Oval Engagement Ring Buying Guide

The oval engagement ring is the perfect symbol of everlasting love and commitment. It's also a great way to show your fiancé how much you care about them. This guide will help you make an informed decision on what type of oval engagement ring would be best for your needs. You may be wondering how to buy an oval engagement ring. You want to pick something that is different from the traditional round design, but you don't know where to start or what to look for. This guide will go over all of the options available so that you can find a great ring!

What is an oval engagement ring?

An oval engagement ring incorporates an oval-cut diamond or a gemstone such as a ruby or sapphire. The oval shape is like an elongated version of the typical round ring that we see so often. Like the round-cut diamond, oval diamonds have 57-58 facets.

History of Oval Cut Diamonds 

Oval-shaped diamonds have been around for centuries, but the modern oval brilliant was invented in 1957 by a Russian-born diamond cutter named Lazare Kaplan. Born into a family of jewelers who educated him on how to cleave diamonds, before inventing the modern oval cut he became famous for his skills in that process because cracked or flawed stones are often turned into less expensive ones with this technique.

Kaplan was a diamond cutter who specialized in transforming the most flawed diamonds into some of the world's best-valued gems. His talent for cutting had long been recognized, but it wasn't until he created his famous modern oval cut that Kaplan found fame at last. Today, oval engagement rings are one of our favorite designs because they make such showy and elegant jewelry pieces!

What to Consider When Buying an Oval Engagement Ring

If you want a beautiful diamond, the quality of the stone's cut is the most important. While oval-cut diamonds don't actually receive a cut grade, they will still be graded on their polish and symmetry. Choose a stone with Excellent polish and Excellent symmetry to ensure lots of sparkle. A diamond's depth percentage and table percentage are also crucial when it comes to a diamond's beauty and sparkle. Look for oval-cut diamonds with a depth percentage between 58-62% and a table percentage between 53-63%. At Ritani, we assign a cut grade to oval-cut diamonds based on these specifications to make it easier for you to find the right stone.

Another thing we recommend while searching for your diamond is to buy shy of your desired carat weight. This means that if you are seeking a 1-carat diamond, go for a 0.90-0.99 carat diamond instead. These diamonds will appear the same size as a 1-carat diamond but will save you hundreds of dollars. 

Ideal Length to Width Ratio for an Oval-Cut Diamond

The ratio of a diamond's length to width can affect the shape it takes. Some prefer a skinnier oval, while others prefer a wider oval - it's all about preference, there is no right or wrong length to width ratio to choose. Most prefer oval-cut diamonds with a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.50. 

The Bow Tie Effect

Those interested in an oval-cut diamond should be aware of the bow-tie effect that many oval-cut diamonds possess - most oval-cut diamonds have one to an extent. Oval-cut diamonds aren't the only shape that suffers from the bow-tie effect - pear-cut diamonds and marquise-cut diamonds also have them. 

The bow-tie effect is exactly what it sounds like - a bow-tie-like shape appears at the center of the stone.  

The bow-tie effect is the result of poor light reflection within the stone. To avoid stones with an obvious bow tie, choose a well-cut stone with ideal depth and table percentages, and always view HD images and videos of your diamond before purchasing it. At Ritani, we also give you the option to preview your loose diamond or engagement ring before purchasing it for free.

Learn More About the Bow Tie Effect

How much does an oval diamond cost?

It really depends on the quality of the stone you choose. You should look for one that has a good cut, clarity, and color in addition to being certified by a trusted laboratory that it is natural. A 1-carat diamond can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the quality of the stone.

Engagement Ring Insurance

Engagement ring insurance typically costs 1-2% of the cost of the ring each year but is worth it to protect your investment. This includes accidental loss or mysterious disappearance in addition to other damages such as scratches and chips from daily wear. You can learn more about engagement ring insurance by clicking here!

SHOP ONLINE FOR THE BEST VALUE

Oval engagement rings are available in every jewelry store. But if you're looking for something specific like an oval ring with unique accent stones or a certain cut grade, it's best to check out online retailers. When it comes to rare and precious jewels, you won't find many in local stores. When shopping online as opposed to face-to-face, you’ll get more options as well as lower prices.

Conclusion

You’ve found the perfect engagement ring, but now you need to find your perfect carat size. Luckily for you, we have a 1 carat diamond ring buying guide that will help make shopping easier! We can help you figure out what styles are trending and how much different types of diamonds cost so all you have to do is pick which one appeals most to your sense of style. If this sounds like something that would be helpful in making your decision, feel free to contact our team who specializes in helping people find their dream rings at just the right price point with expert advice. 

FAQs

How to stack an oval engagement ring?

Oval engagement rings look fantastic with many different types of wedding bands and stacking rings. Opt for thin rings (under 2mm), so you can stack more rings on your finger. Curved rings are a popular stacking choice because they create a distinct look and peek out from underneath your engagement ring. 

Are oval engagement rings more expensive?

The cost of your oval engagement ring will depend on many factors, such as the size and quality of the diamond. However, oval engagement rings are much less expensive than round-cut diamonds (the most popular diamond shape). They can also help you save money since they look larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight.

Should I get an oval or round engagement ring?

It’s all about personal preference. Round-cut diamonds are more sparkly, but they are also much more expensive. If you are looking to save on your ring, choose an oval diamond. However, round-cut diamonds have been a classic engagement ring choice for decades, while oval-cut diamond rings are a newer trend. Read our full breakdown between the two here.

Are oval diamonds less sparkly?

When it comes to sparkle, round-cut diamonds are #1, but oval-cut diamonds are still high up there - they are still very sparkly. If you want to add even more sparkle to your oval diamond ring, choose a halo setting, which will surround the center stone with tiny round-cut diamonds.

Do oval engagement rings look bigger?

Yes! This elongated diamond shape has a large surface area, which makes them appear larger than diamonds of the same carat weight. 

How much is a 2 carat oval diamond engagement ring?

A 2-carat oval cut diamond alone can cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the stone’s quality. The setting, depending on its materials and how ornate it is, can cost anywhere from $300 to $5,000. If you want to spend less on your ring, we recommend choosing a lab-grown diamond instead. 

SHOP OVAL DIAMONDS

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