The oval cut is one of the most versatile of all diamond cuts — and it also happens to be one of the most popular. While it may not be as prevalent in jewelry stores as the round brilliant cut, the oval cut has been a dazzling part of the diamond world for centuries. Today, it is also among the most cost-effective options for diamond ring shoppers.
But if you’ve never seen an oval cut diamond before or you’re considering an oval cut diamond engagement ring for that special someone in your life, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, what is an oval cut diamond? How many facets does it have? Are oval cut diamonds more expensive than alternative cuts? Do oval cut diamonds look bigger than round cut diamonds? Finally, where can you find pre-owned oval cut diamond engagement rings at affordable prices?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What Is An Oval Cut Diamond?
An oval cut diamond can refer to a wide range of diamond shapes, though they all generally conform to a similar structure. The oval cut has been around since the 1300s, making it one of the oldest diamond cuts in existence. However, the modern-day version of the oval cut was perfected by a Russian gemologist in the 1960s. All oval cuts are elongated with rounded edges, like the standard geometrical shape from which the oval cut derives its name. However, the exact proportions can vary from one oval cut diamond to the next.
For example, a “standard” oval cut diamond may have a length-to-width ratio of 1.5 to 1. However, more elongated cuts may have a ratio closer to 1.7, while compressed cuts may have a ratio as low as 1.3. Oval cuts with more compressed ratios are less common, as they bear a stronger resemblance to round cut diamonds. Having a more elongated shape provides the distinctive aesthetic that many people look for in oval cut diamonds.
What Is An Oval Cut Diamond Called?
Many diamond cuts go by multiple names, and the oval cut is no exception. Similar to the round cut (also known as the round brilliant cut), the oval cut is also called the oval modified brilliant cut. This is actually the official name for the cut, though many people choose to shorten the name for simplicity.
How Many Facets Are In An Oval Cut Diamond?
Since oval cut diamonds can vary in shape, they can also vary in the number of facets they have. That said, the standard oval cut is considered a variation of the round brilliant cut, and therefore has the same number of facets — 57 or 58. Also like the round brilliant cut, the traditional facet structure of the oval cut has roughly 33 facets on the crown and 24 on the pavilion. The crown facets generally have an elongated table, with 6 to 8 star facets and 6 to 8 bezel facets.
When looking at the oval cut diamond from above, the facet arrangement gives it the appearance of a round cut diamond that has been stretched. All of the facets are generally in the same place, but rather than forming a perfect circle, they are cut to form an oval.
Are Oval Cut Diamonds More Expensive?
As a general rule, oval cut diamonds are not as expensive as round brilliant cut diamonds. In fact, comparable round cut diamonds can be anywhere between 10% and 30% more expensive than oval cut diamonds. For example, if you find a 1-carat round cut solitaire diamond engagement ring for $2,000, you may be able to find the same style of engagement ring with an oval cut diamond for as little as $1,400, though prices will vary based on brand, band materials, and a variety of other factors.
So why are oval cut diamonds more affordable than round cut diamonds? It all comes down to demand. Round cut diamonds are the most sought-after for engagement rings. This high demand inflates the prices above the prices for most other cuts. Alternatively, oval cut diamonds are popular, but have a demand that is more similar to emerald cut and princess cut diamonds. As a result, they are typically less expensive.
But it’s important to consider that diamond cut is just one of many factors that can affect price. While it’s true that round cuts are more in demand than oval cut diamonds right now (and have been for a while), this demand could change if and when trends shift. Additionally, the carat, clarity, and color can all affect diamond costs, so you can still find oval cut diamonds that are more expensive than more popular cuts.
Do Oval Cut Diamonds Look Bigger?
The short answer is yes; like emerald cut diamonds, oval cut diamonds tend to look larger than round cut diamonds. This is due to the elongated shape and the top-heavy weight distribution. Round cut diamonds hide much of their weight in the pavilion underneath, which is often not visible from above or even from the side. The oval cut, on the other hand, has a very large table and crown, with a comparatively shallow pavilion. This means that the ring takes up more space on the finger than a round cut of the same weight. While oval rings can be set to appear “wide” on the finger, it is more common for them to be vertically set, so that the elongated shape extends along the finger itself. This also helps make oval cut diamonds look larger, as they cover more of the ring finger than most other diamond cuts.
This is a big part of why oval cut diamonds are popular. Not only do they tend to be a little less expensive, but they can also give the appearance of being larger and heavier than they really are. This means that you could 2-carat diamond ring that looks more like a 4-carat diamond ring!
How To Buy Or Sell Used Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Are you interested in buying an oval cut diamond engagement ring? Do you want to find an affordable, pre-owned oval cut diamond ring? Or perhaps you’re interested in selling an oval cut ring to the highest bidder? Either way, Have You Seen The Ring is the perfect fit for you!
At HYSTR, we offer a large marketplace of pre-owned oval cut diamond engagement rings. As a seller, you can simply upload pictures of your oval cut diamond ring, set an asking price, and wait for the bids to come in. Once you’ve agreed on a price, you just send the ring to us for verification and then wait for your check in the mail!
As a buyer, the process is even easier. You can peruse dozens of high-quality, pre-owned oval cut diamond engagement rings until you find one that suits your tastes. You put your payment in escrow while one of our certified gemologists verifies the purchase. Then, you just have to wait for your dream ring to arrive in the mail!
We hope you enjoyed our oval cut diamond ring guide! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!
