Are Oval Engagment Rings Trendy?
People who say “it’s just a ring” have obviously never looked into it, much less stepped into a diamond designers heavenly office.
Sure, choosing a diamond seems like an easy affair until you realize how much you need to take into consideration. Color, cut, clarity, shape, size, style, setting – and that’s just the center stone.
And to be fair, I’ve never met someone who wasn’t fascinated by the process after being through it. Even the men get a bit giddy once they understand.
For many, if they don’t already have a dream ring in mind, the first point of call is what shape they’re going to go for. So, today we’re going to deep dive into one of the more popular shapes as of late.
Are Oval Cut Engagement Rings Trendy?
Oval-cut engagement rings have been making a comeback in recent years. No one is complaining (have you seen them) and it’s looking like they’re here to stay.
With their elegant design, oval cuts offer a modern twist on the classic round diamond. Their shape creates a flattering and sophisticated look (especially on those with longer fingers or “piano hands”), which makes it a great option for those who want to make a statement.
Full disclosure: I opted for an oval engagement ring with a double halo, so I may be a bit biased.
Garnering a slightly larger surface area than their circular counterparts, oval-cut diamonds provide a unique style and eye-catching appearance. They’re fast becoming one of the most popular shapes due to the fact that they can be so easily personalized.
From simple, minimalist designs to more elaborate and ornate styles, there is an oval ring for everyone’s taste and budget.
Why Oval Engagement Rings are Gaining Popularity (again)
Timeless Appeal
Classic yet contemporary, oval-shaped diamonds have a flexibility that makes them one of the most popular diamond shape choices for engagement rings. It’s safe to say they’re suitable for both traditional and modern styles.
Additionally, the elongated surface of the oval-shaped diamond can be flattering on a wide range of hand shapes and sizes, making it a useful option for many couples.
A halo setting, where small diamonds surround the center stone, is another popular trend in oval-cut diamond engagement rings. This setting adds extra sparkle and enhances the overall appearance of the ring, the result is a breathtaking piece of jewelry. Others may opt for a hidden halo.
Yellow gold has been a popular choice for oval rings for many years and continues to be a popular choice for those who want a more “old-school” classic look. This warm metal complements the brilliant diamonds, creating a beautiful piece of jewelry that is perfect for those who want a touch of traditional elegance.
More modern times have seen white gold and platinum come front and center.
Celebrity Endorsement
Many high-profile celebrities have opted for oval engagement rings, and while some may be worth more than my house, you can’t deny that they’re stunning and provide great inspiration for the rest of us.
Princess Diana was a trendsetter in many ways, and her engagement ring was no exception. An enormous 12-carat oval blue sapphire, surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds and set in a white gold band. She popularized the trend of the oval shape of the diamond in the late 20th century and continues to inspire designers even today.
Some of the most notable celebrities who have worn oval engagement rings include Ryan Reynolds proposing to Blake Lively with an oval stone, Olivia Munn, Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian Jennifer Aniston, Ariana Grande’s oval diamond and pearl ring set in a platinum band, Amal Clooney and many, many others.
The media coverage of these celebrity engagements has also helped to showcase the beauty and elegance of oval-shaped diamonds, resulting in their fame these days.
The Flattering Shape
You don’t initially think that a certain style or shape would suit your hand. Hands are hands. It’s not until you’re in the store dripping in diamonds (and contemplating stealing them all) that you realize certain shapes suit you better than others.
One of the biggest advantages of oval-shaped engagement rings is their flattering shape. The rise in acceptance of oval engagement rings is their ability to elongate the finger. The elongated shape oval stone gives the illusion of a longer and slimmer finger, making it a flattering option for those with shorter fingers, creating a beautiful and elegant look.
Unique and Unconventional
The demand for unconventional and unique engagement rings design has increased as Gen X, Millenial, and Gen Z couples become the main wedding demographic. We don’t want a ring that matches our mother, grandmother, sister, or friend – unless, of course, we’re inheriting an heirloom diamond.
Their versatility doesn’t go unnoticed either. They can be set in a variety of ways, from a classic solitaire setting to more contemporary designs featuring multiple diamonds, halos, hidden halos, or colorful gemstones. This makes them a perfect choice for those who want something unique, personalized, and feels like “the one” for them.
