Historically the round Brilliant-cut has always been the most popular shape due to its superior sparkle and scintillation. But, over the past 5 years the Oval-cut has definitely been our most requested shape, so let's delve into the pros and cons of this elegant diamond cut.
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Pros:
Ovals have a lot going for them, their fantastic spread gives them a larger appearance than some other shapes like round Brilliant-cut and Cushion-cut. This is a very alluring aspect and probably the reason for their popularity.
the cut of an Oval diamond influences its brilliance and sparkle.
A well-cut Oval diamond will have symmetrical proportions and excellent facet alignment, allowing light to refract optimally. This results in a diamond with exceptional brilliance and fire.
If compared with other shapes, assuming carat weights are the same ,you can always expect Ovals to look larger.
Generally speaking Ovals have a more shallow cut.
Like all diamonds it's about finding your goldilocks zone. Not too deep, not too shallow but just right!
Too deep? When faced up the stone will appear small,
Too shallow? (think squashed and spread out like a pancake) and it can look very translucent with no sparkle.
Cons:
There are a few things you want to look out for when choosing your perfect Ovals-cut diamond. The main downside is the "Bowtie effect"
A lot of clients seem to be misinformed or completely unaware of this!
We need to start by understanding what a Facet is. There are no curved surfaces on a cut diamond. The whole shape is made up of tiny flat surfaces called Facets, a bit like a mirror ball.
Even the "Girdle" (the outer edge of the stone) which gives it its shape should be made up of many small facets which create the appearance of a curved edge.
The more curved a surface is, the greater the number of facets.
Notice the belly facet is larger than the end facet
Notice there are two different curves that make up an Oval . The tips or head at the ends and the shoulder and belly make up the sides.
The Faceting is more numerous and complex towards the tips Leaving the Belly with larger and less Facets.
An Oval-cut normally has 57 or 58 facets just like a round Brilliant-cut, the arrangement is the same only stretched out.
This results in a different look between the tips and the belly which we call a "Bowtie"
Many customers catch wind of this term "Bowtie" online and start to search for a stone with no bowtie at all which is unrealistic.
This is an unavoidable characteristic of the Oval-cut, but you want to avoid anything with a dark shadow.
Once this characteristic is brought to the attention ,some clients find it hard to un-see.
The Cut of your Oval is an important factor to the overall look, the "Shoulder" is an aspect worth paying attention to. This subtle curve can result in dramatically.
different looks.
Too shallow or flat and your Oval-cut will start to take on the appearance of a Marquise-cut diamond.
Too bulgy and it will become fatter like a Cushion-cut.
CLARITY:
Clarity refers to the present of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, retrospectively . A higher clarity grade indicates fewer imperfections which can affect the diamonds brilliance and transparency . Ovals are reasonably good at hiding inclusions however the larger the stone the more you can see into it, especially towards the middle section of the stone.
This means the larger you go the higher clarity you will need to maintain an " Eye clean" appearance
Cost :
Not only do Pear-cuts sometimes referred to as" teardrop" look large but you can also expect to pay 20 % less than round Brilliant-cut (the most expensive)
THE FUN STUFF!:
Ovals are extremely versatile shapes when it comes to mounting into jewellery.
SOLITAIRE:
Solitaire which lets the stone take centre stage and can be set with 4 claws or even 6 claws if above 1.5 carats .You can opt for plain or Diamond set bands or even custom details like twisted bands
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VIEW OUR 4 CLAW SOLITAIRES
6 claws look fantastic on ovals of 2 carat to 3 carats. But can look rather crowded on a stone below 1 carat.
HALO:
Halo rings have a delicate border of diamonds surrounding the main stone enhancing the size and sparkle. Split band can work really well on larger and elongated stones. These designs can add extra brilliance and drama!
Ovals also look great set into bezels which have a very modern and contemporary aesthetic.
Three stones are awesome, flanked by two side stones. Pears, Tapered Baguettes or Trapezoids all add a new dimensions and individual character to the design.
The elongated shape of Oval-cuts also allows for East/West orientations which have become very popular recently. Set horizontally rather than the common vertical positioning , landscape setting can elongate the finger and create a modern unique aesthetic.
