Segal Jewelry collection
Oval Cut Engagement Rings
Oval center stones in solitaire, halo and side-stone settings, with natural and lab-created stone options.
Oval shape / Mixed stones / Yellow gold, White gold
Oval Engagement Rings
In shortOval engagement rings use an elongated brilliant-cut stone that looks larger face-up than a round of the same carat weight and makes the finger look longer. Most buyers prefer a length-to-width ratio between about 1.30 and 1.50. Check photos or video for a strong "bow-tie", a dark band across the middle, before buying.
Updated by Taya Sel
Ovals combine much of a round’s brilliance with an elongated outline, which is why they have become one of the most requested shapes. Their main quirk is variability: two ovals of the same weight can look quite different.
Ratio guide
| Length-to-width ratio | How it looks |
|---|---|
| Under 1.30 | Plump, close to round |
| 1.30 to 1.50 | Classic, balanced oval |
| Over 1.50 | Slim and elongated, close to a marquise feel |
Settings that suit ovals
Solitaires with four or six prongs keep the outline clean. A thin halo exaggerates length. Pear side stones make a graceful three stone ring. For the head-to-head comparison with the round brilliant, read oval vs round engagement rings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bow-tie effect in oval diamonds?
A bow-tie is a darker area shaped like a bow tie across the width of an oval, caused by how light leaks through the stone's facets. Almost all ovals have some; the goal is one that is faint, not dominant.
Should an oval be set north-south or east-west?
North-south, lengthwise along the finger, is traditional and lengthens the hand. East-west, across the finger, is a more unusual, modern look and sits lower to the band.