Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
About Oval Cut Diamonds
Diamonds are treasured gemstones. They are the hardest stones on earth. A diamond can only be scratched by another diamond. Due to this hardness, they are considered the preferred gemstone to be used in engagement or wedding rings which are usually worn every day.
There are many styles and cuts of diamonds. There are round brilliant, oval, marquise, pear shaped, heart shaped and princess cut diamonds. These cuts and shapes are made to fully maximize the diamond’s properties. The oval cut diamond was created in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan and has become increasingly popular as a center stone in a wide range of high quality jewelry.
The oval diamond is similar to the round brilliant diamond in that they both reflect light brilliantly. A length to width ratio of 1.5:1 is the typical proportion of an oval cut diamond. A dark area, called a bow-tie, can be present if the ratio exceeds 1.5:1. A properly oval cut diamond should resemble the shape of an egg.
Oval cut diamonds are used for necklaces, bracelets and rings. They are used extensively in engagement rings. One reason for choosing a ring with an oval cut diamond is because the elongated round cut seems to slenderize and elongate the fingers of the hand.
One of the most popular styles of engagement rings is the solitaire setting which was made popular by Tiffany’s in New York about one hundred years ago. Tiffany also introduced the first open mount ring. The oval cut diamond works exceptionally well in this type of setting. The open mount allows light to travel freely under and through the diamond to enhance the natural brilliance of the stone.
When purchasing an oval cut diamond, potential buyers should look at the overall cut, color, clarity and carat weight of the stone. Impurities and inclusions can be much easier to spot in an oval cut than in the round cut diamond.
Purchasing a diamond can be expensive. Personal preference should be the deciding factor because it will probably be a lifelong possession. It should be a perfect balance between beauty, quality, and value.