Is an Oval Cut Engagement Ring Right for Me?

Oval cut diamonds have a special charm. They have a certain gracefulness about them because there are no sharp points on the face of the gem. For many of us, oval engagement rings have a romantic flair, as well. So, what should you know before choosing a preset oval engagement ring from With Clarity?

What are Preset Engagement Rings?

If you're looking for an affordable engagement ring, consider a preset ring. One reason for this is that they are not made-to-order. Jewelers are able to buy the needed diamonds in bulk and pass the savings on to you. On the other hand, if you choose a customizable ring rather than one of our preset oval engagement rings, you have the flexibility of choosing your center diamond. Speaking of customizing, it takes more time to personally modify a ring because you have to wait for the diamond setter to place the diamond or stone within the setting you want.

The History of Oval Cut Diamonds

It's no surprise that oval cut diamonds are increasingly popular. After all, they look impressive and give a graceful appearance. However, these diamonds weren't always available. The modern oval cut was only recently developed around the mid-1900s. Today, most preset rings with oval center diamonds have a sleek modern look. Yet, this shape has vintage roots, and there are famous early oval diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor and the Blue Hope diamond.

The Economics of an Oval

As with so many things in life, the choice of preset diamond rings for a wedding or engagement is a matter of taste. Some women have a specific idea in mind of what they want, while others are more open to ideas. Besides the overall romance of an oval diamond, these oval shapes make some of the best affordable preset engagement rings. Why? Remember the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity, and carat.

The Brilliant cut style of the oval diamond is better at hiding inclusions, meaning that you have more flexibility on the clarity scale for this shape. Whereas Emerald or Asscher cut diamonds easily reveal every internal inclusion. Moreover, diamonds with a Brilliant cut, like round shapes, are much more expensive due to losing more of the precious rough diamond. This makes oval a great choice visually and also for your budget.

The Payoffs: Appearances

In addition to being romantic, an oval diamond looks bigger for its carat weight. For less money, you can buy a diamond with the illusion that it “looks” larger. Especially if you consider preset halo engagement rings, the combination of the oval diamond in its setting can look up to half a carat size bigger.

Does your girlfriend have short fingers? Here's an opportunity to minimize that. An added bonus: oval cut diamonds help to make fingers look longer. On the other hand, the shape can also showcase slender fingers in a way that's just delightful. Unless she doesn't like the oval shape, just about any woman can wear an oval cut diamond engagement ring.

Wait, Before you Choose an Oval Cut Diamond and/or a Preset Ring

Watch out for the bowtie effect, which are dark facets that form a bowtie shape. Rings that have a poorly cut oval diamond can suffer from too much darkness in the stone. When there is too much darkness in a diamond, its facets cannot reflect or refract light effectively, no matter what angle. Diamond cutting is not a small feat. Diamond cutters have to strategically cut facets to keep in mind how many angles a diamond could be viewed/where light can hit. Almost all oval diamonds can have a dark spot in the stone, but some say this adds character to the diamond.

When buying preset engagement rings online, don't choose one with an oval stone if the color grade indicates a yellow color. It'll make the low color grading more obvious. Unless, of course, you want the diamond put in a yellow gold setting. In this case, the yellow stone and metal would compliment each other beautifully.

Preset Oval Engagement Rings: Our Favorites

Want some inspiration? Here are some popular favorites. Remember, if you cannot decide on a style, we have our complimentary home preview program.

Arc Hidden Halo Engagement Ring

This sophisticated engagement ring features our signature arc hidden halo design along with a diamond pave band to highlight the center stone perfectly!

The Fifth Avenue Ring

A glamorous symbol of love. This engagement ring is for the ultimate sophisticate. It features a magnificent central diamond on a glittering four-prong basket. Amplifying the brilliance of the dominant center stone are accent stones flowing half of the way around the shank. Scalloped trellises on the shoulders and a sparkling gallery bring more design and detail to this standout piece.

Vintage Glamour Ribbon Swirl Engagement Ring

As a symbol of commitment, this elegant vintage-style ring features a beautifully shaped split shank that crosses and joins to accentuate the center stone. Filigree styling on the front view and beaded detail on the band add extra detail to stunning effect. Set in gold with 1/3Cts setting diamond weight.

The Frick Ring

Inspired by the Georgian era, this diamond engagement ring displays a dazzling floral motif. It features an impressive center stone surrounded by a glittering halo held by a flower-shaped milgrain basket. The cathedral shank's arching shoulders feature sculpted curves complemented by the graceful sparkle of accent stones.

Slender Vine Six Prong Engagement Ring

Tell the story of your bond that only grows and grows through this vine-inspired diamond engagement ring. Slender, wispy vines in precious metal come adorned with diamond leaves and creep towards a central point. A diamond on a six-prong setting marks the spot where the vines meet.