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Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds have a long, elegant shape. Because Ovals are cut in the same manner as round diamonds, they are one of the most brilliant and sparkly diamond shapes. They have other advantages too, such as looking larger than other diamond shapes, and making fingers look longer. They are also less expensive than round diamonds! However, because GIA does not grade Ovals for “cut,” it is important to fully understand Oval specifications, as well as “bow-tie effect” and the length to width ratio.

Table, Depth & Other Specifications for Ideal Oval Diamonds

How well an Oval is cut is the most crucial factor in maximizing the beauty. So, you want to make sure you understand the ideal cut specifications. Notably, the GIA does not grade Oval diamonds, or other fancy shapes, for cut. In other words, if you see a cut grade associated with an Oval, it is a grade given by the jeweler.

To help you assess cut grade, we have assembled the below table as a general guide. These specifications will help ensure great sparkle, even brilliance, and elegant length-to-width ratio. You also want to look for a stone that does not have a dark bow-tie.

oval

Scroll right for more table details

"Ideal"/Excellent Cut (Most Sparkle)

Premium Cut

Average Cut

Table %

The diameter of the diamond's top facet (the table) divided by the overall diameter. This measurement impacts how much white or colored sparkle a stone has.

53-63

51-52 or 64-66

50 or 67-68

Depth %

The diamond's height divided by the diameter. This measurement impacts brilliance and how large the stone measures up.

57.5 - 62.0

55.5-57.4 or 62.1-65

65.1-69.0

Girdle

The outer edge of a diamond where the crown and pavilion connect. Avoid "Extremely Thin" (the stone could chip!) and "Very Thick" girdles (not pretty).

Very Thin to Slightly Thick

Very Thin to Slightly Thick

Very Thin to Thick

Culet

The facet or point at the very bottom of a diamond. Avoid medium and large culets (it'll be distracting).

None

Very Small

Small

Length to Width Ratio

The length measurement divided by the width measurement. The higher the ratio, the taller and slimmer the stone. The lower the ratio, the shorter and wider the stone.

1.30-1.50

1.25-1.29 or 1.51-1.55

1.20-1.24 or 1.56-1.65

Bow-tie

The middle area of an Oval which can sometimes appear dark, like a man's "bow-tie."

Minimal

Slightly Dark

Dark

Color Recommendations for Oval Diamonds

The color grade of a diamond refers to how much yellow tint (or lack of yellow tint) the diamond shows. Smaller Oval stones hide color better than larger Ovals do, so depending on the size of diamond you purchase, you may not need to buy a colorless (D-F) diamond even if you want your diamond to appear colorless. The chart below will help you decide on the color grade to purchase based on if you want a colorless diamond, a diamond with a slight tint of color, or a warmer diamond.

oval

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No Visible Color

Slight Tint

Warmer Color

< 0.5

D-J

K

L-Z

0.5-1.0

D-I

J

K-Z

1.0-1.5

D-H

I-J

K-Z

1.5 +

D-G

H-I

J-Z

Clarity Recommendations for Oval Diamonds

The clarity grade of a diamond is how “crystal clear” it is, or the amount of internal marks (“inclusions“) it has. Most couples we work with want an “eye clean” diamond. That is, a stone in which inclusions cannot be seen by the naked eye. The clarity grade you will need in order to maintain eye clean appearance changes with size. This is because larger stones can receive high clarity grades while still having relatively small eye-visible inclusions. Luckily, because Oval diamonds are cut like rounds, in general, Ovals hide blemishes relatively well.

Each couple will have their own standard for clarity. Some may be perfectly comfortable with inclusions as long as they cannot easily see it. Others may insist on a more technically flawless stone. The clarity chart below will help you pick a clarity rating based on your inclusion tolerance.

Note! The “eye clean” column assumes your jeweler will double check for eye clean appearance, as we do for every diamond sold.

oval
oval

Scroll right for more table details

Carat Weight

Clean Under 10X Magnification

Eye Clean

Visible Blemishes Okay As Long As Not Very Obvious

< 0.5

FL-SI1

SI2

l1

0.5-1.0

FL-VS2

SI1-SI2

l1

1.0-1.5

FL-VS1

VS2-SI1

Sl2

1.5 +

FL-VVS2

VS1-VS2

SI1-Sl2

Recommended Oval Cut Diamonds

  • Natural
  • Lab Created

Length to Width Ratio for Oval Diamonds

All diamonds in our conflict free diamond search engine have the length to width listed. This ratio, which is simply the length divided by the width, determines how skinny or wide your Oval diamond is. The larger the length to width ratio, the longer it is (a tall and slender Oval). The smaller the length to width ratio, the wider and more rounded it is. Our personal favorite range for an Oval is 1.35-1.50.

1.30

1.45

1.60

Settings that Pair Well with Oval Diamonds

Ovals pair well with many rings, however, their unique shape means they don’t flow well with every ring design. The below ethical engagement rings are our favorite Oval diamond engagement rings. These Oval engagement rings are available in all metals, including 14k white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, palladium, and platinum.

Patronus

Unique Ring With Pave Side Stones

Infinity

Infinity Engagement Ring with Diamonds

oval engagement ring with diamonds on band and basket in white gold

Mekelle

A French Cut Basket Setting

Lalana

Petite Milgrain Engagement Ring

Money Tips

When looking for an Oval, make sure to always maximize measurements. For example, you can have a 1.0 carat Oval with the measurements 7.2 x 5.0 mm that is ideally cut. But there could also be a 0.98 carat Oval with measurements 7.3 x 5.2 mm that is just as ideally cut, and probably cheaper. If all else were equal, the second option may be better. All of our “Recommended” conflict free diamonds have had their dimensions reviewed to make sure they are maximized within ideal cut parameters.

3 Things to Ask Your Jeweler

  • 01.

    Photo & Video

    Always ask the jeweler you are buying from for a detailed picture or video, like these Ovals. Look for elegant length-to-width ratio and minimal bow-tie.

  • 02.

    Inspect It

    Ask the jeweler to have a gemologist pull the diamond and actually visually inspect it. Confirm eye-clean appearance!

  • 03.

    Measure It

    Make sure your diamond’s measurements are maximized within your carat size.

Other Ring Resources

See our in-depth educational guides, which were made to give practical advice with every aspect of your ring.

Diamonds

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Lab

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Forever One

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Diamonds

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Moissanite

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Sapphires

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Gold Palladium & Platinum

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