A Crash Course on Oval Cut Engagement Rings

Oval cut diamonds are the most popular and most requested diamond shape with no apparent signs of losing its #1 spot in the diamond engagement ring category. 

The oval cut diamond has earned, and maintained, its popularity for good reason. This elongated diamond shape provides abundant finger coverage with a longer length measurement than other fancy-shaped diamonds. Despite the generous finger coverage, the oval cut diamond appears delicate and dainty with a slimming effect of the finger. 


In this blog, we will give you a crash course on oval diamond center stones: what to look for and how to shop for them. If you prefer visual content, you can watch our 3-minute video on YouTube. 

The Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

2.30 ct Oval Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

The most important factors to consider while shopping for an oval diamond engagement ring are cut, ratio, color, and clarity. These four features can dramatically influence the overall appearance of your oval diamond center stone.

Cut & Ratio

Diamond cut refers to the exact proportions of the diamond, the depth, the polish quality, and the arrangement of diamond facets. An oval diamond does not receive a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) report because of this fancy-shaped diamond’s measurements. As a result, detailing the cut of an oval diamond engagement ring in person is crucial to selecting a quality center stone. 

A high-quality oval diamond has rounded ends, not sharp or pointed tips, with gracefully rounded edges for a delicate oval shape. In addition, a skillfully-cut oval diamond should have a depth percentage between 60-65%. An oval cut diamond with a depth percentage higher than 65% will detract from your stone’s faceup appearance making it appear smaller than its quoted cart size. 

Carat size is based on diamond weight rather than the diamond’s length and width measurements, which makes an oval diamond with a moderate depth percentage appear larger than an oval cut diamond with a high depth percentage. At Lauren B, an average 2 carat oval diamond is close to 10mm in length, which is 20% larger than other fancy shapes from the top to the bottom of the finger. 

Diamond ratio is the length of a diamond divided by the width. Oval cut diamonds with a higher ratio of 1.4:1 to 1.6:1 are more popular with our clients, providing more finger coverage and a narrower appearance. An oval diamond with a lower ratio reveals a wider oval shape, which is also a beautiful option. 

4.51 carat Oval Diamond Engagement Ring, Higher Length to Width Ratio

3 ct Oval Moissanite Hidden Halo™ Engagement Ring, Lower Length to Width Ratio

The “Bow Tie Effect”

The “bow tie effect” refers to the shadow effect across the middle of an oval cut diamond, which is inherent in most elongated fancy diamond shapes. This effect is a result of the stretching of facets in the diamond cutting process. 

While most oval cut diamonds will have a bow tie effect ranging in severity, you can avoid a prominent shadow by choosing oval diamonds with a higher ratio and a moderate depth percentage. 

Color & Clarity

An oval diamond has a larger surface area than other fancy cut diamond shapes. As a result, oval diamonds display color more easily. While diamond color is a personal preference, our clients tend to gravitate towards oval cut diamonds with a color grade “H” or higher. If you prefer a warmer colored gemstone, an oval diamond with an “I” or “J” color grade looks beautiful with a rose gold or yellow gold band, which enhances the diamond’s warmth. 

Courtesy of The Gemological Institute of America

Clarity is a less evident characteristic of oval diamonds as a result of the brilliant-cut faceting. You can generally sacrifice clarity grade for color grade as long as the stone is eye clean (no visible inclusions with the naked eye) without a milky or hazy appearance.

Most of our clients prefer a D-F color range with a VS clarity combination for their oval cut diamond. Again, the best GIA color and clarity grade for your oval cut diamond engagement ring is based on personal preference. You may prefer a warmer stone with a J-K-L color grade and VS1 clarity, or you may prefer a “D” or “E” color grade with an SI1 clarity grade. 

No matter the color or clarity grade you choose, this fancy-shaped diamond center stone will look elegant and sophisticated on you or your partner’s ring finger. 

1.51 carat Oval Diamond Three-Row Band Halo Engagement Ring


Natural Diamond Alternatives

While natural diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement ring center stone, alternative options are increasing in popularity. In particular, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are sustainable, economical substitutions to natural, mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds with virtually no way to tell the difference without the proper equipment. Because lab-grown diamonds are created in a simulated lab environment, they cost 50-60% of the price of natural diamonds. 

Moissanite, on the other hand, is not identical to natural or lab-grown diamonds; moissanite features a different faceting style than both diamond types and a higher refractive index, giving this diamond substitute more sparkle and fire. Moissanite is priced significantly lower than natural diamonds, with up to 90% in savings. 

1.8 carat Lab Grown Oval Diamond ‘Swoop’ Engagement Ring

Oval Moissanite Two-Tone Invisible Gallery™ Solitaire Ring

Oval Moissanite Three-Stone Engagement Ring


Lauren B Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

At Lauren B, we carry a wide assortment of oval diamonds with a high-quality cut and above-average measurements to create a stunning center stone for your engagement ring. We avoid sourcing diamonds with high depth percentages and diamonds that are cut too shallow, which can reduce sparkle and brilliance.

Check out our most popular oval diamond engagement ring styles, which can be fully customized to fit your style and preferences. 

1.80 Carat Oval Diamond Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring

1.42ct Oval Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring

2.01 ct Oval Diamond Double-Edge Halo Cathedral Engagement Ring

2.51 Carat Oval Diamond Fully Encrusted Basket Engagement Ring


The Oval Cut Diamond: An Alluring Center Stone

An oval diamond is a stunning center stone choice for any engagement ring. The elongated shape gives way to a slimming and narrowing effect on the finger and provides ample coverage. Paired with the brilliant cut faceting of this fancy shape, an oval diamond is a delicate yet captivating center stone. 

Choosing the right center stone is an arduous process made simple with the help of highly educated diamond experts. At Lauren B, our design consultants are exceptionally educated on the topic of diamonds and are prepared to guide you through every step of the engagement ring shopping process: from comparing oval diamonds with varying depth percentages to helping you choose the perfect color and clarity grade for your budget, the Lauren B team will help you find the oval diamond for your dream engagement ring.