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Courtesy of Tiffany / Design by Michela Buttignol
Whether you’re hoping for a minimal, timeless, or vintage-inspired engagement ring, an oval-cut diamond will do just the trick. With their elongated shape, flattering effect, and ability to look bigger than their actual carat size, oval diamonds are becoming more and more popular in a variety of settings. Several celebrity engagements in recent years–like when Hailey Baldwin Bieber was spotted with an eye-catching oval-shaped diamond in the summer of 2018–reminded us why this eternally classic style is so popular.
What Is an Oval Engagement Ring?
An oval engagement ring incorporates an oval-cut diamond or a gemstone such as a ruby or sapphire. Modern oval diamonds have been available since 1957, after the cut was introduced by diamond cutter Lazare Kaplan. An oval-cut stone may be incorporated into any setting from solitaire or three-stone to a diamond pavé band.
Oval engagement rings are a stunning choice and appeal to a variety of brides, including those looking for something just slightly different. “Oval engagement rings are great for women who love the classics but want something just a little bit unique,” says Lauren Priori, the owner of L. Priori Jewelry. “Ovals have the ability to feel feminine and fresh but are still more timeless than trendier shapes like pears or marquises.”
To select the perfect oval engagement ring, keep in mind that each oval-cut diamond is truly unique. “Some of them are long and thin, others are wide and round, some have pointy ends, and some have flatter ends that almost veer into cushion-shaped territory,” says Priori. “Look at a variety of stones to make sure you choose the stone that's right for you. At the end of the day, trust your own eyes! You're the one wearing the diamond, so you have to love it.” According to Priori, it's also important to keep an eye out for the bow-tie effect, or a dark facet pattern, that can often occur with oval stones. “All ovals will have some bow tie, but you'll want a stone that's as evenly bright throughout as possible,” she says. And if an alternative oval engagement ring appeals to you, every type of setting from solitaire to sparkly pavé bands and halos are right at your fingertips.
To help you find your dream engagement ring for a proposal you'll never forget, we've researched the best oval engagement rings available. If you're partial to gold bands, our favorite finds are the Lizzie Mandler Oval Diamond With Signature Knife Edge Solitaire Band and the Ceremony Dahlia Oval Ring. Want something totally unique? We adore the Eva Fehren The Undercover Ring.
Read on for the best oval engagement rings.
Brilliant Earth Secret Garden Diamond Engagement Ring
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Brilliant Earth
This is intricacy at its finest. Adorned with marquise-shaped diamonds intertwined throughout this nature-inspired band, there is no doubt that this elegant oval solitaire is the cherry on top of an already stunning ring. Plus, Brilliant Earth offers free shipping and free 30-day returns if it's not the perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $2,850 for setting only
SHW Mes Ring in Gold
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Courtesy of Still House
For the bride-to-be who wants something a little different, we're loving the details on this stand-out pick. This double-band setting is architectural and sleek, offering an ultra-modern option. The band paired with gorgeous oval-cut diamond results in a stunning engagement ring design. Plus, the band is made with recycled gold.
Price at time of publish: $10,200
Eva Fehren The Undercover Ring
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Courtesy of Eva Fehren
We’ve never seen anything like this incredible portrait-cut oval ring. With a rose gold band decorated in diamonds, as well as an inverted oval diamond, this option handmade in New York City is definitely a unique piece to be cherished for the rest of your life.
Lizzie Mandler Oval Diamond With Signature Knife Edge Solitaire Band
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Courtesy of Lizzie Mandler
Utilizing an oval diamond makes a solitaire setting stand out that much more. This classic and timeless ring setting made with 18k yellow gold captures the brilliance and beauty of the oval shape perfectly. Just like your love, this is a ring that will stand the test of time.
Zales Certified Oval Diamond Split Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Zales
We can't get enough of this rose gold split shank option. With such an intriguing design, paired with a gorgeous oval diamond solitaire, this is the perfect ring for the bride who wants something classic but with a modern and unique flair.
Price at time of publish: $6,000
Vrai The Hover Oval Engagement Ring
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Vrai
This stunning gem switches up the typical solitaire setting. With a pavé band and a gorgeous oval diamond, this option offers an unexpected twist on a classic setting. Available in white gold, platinum, gold, or rose gold, this ring is a fit for various style preferences.
Ceremony Dahlia Oval Ring
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Courtesy of Ceremony
Less is more with this stunning number from Ceremony. This East-West oval just screams sleek. We love the classic simplicity of this yellow gold design combined with a feminine touch and just a hint of vintage appeal.
Price at time of publish: $3,685
Shahla Karimi Oval East-West Ring
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Courtesy of Shahla Karimi
The unique design and bold bling make this ring option stand out from the crowd. We love the addition of the baguette diamonds to the band of this ring, switching up the typical pavé look. With an East-West oval setting, this gorgeous piece is reminiscent of the 1920s.
Price at time of publish: $1,990
Tiffany & Co. Oval Halo Engagement Ring with a Diamond Platinum Band
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Courtesy of Tiffany
Tiffany's is a mecca of engagement rings and for good reason. We especially love this one with a pavé band and oval diamond. This is basically the epitome of classic, and halos offer the perfect setting to really make an oval diamond shine.
Price at time of publish: $17,600 for 1.00 carat
Vrai The Duet Ring
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Vrai
This platinum ring marries classic and modern in the most beautiful way, creating a beautiful symbol for your love for years to come. With a split shank band with a partial pavé and an oval solitaire, you'll have a hard time not staring at this ring for hours on end.
