle
These variants cater to niche styles and vintage-inspired aesthetics.
4. Best Jewelry Settings for Oval Cut Diamonds
Oval diamonds shine brightest in settings that emphasize their graceful silhouette. Their symmetry and sparkle lend well to both classic and contemporary jewelry designs.
Engagement Rings
Solitaire: Timeless and elegant, especially with an east-west orientation
Halo: Adds size and sparkle, perfect for glam lovers
Three-stone: Beautiful when flanked with pear or baguette diamonds
Earrings
Oval drop earrings create an elongated line that flatters every face shape. Whether bezel-set or prong-set, they bring understated sophistication to everyday wear.
Bracelets and Necklaces
Oval diamonds can be used as accents in tennis bracelets or pendants for a touch of asymmetry and elegance. They're especially striking in minimal bezel settings.
5. Outfit Pairing & Style Guide
Because of their elegant proportions and high sparkle, oval diamonds transition easily between casual and formal settings.
Minimalist outfits (e.g., monochrome suits, shift dresses) pair beautifully with east-west oval rings or drop earrings.
Bohemian or vintage-inspired styles complement antique-finish oval cuts.
Formalwear, especially plunging necklines or long sleeves, benefit from elongated diamond pendants or drop earrings.
Pro Tip: An oval engagement ring is especially flattering on shorter fingers, as the vertical shape creates the illusion of length.
6. Buying Tips for Oval Diamonds
When selecting an oval diamond, keep the following in mind:
Length-to-width ratio: 1.35 to 1.50 is ideal depending on your style
Cut quality: Look for symmetry and minimal bow-tie
Certification: Always choose GIA or IGI-graded stones for transparency
Lab-grown or mined: Go lab-grown if you want maximum value with lower environmental impact
Curious how to choose your perfect oval ring? Try our Perfect Ring Finder Quiz to get personalized suggestions.
7. Final Thoughts from Vivre Brilliance
Elegant, versatile, and radiant — the oval cut diamond is for those who appreciate brilliance with a twist. At Vivre Brilliance, we offer a curated selection of lab-grown oval diamonds set in sustainable precious metals, meticulously crafted to elevate your story.
Explore our Oval Collection or get matched with your dream piece through our Perfect Ring Finder.
Let your sparkle stretch beyond tradition.
GODDESS
Three Stone Princess & Radiant Cut Straight Fit Ring
$2,300.00 $2,900.00Price range: $2,300.00 through $2,900.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Striking Seamless Prong Halo with Curved Bridge Diamond Ring
$2,175.00 $2,675.00Price range: $2,175.00 through $2,675.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Elegantly Bezel Set Three-Stone Light Pass Diamond Ring
$2,300.00 $2,800.00Price range: $2,300.00 through $2,800.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Delicate Three-Stone Hidden Halo with Light Pass Setting Ring
$1,725.00 $2,225.00Price range: $1,725.00 through $2,225.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
FAQS
Are oval diamonds trendy or timeless?
Both. Oval cuts surged in popularity thanks to celebrities like Blake Lively, but their elegant shape ensures lasting appeal.
Are oval diamonds more affordable than round?
Yes. Due to better yield from rough stones, oval diamonds often cost 10–20% less than round ones of equal quality.
Is the bow-tie effect a flaw?
Not necessarily. It’s natural in elongated brilliant cuts. What matters is how visible or distracting it is — which can vary by cut quality.
What’s the best setting for an oval diamond engagement ring?
Solitaire and halo settings are the most popular, but east-west styles offer a fresh, modern feel. EXPLORE VIVRE GODDESS
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Sustainability is my goal; I'm an environmentalist, and I choose cultured diamonds because there's no ethical conflict.
Nickel-free technology. I'm allergic to nickel, and all Vivrebrilliance's metals are nickel-free, which is very important to me. I don't need to spend...More
Nickel-free technology. I'm allergic to nickel, and all Vivrebrilliance's metals are nickel-free, which is very important to me. I don't need to spend a lot of money to buy platinum.
The lifetime warranty and free ring adjustment policy, which I confirmed with customer service, gives me peace of mind; I might need it in the future.
Advanced craftsmanship and tiny prongs ensure that the beauty of the diamond is magnified.
The ring looks great on; it has a perfect golden ratio, a sophisticated design, and cleverly curved lines.
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