What is an oval diamond?
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The exquisite cutting of oval diamonds has always been highly praised in the jewelry industry, with its soft and elegant shape making it one of the most popular fancy cut diamonds. The elongated contour and large surface cutting enhance the cost-effectiveness of elliptical diamonds, while also producing unexpected optical brightness.
history
In the late 1950s, Lazare Kaplan, an infamous Russian diamond cutter, promoted elliptical diamond cutting. Kaplan was born into a family of jewelers and studied with one of the world's most talented and well-known diamond cutters during his childhood. Later, with years of practice and exploration, Kaplan was able to perfect his cutting techniques and create what we know today as elliptical cut diamonds, thanks to his talent for each diamond raw stone.
Lazare Kaplan was later recognized by the GIA Gemological Society of America and awarded the "Jewelry Leadership Hall of Fame Award" for his outstanding cutting skills. In addition, he is also known as one of the best diamond cutters in the world.
The trend of elliptical cutting really began in 1981, when the highly influential engagement ring between Princess Diana and Prince Charles was designed with an oval cut sapphire and a circular diamond surround. To this day, Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring is still highly favored. The exquisite cutting design of oval diamonds imitates the light performance of circular bright cut diamonds, but the outline of oval diamonds is long. Its elongated contour and large surface area alter the overall appearance of the wearer, giving the impression that the hands will look slimmer.
The ratio of length to width of an elliptical diamond can help you imagine the shape of the diamond. Our most common standard ratio is between 1.35 and 1.50. Oval diamonds with a ratio below 1.35 will appear wide, while diamonds with a ratio above 1.5 will appear longer like pigeon eggs. You can choose the most suitable ratio according to your personal preferences, with the most popular ratio ranging from approximately 1.35 to 1.5. In addition, the difference in diamond ratio can also affect the value of diamonds.
In addition to the length to width ratio of a diamond, the symmetry level of the diamond also affects its appearance and contour. A high level of symmetry will make the shape of the diamond look perfect and more shiny. If you are unsure if the selected diamond ratio is suitable for you, you can help you visualize better by drawing an imaginary line from the head of the diamond to the end of the diamond.
Among all long cut diamonds, you will find that some diamonds have a dark bow shape in the middle, which is actually the "bow tie effect" of diamonds, caused by their imperfect cutting and low gloss performance. But if the diamond cutting process is perfect, it will not produce this effect.
During the cutting process, elliptical diamonds can maximize the original diamond and reduce waste, thereby increasing its value. Therefore, elliptical cutting is also popular in colored gemstones.
