The allure of fancy oval cut diamonds
Why this cut is quietly stealing the show at Leskes Jewellers, Peregian Beach
Oval diamonds are having a serious moment. They’re chic, timeless, and just a little bit unexpected—perfect for the woman who wants sparkle with a twist. From celebrities flashing them on red carpets to couples at Leskes swooning over their flattering brilliance, let’s break down why the oval cut is the talk of the town.
Why are Oval Diamonds Popular?
They elongate the finger, give maximum sparkle for size, and often look larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. Think optical illusion—but in your favour.
Anatomy of an Oval Diamond
An oval diamond is essentially a round brilliant stretched out, meaning it has 58 facets designed for fire and brilliance. The lengthened shape = elegance, while the faceting = full noise sparkle.
What to Look for in an Oval Diamond
Look for even curves, no flat spots on the sides, and balanced symmetry. A well-cut oval should feel graceful, not wonky.
The Bow Tie Effect
Many ovals have a dark “bow tie” shadow across the centre. The trick? Choose a diamond where it’s subtle. At Leskes, we handpick stones to make sure the bow tie doesn’t steal the spotlight.
Best Ratio for an Oval Cut
The magic sweet spot is a 1.35–1.5 length-to-width ratio. It gives the stone that perfect stretched look without veering into “too skinny” or “too stubby.”
Best Clarity for an Oval Cut
Because the brilliant cut hides inclusions well, you can often go for VS2 or SI1 clarity and still have a diamond that looks flawless to the naked eye.
Best Colour Grades for Oval Cuts
Ovals tend to show colour at the tips, so many clients choose D–H colour for crisp white sparkle. If you love warmer tones, pairing a J or K oval with yellow gold can be chef’s kiss.
Oval Diamond Engagement Ring Settings
Ovals look divine in solitaire settings (think six claws for elegance), halo designs for extra sparkle, or east–west settings for a modern twist. Paired with hidden halos, side stones, or fine bands—they’re endlessly versatile.
A Little History
The oval cut dates back to the 1960s, when Russian cutter Lazare Kaplan transformed “awkward” rough diamonds into graceful elongated shapes. Fast forward to today, and the oval is a modern icon.
Famous Oval Diamonds
• Blake Lively’s pink oval engagement ring from Ryan Reynolds (12 carats!)
• The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, once cut into an oval and part of the British Crown Jewels.
• Princess Diana’s iconic oval sapphire, now worn by Princess Catherine.
✨ Final Word from Leskes:
An oval diamond isn’t just a shape—it’s a vibe. Feminine, flattering, and a touch daring. If you’re dreaming of an oval engagement ring (or just want to try one on and swoon a little), come see us at Leskes Jewellers, Peregian Beach.
