For engagement rings, oval diamonds have become as popular as the ever-popular round diamond. Oval engagement rings are attracting a lot of attention from, well, everyone. “Oval engagement rings” was the most-searched ring cut during the last five years, according to Google Trends.
Are you unsure why you should choose an oval diamond engagement ring? Allow us to assist you with reasons why this style is expected to keep soaring in popularity in 2022.
Ovals give themselves to a variety of styles thanks to their characteristic elliptical shape, which falls midway between pear and round shapes. While the shape has been around for 500 years, it gained popularity in the 1950s because of the renowned Russian diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan, who was praised for his expertise in cleaving, the highly skilled practice of splitting a diamond rough into multiple smaller perfect stones. Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels all used Kaplan as a supplier. The shape was soon found in jewellery store cases all over the United States. (Many jewellers praised it for its ability to appear larger than a round cut diamond.) In a 1958 advertisement in the Orlando Sentinel, it was written, “Oval diamonds look larger, but cost less!”
The exquisite design represents tradition and romance, while the egg-like shape is frequently associated with fertility. The oval diamond, unsurprisingly, is often the choice for engagement rings, with clarity and colour being the most important factors to consider. The oval diamond’s modified brilliant-cut makes it ideal for hiding inclusions.
“The oval shape of the finger can make it appear longer. In comparison to other fancy shapes, a diamond that is oval is less likely to chip because it lacks sharp angles or corners.” Sounds like the ideal match: practical (in the most glamorous sense) and stylish!