Oval Engagement Rings A Complete Guide

Your Complete Guide To Buying Oval Engagement Rings

Oval engagement rings have become increasingly popular among couples looking for that perfect ring.

Today, we’ll explore why couples are falling in love with oval engagement rings, the pros and cons of choosing this style, and the best ring settings to enhance your oval diamond.

A woman biting the band of an oval engagement ring

In the market for your dream engagement ring that perfectly symbolizes the everlasting commitment and love you share with your partner? While traditional round brilliant cut diamonds have long been the preferred choice, oval rings are fast becoming a trendy alternative. And we’re going to tell you why! 

What Are Oval Engagement Rings?

Oval engagement rings feature a diamond cut in an elongated oval shape. This shape is achieved by combining the brilliance of a round diamond with the length of a marquise cut. The result is a diamond that looks elegant, elongates the finger, and creates a unique sparkle. 

They can be set in various metals such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold and can be personalized to suit individual preferences.

14K Yellow Gold Eight Stone Shared Prong Contour Engagement Ring (0.50 CTW)
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Half Halo Engagement Ring

The Popularity of Oval Engagement Rings

In recent years, oval engagement rings have gained significant popularity among couples seeking a modern and sophisticated alternative to traditional round diamonds. The elongated shape of oval diamonds creates an illusion of a larger size, making them visually appealing. 

Celebrities like Blake Lively and Hailey Bieber have helped to make this ring style surge in popularity with their stunning oval diamond rings!

Related post: Hailey Bieber’s Engagement Ring: The Ultimate Guide 

Benefits of Choosing Oval Engagement Rings

The elongated shape of the oval draws attention and creates a captivating sparkle, and creates an illusion of longer, slender fingers, adding a touch of grace to the hand.

Oval diamonds can have exceptional brilliance and fire. Their shape maximizes the surface area, allowing light to reflect and refract, resulting in an impressive display of sparkle.

Finally, oval diamonds can complement various ring settings and metals, providing versatility in design options.

What To Consider When Buying Oval Engagement Rings?

Before purchasing an oval ring, consider a few factors to ensure you make the right choice.

Proportions: Pay attention to the length-to-width ratio of the oval diamond. This ratio affects the overall appearance and the lengthening effect on the finger.

Certification: Make sure that your oval diamond comes with a reputable diamond grading certificate, such as those provided by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). These certificates provide an unbiased evaluation of the diamond’s quality.

Ring Settings: Consider different ring settings that really complement oval diamonds, such as halo, solitaire, or three stone setting ring. Each setting can create a distinct look and highlight the diamond’s brilliance.

14K Yellow Gold Trio Micropavé Engagement Ring
14K White Gold Two Row U Pavé Engagement Ring

Pros and Cons of Buying Oval Engagement Rings

Here’s our list of advantages and disadvantages to buying oval diamond rings to help you make your choice a little easier:

Pros of Buying Oval Rings

  • Unique and Eye-Catching: Oval engagement rings offer a distinctive look that differentiates them from traditional diamond shapes.
  • Elongating Effect: The elongated shape of oval diamonds creates an illusion of longer, slender fingers, adding elegance to the hand.
  • Versatility in Design: Oval diamonds can be set in various ring settings, allowing creative and personalized designs.

Cons of Buying Oval Rings

  • Bowtie Effect: Some oval diamonds may exhibit a bowtie effect, where a darkened area resembling a bowtie shape appears in the center of the diamond. This can affect the diamond’s overall appearance and sparkle.
  • Potential for Chipping: Oval diamonds have pointed ends, making them slightly more susceptible to chipping. Opting for protective settings and regular maintenance can help mitigate this risk.
  • Subjective Preferences: Personal taste plays a crucial role in selecting an engagement ring. Oval diamonds may not appeal to everyone, and it’s essential to consider individual preferences.

Best Ring Settings for Oval Diamonds

Your choice of ring setting can significantly enhance the beauty of oval diamonds. Here are a few popular options we know our customers love! 

Halo Setting

A halo engagement ring features smaller diamonds surrounding the diamond of your choosing, usually accentuating its brilliance and creating a captivating frame. It’s also the perfect setting to help make your diamond look bigger!

14K White Gold Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring (Oval Center)

Solitaire Setting

A classic solitaire engagement ring focuses solely on the oval diamond, allowing its beauty to take center stage.

14K White Gold Rope Solitaire Engagement Ring

Three Stone Setting

Placing two smaller diamonds on either side of the oval diamond adds a touch of sophistication and creates a unique three stone engagement ring design.

14K Yellow Gold Marquise Shape Three Stone Ring

Bezel Setting 

A bezel setting provides excellent protection for the oval diamond while highlighting its shape and brilliance.

14K Yellow Gold East West Knife Edge Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring

FAQs

Are oval engagement rings more expensive than other shapes?

The price of an oval ring is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the diamond, the chosen metal, and the complexity of the ring setting. However, oval diamonds are generally priced similarly to other diamond shapes of the same quality.

Can oval engagement rings be customized?

Yes, all engagement rings can be customized in-store or online to your personal style and preferences. From selecting the metal and ring setting to choosing additional accent diamonds or gemstones, customization options allow you to create a truly unique ring.

How do I choose the right size for an oval engagement ring?

Try it on! When selecting the size of your ring, consider the length-to-width ratio that appeals to you – try on different ring sizes to find the most comfortable fit for your finger.

Do oval engagement rings suit all hand shapes and sizes?

These rings tend to suit a wide range of hand shapes and sizes. The elongated shape of the diamond helps create an illusion of longer, slender fingers. However, personal preference and style should ultimately guide your choice.

We’re Here To Help 

Buying an engagement ring comes with stress, questions, and a lot of second-guessing. At JamesAllen.com, we’re here to offer you 100% free advice and will assist you in understanding the best diamond quality for your budget and unique preferences. 

Contact our customer service team and chat with non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts 24-7 regarding any questions you have about the ring-buying process.

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Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.