Bursting with sparkle and fire, an oval diamond is an exquisite – and unique – choice for your engagement ring.
The oval diamond is considered a fancy-shaped diamond, and the elongated design makes it appear more prominent than other diamonds of similar carat size.
When you’re shopping for one, the oval diamond size chart on hand will come in handy.
The oval diamond size chart will aid you in understanding the different sizes of oval diamonds and how they compare to each other. However, carat size isn’t the only thing you need to take into consideration when choosing an oval diamond.
Don’t worry, though. In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about oval gems so that you can make the right decision.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Oval Diamond: History
Oval diamonds have been popular for quite some time – the earliest version of the oval diamond dates back to the 1300s. However, they aren’t mentioned under this name in literature until the 1800s.
A Russian cutter called Lazare Kaplan perfected the oval cut method in 1957. He had a gift for turning undesirable rough diamonds into gorgeous-looking gemstones.
The process that Lazare Kaplan pioneered then is what diamond cutters utilize to make oval cut diamonds today. Speaking of current trends, the oval diamond ranks as one of the most popular diamond shapes right now.
Related Read: Which Diamond Shape Is Best? Guide To Popular Diamond Shapes
Oval Diamond: Cut Quality
The most crucial factor in any diamond’s quality is its cut, which affects the fundamental beauty and its potential to offer brilliance and fire. While the GIA provides cut grading for some diamond shapes, it doesn’t account for oval cut diamonds.
Why is that? Well, standard cut parameters don’t apply to an excellent Oval because of its complex and unique structure.
Despite what anyone says, there’s no magic combination for depth percentage and table percentage. All cut recommendations for ovals should be regarded as widely general and subjective.
Above all, an oval diamond’s beauty is decided by what you see.
Review oval diamonds thoroughly and, if possible, have a diamond expert assist you. Rather than hoping for the best, ensure that you make the smart decision.
To offer a loose guideline for excellent cut oval, we provide our general variables for cut quality below:
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table % | 53-63 | 52 or 64-65 | 51 or 66-68 | 50 or 69-70 | <50 or >70 |
| Depth % | 58-62 | 56-57.9 or 62.1-66 | 53-55.9 or 66.1-71 | 50-52.9 or 71.1-74 | <50 or >74 |
| Girdle | Very thin – Slightly thick | Very thin – Slightly thick | Very thin – Thick | Very thin – Very thick | Extremely thin – extremely thick |
| Culet | None | Very small | Small | Medium | Medium |
| Lenght-To-Width Ratio | 1.35-1.50 | 1.30-1.34 or 1.51-1.55 | 1.25-1.29 or 1.56-1.60 | 1.20-1.24 or 1.61-1.65 | >1.20 or <1.65 |
Keep in mind that these variables are general and shouldn’t be applied without inspecting the gem yourself and receiving an opinion from an expert.
Bowtie Effect In Oval Diamonds
Because of their fancy elongated shape, nearly all oval diamonds have a bowtie effect – a dark spot that stretches across the diamond’s center.
The severity of this dark spot within a diamond differs from one stone to another. Sometimes it’s relatively easy to notice one – and other times, it’s hardly noticeable.
An oval diamond with a standing-out bowtie will distract from the beauty of the stone, though. You will want to make sure that you don’t choose an oval diamond with a prominent bowtie.
We strongly recommend having a diamond expert review your diamond before purchase.
Related Read: How to Avoid Bow Tie Oval Diamonds?
Oval Diamond: Length-To-Width Ratio
A stone’s length-to-width ratio shows how proportionate it is according to its intended shape. To calculate the length-to-width percentage, simply divide the length of the stone by its width.
For example, a diamond with a length of 5.5 millimeters and a width of 3.5 millimeters will have a length-to-width ratio of 1.57.
While it primarily depends on personal preference and style, the oval diamond is typically most appealing when it has a length-to-width ratio of 1.30-1.50.
Be sure to review multiple oval diamonds to decide which length-to-width ratio is most appealing to you.
Oval Diamond: Clarity
Because of their shape, blemishes and inclusions are well hidden within oval diamonds.
It’s nearly impossible to see imperfections close to the rounded edge or right where the jewelry setting will lay.
That is why we recommend clarity grades of SI1 or SI2 for the best value. You can go higher in clarity if you want, but the difference is going to be negligible to the naked eye.
So, you can spend your budget maximizing something else – like cut or carat.
Oval Diamond: Color
The color of diamonds is graded by the GIA on a scale from D to Z. Diamonds with a Z color grade have an easily noticeable yellow or brown tint. On the other end of that scale, diamonds with a D color grade represent the most colorless stones.
While it’s generally impossible to see the actual difference between two color grades, the price difference can be significant.
As it’s pretty difficult to see the differences between color grades with the naked eye, try to focus on how the color appears to you. As a general guideline for oval diamonds, go for an H color or better. It’ll ensure your diamond looks white in platinum or white gold setting.
If you’re setting your stone in a rose or yellow gold, feel free to drop down to a J color to save some money or buy a bigger gem.
Oval Diamond: Prices
Oval diamonds are generally less expensive than round diamonds of similar cut quality, clarity, color, and carat weight.
That is because oval cut uses a larger amount of rough stone. Since less of the rough stone is discarded during the cutting process, you can get much better value for money for an oval cut than from most other diamond shapes – at least from a dollar per carat perspective.
