Why Oval Engagement Rings Are Having Their Moment (And I'm Here for It)
My best friend Sarah just got engaged last month, and when she showed me her ring, I literally gasped. Not because it was huge or flashy, but because of the shape—this gorgeous oval diamond that somehow managed to look both vintage and totally modern at the same time.
That got me thinking about oval engagement rings and why they seem to be everywhere lately. My Instagram feed is full of them, every jewellery store I walk past has them front and centre, and honestly? I'm starting to understand the obsession.
The Thing About Ovals That Nobody Tells You
So, here's what I've learned after spending way too much time researching rings (thanks to Pinterest). Oval engagement rings aren't just trendy—they're actually pretty genius from a practical standpoint.
First off, they make your fingers look longer and more elegant. I tried on my friend's ring, and even my short and sturdy fingers looked graceful. It's like an Instagram filter magic, but in real life.
Secondly, and this blew my mind, they look bigger than round diamonds of the same size. Something about the way they're cut which gives an illusion of having more surface area show. So, when you're looking at an oval diamond engagement ring, you're basically getting more sparkle for your money you have paid.
The whole thing started in the 1950s when some diamond cutter named Lazare Kaplan decided to experiment. Thank God he did, because now we have this perfect middle ground between classic and unique that we all struggle to achieve in this kind of lifelong investment.
What Your Ring Shape Says About You (According to My Jewellery Store Friend)
My friend Emma works at a high-end jewellery store, and she swears that she can predict someone's personality based on their ring choice. According to her, people who choose oval diamond engagement rings are usually creative types, who want something special but not too out there.
"They're the kind of people who appreciate good design," she told me over coffee last week. "They want their ring to feel personal and meaningful, not just expensive."
The oval shape itself supposedly represents eternal love (like a circle) but with this elongated twist that symbolizes journey and growth. Whether you believe that or not, there's something undeniably romantic about those flowing curves, much like life itself—never forming a perfect circle.
The 1-Carat Sweet Spot That Everyone's Talking About
Let's talk numbers for a second. The 1carat oval ring seems to be the golden steal of engagement rings—not too big, not too small, just right. And here's why it works so well:
A 1-carat oval actually appears larger than a one-carat round because of how the weight is distributed. My friend got the same type of ring last year, and everyone keeps asking if it's bigger than a carat because it has such a presence on her hand.
Price-wise, you're looking at something that's often more affordable than rounds but looks more substantial. It's like finding a designer dress on sale that nobody else noticed.
The other thing about the 1carat oval ring is it's substantial enough to feel significant but not so big that you're afraid to wear it every day. My sister has a 2-carat round, and she's constantly paranoid about hitting it on things. One carat feels more liveable and intimate.
What to Actually Pay Attention to When Shopping
Okay, real talk from someone who's been ring shopping with way too many friends lately. Here's what matters and what doesn't:
Cut Quality Is Everything
Not all ovals are created equal. Some have this weird dark bow-tie shape across the middle that looks like a shadow. You want to see the diamond in person or ask specifically about this. A good oval should sparkle evenly across the whole stone, just like the way Layla Diamonds rings do.
Don't Stress Too Much About Colour
Unless you're getting a really fancy setting or you're super picky, anything H colour or above will look white and beautiful. Emma says most people can't tell the difference between an F and an H when it's set in a ring.
The Setting Can Make or Break It
This is where you really get to show your personality. Classic solitaire if you're more traditional, halo if you want extra sparkle, vintage-inspired if you love details. The oval works with pretty much everything, trust me on that.
Size Isn't the Only Thing That Matters
I know it sounds cliché, but a well-cut 0.8-carat oval can look better and bigger than a poorly cut 1-carat. Quality over quantity actually applies here.
Settings That Don't Look Like Everyone Else's
The Solitaire (But Make It Interesting)
Everyone thinks solitaire means boring, but with an oval, it's actually really striking. The shape itself is enough visual interest. Plus, it's timeless—you'll never look back at photos and cringe.
Halo for Maximum Impact
If you want people to notice your ring from across the room, this is your move. The smaller diamonds around the oval make everything look bigger and more glamorous. Very Blake Lively and Selena Gomez vibe.
Three-Stone for Meaning
Past, present, future—it's romantic and looks really balanced with an oval centre. Plus, you get extra sparkle from the side stones.
East-West Settings
This is where you set the oval horizontally instead of vertically. It's unexpected and modern, and looks amazing if you have longer fingers.
The Celebrity Effect (And Why It Actually Matters)
I'm not usually one to care about celebrity trends, but the oval engagement ring thing is different. Blake Lively, Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian—they're all wearing ovals, and it's not just because their stylists told them to.
These women have access to literally any ring they want, and they chose ovals. That says something about the shape itself. It photographs beautifully, it's distinctive without being weird, and it goes with everything.
But more importantly, seeing oval engagement rings on real people (famous or not) helps you visualize how they actually look when worn. Instagram has been a game-changer for this.
Money Talk (Because Someone Has to Do It)
Let's be honest about budget because ring shopping can get overwhelming fast. Oval engagement rings are often a smarter financial choice than rounds because:
The price per carat is usually lower, but the stones appear larger. It's like getting a luxury car with better gas mileage—you're getting more value.
You can also go slightly lower on clarity because the brilliant cut hides imperfections really well. Emma told me that most VS2 ovals look flawless to the naked eye.
For a 1carat oval ring, you're probably looking at anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on quality and setting. That's a wide range, but it gives you options to find something that works for your budget.
Taking Care of Your Investment
This part is actually pretty simple. Clean it regularly with dish soap and an old toothbrush (seriously, it works better than those expensive jewellery cleaners).
Get the prongs checked every six months or so—loose stones are heartbreaking and expensive to replace. And maybe take it off when you're doing dishes or working out. Common sense stuff, duh.
Store it separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches. A simple jewellery box with fabric lining works perfectly to keep it looking expensive and brand new, even after years of tying the knot and saying 'Yes, I do!'
Why This Shape Just Works
After all this research and observation, I think oval engagement rings are becoming popular because they solve a lot of problems people have with other shapes. They're not as common as rounds, but not as out-there as marquise or pear shapes. They're flattering on every hand type. They work with every style. They look bigger than they are.
But mostly, they're just beautiful. There's something about that elongated sparkle that catches your eye and doesn't let go.
Whether you end up with a simple 1carat oval ring or something more elaborated, you're choosing a shape that's both timeless and current. And in a world where trends change every five minutes, that's not nothing.
Plus, when your great-granddaughter inherits your ring someday, she's going to think it's absolutely perfect. Some shapes never go out of style, and oval is definitely one of them.