Optimal Use of Carat Weight for Maximum Sparkle
When you’re thinking of your perfect engagement ring keep in mind that the shape can affect the diamond’s symmetry compared to its weight and overall sparkle. An oval diamond ring with a good cut grade will ensure that the brilliant cut diamond is well-proportioned and has a good level of overall sparkle.
And let’s face it, with diamonds, it’s all about the sparkle.
The oval cut provides a larger surface area on the diamond of its length-to-width ratio, making the stone appear larger than a round-cut diamond of the same actual carat size. This can be especially appealing for those looking for a larger stone without the added cost.
How to Choose the Oval Engagement Ring for You (or your partner)
It’s likely the “trend” of the oval-cut diamond engagement ring will continue. Unique design elements and versatility allow for both a classic style and a more trendy option.
Though choosing the perfect oval engagement ring can be a daunting task, with these key considerations, you can make a confident and informed choice.
Sidenote to add: If you’re choosing for your partner it helps to know if they have a preference. Stalk their Pinterest boards, have the conversation (this is easy to bring up if someone you know has recently gotten engaged) and ask their friends if they know. Oval rings are one of the safer bets but ultimately it’s your partners’ opinion that matters most.
Size and Proportion
It’s crucial to choose a size that fits comfortably on your finger and complements your hand shape. The proportion of the ring, which refers to the balance between the diamond and the setting, is also important. A well-proportioned ring will have a diamond that is neither too large nor too small with the band and setting.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be one solitaire diamond (unless you want that). Width can be added with halos or a 3-stone set.
Select the Metal and Setting that Complements the Diamond
The metal and setting of an oval engagement ring can greatly impact its overall look and sturdiness. Choose a metal and setting that complements the color and brilliance of the diamond. Popular choices include classic gold bands, white gold, rose gold, platinum, or pave. Some even opt for a more intricately designed band.
Your lifestyle is also an important factor to take into consideration when choosing your stone, metal, and setting. Are you clumsy? I’m always getting mine caught on my pants pocket, tangled in my hair, etc. This bad boy is staying with you for life, so these decisions are important.
One of the many diamond designers I spoke with mentioned that celebrities are a fan of a super slim band holding a weighty gemstone which can lead to easy breakage. Discuss the variety of settings with your jeweler and see which one suits your choice best – we don’t need rings that break.
Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat
The cut of the diamond affects its brilliance and sparkle, so choose a well-cut diamond for maximum brilliance.
The clarity of the diamond refers to the number and size of inclusions and blemishes, and the color refers to the absence of color in a white diamond.
The carat weight of the diamond is a measure of its size, but keep in mind that a diamond of higher quality may appear larger and more brilliant than a larger diamond of lower quality.
If the above is too much to take in or comprehend, nearly all sellers have super easy-to-understand explanations at the counter. They’ll show you side by side the different diamond shapes, clarity grade and how they differ, what occlusions are visible to the naked eye, and any of the aspects that are deemed an important factor will be broken down.
Budget
One of the biggest factors when designing your ring, that few ever want to bring up, is the budget. Most, understandably, want the highest quality and design for the best price, and it’s helpful to know that there are alternatives and actions that can stretch your budget.
Oval-cut diamond rings can alleviate some of the financial pressure involved. As mentioned above, its shape naturally adds more sparkle by having a seemingly larger surface area than a similar carat in a different shape.
Your dollar can be stretched even further by opting for lab-grown diamonds, or moissanite. Adding a halo of smaller diamonds will take up more space than a larger central stone and add a more attention-grabbing sparkle.
Final Thoughts
It all comes down to personal preference, and I don’t think you really know your perfect ring until it’s on your finger. Whether you’re looking for a timeless ring or a more ornate and detailed piece, oval diamonds are a classic choice that has the versatility to be a base for your wildest imagination.
Somehow they’ve become a safe bet and a wildcard at the same time. They’re in high demand and for good reason.
If you’re looking for wow factor, and something you can personalize and make your own, an oval-cut diamond engagement ring may be the one for you.
Don’t GateKeep Good Info…
If there’s someone you know who could benefit from this, share it with them (or pin it for yourself for later).
Pingback: How Long does it Take to Resize an Engagement Ring?