Oval Engagement Rings: Classic Style with Modern Appeal

Oval Engagement Rings: Classic Style with Modern Appeal

5 min read

There’s something undeniably romantic about an oval-cut diamond. With its graceful, elongated shape and timeless brilliance, the oval has become one of the most sought-after cuts for modern engagement rings — and for good reason.

At Morgan & Co, we often guide clients who are drawn to this particular shape but aren’t sure why. More often than not, it comes down to a blend of elegance, practicality, and that little bit of visual magic an oval-cut brings.

The Allure of the Oval-Cut

Oval diamonds are essentially a stretched version of the round brilliant cut. They have 56 to 58 facets, which means they reflect light beautifully and offer a similar sparkle to a round diamond, but with a longer silhouette. This elongated form creates the illusion of a larger diamond and can make fingers appear longer and more slender.

Whether you’re after something classic, romantic, or a little more contemporary, the oval-cut lends itself to a variety of settings and styles. It works beautifully in solitaire settings, halo designs, or set east-west for a modern twist.

Why Our Clients Love the Oval

We’ve noticed a growing number of Morgan & Co clients leaning towards the oval-cut in recent years. It’s versatile, distinctive, and strikes the perfect balance between tradition and individuality. The elongated shape gives it an ethereal, almost vintage feel, while the brilliant faceting makes it ideal for those who still want a bit of sparkle.

Some of the reasons clients choose an oval-cut diamond include:

  • Visual impact: Appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.

  • Finger-flattering: Its length has a slimming effect on the hand.

  • Sparkle: The faceting offers incredible brilliance, rivaling that of round diamonds.

  • Uniqueness: While gaining popularity, it’s still less common than rounds, making it feel a little more individual.

Oval Diamond Setting Options

An oval diamond is one of the most versatile shapes, and the way it’s set can completely transform its look and feel.

Solitaire Setting

The solitaire oval diamond is the most timeless choice for an oval diamond. Its simplicity allows the elongated shape to take centre stage, creating a clean and elegant look that never goes out of style.

Halo Setting

A halo oval engagement ring adds a ring of smaller diamonds around the oval, enhancing its brilliance and giving the illusion of a larger centre stone. This design is perfect for those who love maximum sparkle.

Three-Stone Setting

Pairing the oval with two side stones creates a meaningful design symbolising the past, present, and future. The side stones can be smaller ovals, pears, or even baguettes for a more modern feel. View our favourite three stone oval, accompanied by to pear cut diamonds here

Pavé or Diamond Band

For subtle shimmer, a pavé or diamond-encrusted band with your oval diamond adds sparkle along the ring shank. This enhances the centre stone without overpowering it, creating a romantic and refined look.

East-West Setting

A contemporary twist, the east-west oval style places the oval diamond horizontally across the finger. It’s modern, fashion-forward, and ideal for someone wanting something unique.

Hidden Halo or Basket Details

Adding a hidden halo to your oval engagement ring, or considering an intricate basket design, gives extra sparkle and character from unexpected angles. It’s a subtle yet personal way to make the ring feel one-of-a-kind.

Our Custom Design Process

Choosing your engagement ring is a deeply personal experience, and at Morgan & Co., we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you walk through the doors of our Buderim studio or connect with us via Zoom, the process always begins with you — your story, your style, your vision.

Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Consultation
We start with a one-on-one consultation — either in person or virtually — to understand your vision, budget, lifestyle, and timeline. If you’re not sure what you want yet, we’ll explore ideas together and help you find the perfect direction.

2. Diamond or Gemstone Selection
Once we’ve discussed your preferences, we source a curated selection of high-quality diamonds (natural or lab-grown) tailored to your priorities — including shape, colour, clarity, and budget. Every stone we offer is certified, and we’ll talk you through the finer details so you feel confident in your choice.

3. Design & CAD
With your diamond selected, we move into the design phase. You’ll receive a CAD rendering of your ring — a realistic 3D visualisation that shows how your chosen stone will sit in your setting. This is where you can review the design, make any adjustments, and ensure the proportions, setting height, and band details are perfect.

4. Final Approval & Production
Once you’re happy with the design, we move into production. All of our pieces are handcrafted locally using high-quality materials and traditional techniques. Turnaround times typically range from 6–8 weeks, but we’ll always provide a clear timeline based on your proposal date.

5. The Reveal
When your ring is ready, we’ll invite you back in for the big reveal — or ship your ring securely if you’re based further away. You’ll receive your finished piece in our signature Morgan & Co packaging, ready for your perfect proposal moment.

FAQ: Oval-Cut Diamonds

Q: Are oval diamonds more affordable than round diamonds?
Yes, generally speaking, oval diamonds are around 10–20% more affordable than round diamonds of the same carat weight and quality. Their elongated shape also gives the illusion of greater size, which is a nice bonus.

Q: Do oval diamonds show a ‘bowtie effect’?
Most oval diamonds will show some degree of bowtie (a shadow or dark area across the centre), but a well-cut oval will minimise this. When sourcing stones, we carefully review every diamond to ensure minimal bowtie and beautiful light performance.

Q: What’s the best setting for an oval diamond?
That depends on your style! Oval diamonds look stunning in a classic solitaire, a hidden halo for a subtle sparkle, or with side stones like pear or trapezoid diamonds. We’ll help you find the perfect setting to suit your lifestyle and engagement ring goals.

Q: Can oval diamonds be paired with wedding bands easily?
Yes, but the setting height matters. That’s why we always consider your future wedding band plans when designing your engagement ring — ensuring the two sit beautifully together without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

Q: Can I customise an oval-cut ring to suit my budget?
Absolutely. We work closely with our clients to create designs that suit a wide range of budgets. Lab-grown oval diamonds are an excellent option for those wanting size and sparkle without compromising on quality.

Book your complementary consultation with our expert team at our Buderim studio and lets discuss your stunning oval diamond engagement ring. 

With Love,
Morgan xo

August 17, 2025 — Morgan Gaskin

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