Oval diamonds are having a major moment, for good reason! Their flattering proportions help maximize the face-up size of the diamond, while visually elongating the finger. With brilliant faceting, a well cut stone is guaranteed to give a lot of sparkle. While it is a bit more modern and unique than a round brilliant, it’s still a classic shape that isn’t likely to go out of style quickly. The challenge for oval diamond shoppers is finding a stone that demonstrates the perfect length to width ratio, but is not cut too deeply.
When a diamond is too deep, not enough light exits the stone, making for less brightness and sparkle. The most disappointing effect of a deep oval diamond, however, is the impact on the weight and therefore the price of the stone. If a diamond is cut too deeply, it often has a smaller face-up appearance relative to its carat weight. This means if there are two oval diamonds which are both 2.00 carats, the one that is cut overly deep will look smaller on your finger, but you will pay the same amount for it.
Another feature of oval cut diamonds is the bow-tie effect. This is usually considered an undesirable feature, though some people do like its look and seek out these stones. An oval diamond with a strong bow-tie effect is cut in a way that does not allow enough light into the stone. This is really something for any online oval shoppers to look out for. Retailers like Blue Nile, which is where you can buy the bow-tied diamond below, show a clear 360 degree view of their diamonds. Other online retailers may not be as transparent when it comes to undesirable features.
4.01-Carat Oval Cut Diamond Very Good Cut | I Color | SI2 Clarity $49,163
When consulting a client in a jewelry store, I can quickly measure diamond proportions to ensure a stone has a balanced cut and exhibits the largest face-up size relative to its carat weight – making sure you get the most for your money!