If you've decided that an oval-cut diamond engagement ring is right for you (or your fiancée), you're in good company. The oval cut has been trending upwards. Oval engagement rings are classic, timeless, can fit into a number of settings, best of all: they look good on just about everybody. Read on to find out more about this lovely diamond shape, which celebrities rock the oval, and a few important considerations you will need to know before buying.
What Should I Know About Oval-Shaped Diamonds?
Oval-cut diamonds are a popular choice because they have a classic look, they're not overly flashy, and they can be paired with just about any type of setting. Here are a few facts to know before you rush out and purchase a new oval for your engagement ring:
Oval-cut stones can actually look bigger on your finger than round diamonds because of their elongated shape. Due to this optical illusion, the size and shape of oval-cut diamonds can make your fingers look longer and slimmer.
Oval diamonds don't have sharp edges, like square-cut or rectangular gemstones, so they might not get caught on things as easily.
Ovals, like other gemstones, have their preferred settings: you might want to consider a 4-prong, a 6-prong, or a bezel setting. Prong settings use a hand-like clasp to secure the stone, and bezel settings use a bezel, or a single ring of metal to secure the diamond in place instead of a clasp. Talk to your jeweler about the pros and cons of each for your chosen diamond.
Celebrities Who Rock the Oval Shape
The oval diamond ring, while originally not as popular as rectangular or princess-cut stones, has been making a comeback in recent years due to its vintage and timeless look. Several celebrities have been seen sporting oval-cut diamond engagement rings lately:
Blake Lively
Blake Lively, who married husband Ryan Reynolds in 2012, wears an oval-cut diamond on her ring finger. Her diamond is not only the fashionable oval shape: it's also a unique, delicate shade of rose gold. Did she start the recent oval trend? Possibly! The number of celebrities who suddenly flaunted an oval-shaped gemstone has skyrocketed since Blake got engaged.
Hailey Baldwin
Hailey Baldwin surprised everyone by marrying Justin Bieber in 2018, but the model's on-point fashion sense was to be expected: Her engagement ring is a large oval on an 18K gold band, which was reportedly designed by Bieber himself.
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek's oval engagement ring is not as trendy or as flashy as others on this list. It's a hefty five carats, however, and it makes an elegant pair with her simple wedding band. Because it's paired with other, smaller diamonds, the stone itself does not overshadow the rest of the ring.
Tips for Buying an Oval Diamond
If you've got your heart set on the oval shape, great! You'll have plenty of awe-inspiring rings from which to choose. However, you should know that not all oval-cut diamonds are created equal. "Blood diamonds", or "conflict diamonds", are infamous for fueling civil wars in Africa and the Middle East. African diamond miners, in addition, can sometimes make less than a dollar a day for their backbreaking work. Some miners used are children, who - you guessed it - often do not get paid at all. Make sure your desired diamond comes from an ethical source and a reputable retailer before you even think about buying it.
Regardless of what cut of diamond you end up choosing, know that oval diamonds are making a comeback! Make sure to price several diamonds for clarity, color, and carat before you make your final selection, double-check that the oval diamond you choose will fit into the setting you like, do your research, choose an ethically-sourced stone, and last but not least: wear your new ring proudly!