Like with all diamond shapes, the price per carat for an oval diamond increases exponentially as the carat weight increases.
Oval Diamond: Size Chart
Oval diamonds are sold by carat weight – like all diamonds. Take a look at the chart below; you can use it to convert a stone’s carat weight into its length and width measurements.
Oval-Cut Diamond Sizes
| Carat Weight | Size In Millimeters |
|---|---|
| 0.25 carat | 5*3.5 millimeters |
| 0.50 carat | 6*4 millimeters |
| 0.75 carat | 7*5 millimeters |
| 1.00 carat | 7.7*5.7 millimeters |
| 1.25 carat | 8*6 millimeters |
| 1.50 carat | 8.5*6.5 millimeters |
| 2.00 carat | 9*7 millimeters |
| 2.5 carat | 10*8 millimeters |
| 3 carat | 12*8 millimeters |
| 4 carat | 12.9*8.6 millimeters |
| 5 carat | 13.9*9.3 millimeters |
| 6 carat | 14.5*10 millimeters |
Note that because gems vary in length-to-width ratio, the chart uses the average measurements on an oval diamond. If you opt for a gem with a short or long length-to-width ratio, it could have slightly different measurements from those we provided in the chart.
We’d recommend sticking to our previously mentioned guidelines for the best-looking oval gem and choosing a stone with a length-to-width ratio in the 1.30 to 1.50 range.
Best Settings For Oval Diamonds
Oval cut diamonds are pretty versatile, which means they can look amazing in just about any ring setting, That said, the best settings for oval diamonds typically have 4 or 6 prongs, displaying the shape of the stone.
Oval diamonds can also look great in bezel settings. Some oval diamond engagement rings – especially those with three to five diamonds – will feature 4 or 6 prongs for the center stone plus a bezel setting to hold the side stones.
When it comes to style, you can pair an oval diamond ring with almost any type of setting. Oval diamonds look fantastic in a few particular styles, though.
We outlined the best ring settings down below:
- Halo Settings: A sparkling halo of tiny diamonds makes an oval diamond radiate even more. Oval diamond engagement rings with a halo setting show off plenty of character, no matter the stone’s carat weight.
- Solitaire Settings: The simple and classic style of a solitaire setting allows the oval diamond to take center stage. From yellow to rose gold, a solitaire ring will always be in style.
- Side-Stone Settings: No matter the number of sides stones, the extra sparkle will add elegance to the oval shape.
- Pave Settings: Pave rings add more character and sparkle to any oval diamond; the styles range from solitaire-style pave rings to twisted bands.
Learn More: Types Of Diamond Settings: A Guide To Setting Styles
Oval Vs. Round Diamonds
Even though oval and round diamonds might look similar at first glance, several differences set these two diamond shapes apart.
The first is the shape – as you’d expect from their names. But beyond the obvious, there are other critical differences in shape between these two.
The biggest of these differences is that round brilliant cut diamonds are – well, round. While there can be some minor variation in the length-to-width ratio among different round diamonds, all of them have either a perfect or near-perfect round shape.
Oval diamonds, on the other hand, can come in a variety of oval shapes. The diamond can have a slender, normal, or wide oval shape depending on the length-to-width ratio.
The second difference between oval and round diamonds is the level of brilliance. A diamond’s brilliance indicates the strength of its sparkle and fire.
Oval and round diamonds are both brilliant cuts. That means that they’re designed to maximize the light’s reflection and create magnificent sparkle. In fact, both oval and round diamonds have the same number of facets – 58 to be exact.
Assuming all other aspects are equal, a round diamond will have a slightly better sparkle than an oval diamond. Still, the difference between them is pretty subtle, with both of them offering an excellent level of sparkle and fire.
The third difference is the perceived size. Due to the oval diamond’s shape being elongated, it will look slightly more prominent than a round brilliant diamond of a similar carat weight.
That makes an oval diamond a great shape to consider if you’re looking for a stone that appears bigger than its actual carat weight.
The fourth and final difference is the price. The round brilliant is the most expensive gem shape on a per-carat basis because it requires a big amount of the rough diamond to be thrown away during the cutting process.
Because the oval cut uses a larger amount of the original rough stone, it’s generally a more affordable option on a per-carat basis.
Read More:
Oval Diamond Size Chart On Hand – How To Choose The Right Size?
There’s much more to choosing the suitable stone than just the carat size when it comes to the oval diamond size chart on hand. When you consider all of the previously mentioned factors, you’ll be in a better position to make the right decision.
Before you go shopping for diamonds, determine your priorities, style, and budget so you can choose the right oval diamond for you.
Variations in carat size from one level to another have a significant impact on the diamond’s price. Consider doubling your budget every time your step up in carat size.
That’s why it’s crucial to determine your budget before you go shopping for a diamond, as it will significantly affect what carat size is right for you.
Everyone’s hands are unique; different gem sizes and shapes will appear different for everyone. Oval diamonds are excellent for anyone because their shape elongates the finger.
As we already mentioned, color, clarity, and cut are all just as crucial as carat size when looking for an oval diamond. However, deciding which qualities you’ll prioritize is entirely up to you.
Related Read: Are Oval Diamonds Less Sparkly? Do They Shine Less?