The oval cut diamond is classified as a fancy shape in the diamond industry and is derived from the most popular shape that people tend to opt for when they buy a diamond – the round brilliant diamond cut. The oval cut is like a stretched version of the round brilliant cut but is sometimes also referred to as a rounded variety of the cushion cut diamond shape. The majority of oval cut diamonds will feature a total of either 57 or 58 facets, which is similar to the brilliant round cut; thus providing similar qualities like fire, brilliance, and sparkle.
The oval cut has grown in popularity over the last few years and, today, this shape is considered a perfect alternative to the brilliant round cut for anyone looking to obtain a stone that provides the qualities of the round cut, but, at the same time, wishes to have something that is more unique. There are different facet arrangements available for the oval cut, making it a versatile option to choose. Understanding what properties are important when choosing a diamond that features this cut is essential, so let us take a closer look.
The Oval Cut Diamond Shape
The world’s most famous diamond featuring an oval cut is the Koh-i-Noor, a diamond that weighs 105.60-carat weight and is said that whoever is in possession of it, will be the world’s most powerful ruler. Brilliant cuts were first introduced to the world in the early 1700s, with the brilliant oval cut featuring its design in the 1800s. This cut didn’t become very popular until 1957. Between the years 1998 and 2001, it re-emerged and quickly started to climb the ranks. In 2016, the oval cut was ranked the 6th most popular diamond shape in the United States.
Oval cut diamonds come in many different varieties. While the most common option would be a colorless oval cut diamond, the world has seen some magnificent fancy colored oval cut diamonds as well. The CTF Pink Star is an excellent example, which is an oval cut diamond that features an elegant pink color. This diamond was sold in April 2017 for an outstanding $71.2 million.
When buying an oval cut diamond, one of the most important factors to look at is the length-to-width ratio of the diamond. The proportions of the diamond play a vital part in how it looks. A longer shape is usually preferred amongst people who wish to buy an oval cut diamond. It is usually recommended to opt for an oval cut diamond with a length-to-width ratio that fells between 1.3:1 and 1.4:1.
The girdle thickness of an oval cut diamond also plays a role in its overall appearance. It is recommended not to opt for a girdle that is too thick or too thin, as this can lead to either an adverse effect on overall appearance or a higher risk of the diamond chipping.
Other than these, it is still important to look at the four Cs of diamond quality on the accompanying diamond grading report. Ensure the color grade of the diamond is good enough that no color hues are present and the clarity rating is high enough to ensure inclusions will not be seen with the naked eye.
Conclusion
Many fancy shapes have been introduced in the diamond world, with the oval cut becoming an increasingly popular choice. This cut features similar qualities as that of the brilliant round cut, with certain properties that makes it look somewhat more unique. The oval cut diamond goes perfectly with engagement rings and many other jewelry types. In this post, we provided an overview of how you can choose the perfect oval cut diamond.
Other Diamond Cut Options
