The Growing Popularity of Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds represent the earliest of modernOval diamonds are a recent innovation; it is similar
diamond cuts. Before oval cuts, loose diamondsto the round brilliant, except for its more elliptical
that were used for jewelry were hard, shiny andshape. The first oval diamonds were cut by
lustrous, but had little in the way of fire orLazare Kaplan over forty years ago, and usually
brilliance. In fact, if you've seen paintings ofhas 56 facets, or faces. Oval diamonds ideally
diamonds from 350 - 500 years ago, you'vehave a rose-like appearance on the top and a
probably noticed that they appear black. The verydiscernable star pattern on the bottom.
simple diamond cuts that were available prior toWhen placed in a ring setting, these diamonds are
the advent of oval diamonds made for a darkinvariably placed along their north-south axis, with
and - to modern eyes - relatively lifelessthe long ends oriented toward the base and tip of
appearance.the finger; they are never oriented east and
Diamond in the Roughwest.
For all their beauty and brilliance, diamonds foundEvaluation of Diamonds
in nature are relatively dull looking, appearing moreAll loose diamonds should undergo an appraisal and
like lumps of grey coal - a substance to whicha certification by an independent gemology lab
they are chemically identical. It takes a great dealprior to finalization of the sale. That said, flaws in
of polishing and carefully calculated cuts to bringthe cuts of oval diamonds can be discerned by
out the innate fire and brilliance of loose diamonds.the layperson's eye. If the cut is poor, clear a
Fortunately, modern technologies such as"bow-tie" shape will be detectable when held under
computer-aided design and laser cutting has madethe light.
the creation of fiery, brilliant stones such as ovalFamous Examples
diamonds more efficient than ever before inBecause of their growing popularity, these
history.uniquely cut diamonds are finding their way into
A Relatively New Innovationsettings worn by the rich and famous. Tom
Popularity of various cuts for loose diamonds hasCruise presented an ring to Katie Holmes on the
waxed and waned over the decades. The mostoccasion of their wedding which contained an
popular of all cut diamonds is the round brilliant; itoval-cut diamond; oval diamonds are also found in
is considered the "ideal cut" because it results inrings worn by actress Rebecca Romijn and
the best ratio of proportion to brilliance.professional soccer player Victoria Beckham.