Oval Obsession: 5 Reasons Why These Diamonds Are On-Trend

Oval cut diamonds are having their moment in the spotlight, thanks in part to celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian and Blake Lively rocking oval engagement rings in recent times.

While we are influenced by celebrity style, oval diamonds are really nothing new: in fact the first known oval cut diamond dates right back to the 1304! However the modern oval cut we see today was created in the 1950s and credited to a Russian-born diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan.

Ovals have gone on to become a popular and elegant option for engagement rings.

Here are our top 5 reasons why oval rings rock:

1. They have brilliant sparkle similar to round brilliant cut diamond
2. The elongated shape is elegant makes your ringer finger look more slender
3. Ovals are a more unique shape, so you will stand out from the crowd
4. Oval diamonds look larger than round diamonds of around the same weight
5. Last but definitely not least, ovals are less expensive than round diamonds

Duffs Jewellers’ Ben Duff says customers are asking for oval cut diamonds more than ever before.

“It’s not just the celebrity factor,” he explains. “Customers have realised that they can get more bang - or sparkle - for their buck with an oval diamond.

“Ovals are less expensive per carat than a round diamond, yet the elongated shape means it will look larger on the finger. Carat for carat, the oval cut diamond will look larger than the round brilliant diamond. So you can put some cash in your pocket, or buy a larger diamond!”

He does however caution buyers to take extra care when choosing an oval cut diamond, because the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) does not grade oval cut diamonds for quality.

There is a bit more to know if you want to get the most sparkly, beautiful oval stone. They have quirks such as bowties and there are certain things to avoid such as inconsistent colour. That’s why having a jeweller you can trust is a really good idea. They can help you compare diamonds and point out  their features and their flaws, so you feel comfortable with your choice.

See some of our oval cut engagement rings online and in store, or have your engagement ring custom made.

The Duffs team includes qualified and experienced jewellers, gemologists, diamond technologists and designers, so they can custom design the perfect ring for you. And the best part is, you don’t need to be a celebrity or a millionaire to afford your own beautiful oval cut diamond.