Price at time of publish: $15,010 for 5 carats
Allurez Diamond Accented Oval Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Allurez
The bold brilliance of this stunner is undeniable. There is simply nothing that we don't love about this classic oval solitaire. Available in a variety of metals, the bride-to-be can personalize this ring to match her distinct style. How can you not say yes to that?
Price at time of publish: $1,584
Vera Wang Oval Diamond Frame Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Zales
This piece is classic style done right, yet it's still incredibly unique. White gold is paired with black rhodium to set a bold stage for diamonds along the band, and of course, a stunning oval halo.
Price at time of publish: $4,700
Porter Gulch Presley Ring
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Courtesy of Porter Gulch
Simple, sleek, and stunning beyond belief. Featuring eight baguettes on a yellow band, this ring offers a somewhat Art Deco aesthetic. The gorgeous band paired with an oval diamond is a unique take on minimalism, perfect for the bride who likes to keep it clean and simple.
Price at time of publish: $6,395
Blue Nile Oval Ruby and Round Diamond Halo Ring
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Blue Nile
For the brides-to-be who prefer gemstones over diamonds, look no further than this engagement-worthy pick, For many, opting for an oval ring is all about the vintage vibe, and this ring certainly hits that nail on the head. With a rose gold band, a diamond halo, and a beautiful oval ruby, this design is a dream.
Price at time of publish: $6,900
Jade Trau Rae Wrap Ring With Pavé
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Courtesy of Jade Trau
Go for some drama with this unique wrap ring that's incredibly eye-catching, to say the least. We love the way a diamond pavé band leads to the oval diamond for an utterly striking look.
Kwiat Oval Engagement Ring with Side Stones
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Courtesy of Kwiat
If you’re all about the glitz and glam, look no further than this platinum ring with an oval diamond. The two dazzling side stones incorporated into the platinum band truly make this ring pop–perfect for when your partner pops the question.
Grace Lee Oval Rose-Cut Diamond Octagonal Bezel Ring
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Courtesy of Grace Lee
This ring says romance all over. With an octagonal bezel setting, this rose-cut oval is nothing short of exceptional. Set with a rose gold band, this is such a unique option that still incorporates a classic oval shape.
ILA Brune Ring
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ILA
If simple and delicate isn’t your style, go big with eight claw prongs and a signet setting. Made with recycled 18k gold, this design offers a unique way to show off a dreamy oval-cut diamond.
Jennie Kwon Designs Diamond Disc Ring
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Courtesy of Jennie Kwon
How sweet is this delicate oval ring? This is dainty jewelry at its finest. While many settings utilize an oval-cut diamond to look larger, this sleek ring is just the opposite. We love the simple inclusion of an East-West oval diamond with milgrain detailing.
Price at time of publish: $535
Michelle Oh Marina Rose Ring
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Courtesy of Michelle Oh
Hello, gorgeous! Rose gold meets white diamonds and a brilliant oval gemstone with this head-turning engagement ring that's perfect for a bold bride-to-be. This timeless oval is the definition of a stunning design, while the lilac purple Spinel in a rose gold ring offers something totally modern and unique.
Forevermark Icon™ Setting Oval Engagement Ring with Diamond Band
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Courtesy of Forevermark
This platinum band incorporates pavé diamonds for even more sparkle to pair with a beautiful oval diamond. And as an added bonus, the ring arches up into the basket beneath the center diamond to offer the most comfortable fit.
Bario Neal Icon Hex Diamond Oval Ring
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Courtesy of Bario Neal
Who says an oval diamond can't be incorporated into a three-stone setting? This stand-out ring, with 14k yellow gold and hexagonal side stones, is a true work of art.
Price at time of publish: $3,580 for fairmined 14kt yellow gold size 2 with complimentary jewelry box
Anna Sheffield Bea East/West Solitaire Ring
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
We love the elegant simplicity of this ring. You simply can't go wrong with a tried and true style like this one. The subtle unique additions like a tapered shank sets this East-West ring apart, along with the double prongs and a gorgeous oval diamond.
Price at time of publish: $16,205
Kay Jewelers Three-Stone Diamond Ring Oval Round 14K Rose Gold
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Courtesy of Kay Jewelers
Now, this is a ring that you can say yes to! This stunning and utterly romantic option comes with a hint of a vintage feel. A rose gold band is paired with two round side stones and a bold oval diamond in the center for a gorgeous look.
Price at time of publish: $2,299
Brilliant Earth Moissanite Elodie Ring
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Courtesy of Brilliant Earth
We'll say it time and time again: nothing beats a classic. Available in a variety of metals to choose from, this oval solitaire engagement ring adds a subtle modern touch to a design that will simply never get old.
Price at time of publish: $2,740
Meet the Expert
- Lauren Priori is an expert in the craft of jewelry design as well as the owner of L. Priori Jewelry, a custom jeweler based in Philadelphia.
- Roxanna Rector is the Senior Buyer for engagement and bridal rings at Blue Nile.
- Originally a self-taught jewelry designer, Connie Hung is now the founder and creative director of Costanté.
- Nicole Wegman has blurred the distinct line between jeweler and influencer as the founder and CEO of Ring Concierge.
What to Look for in an Oval Engagement Ring
Band
While there are truly no rules when it comes to selecting features to complement your oval stone, we had experts weigh in with insider tips and tricks to consider before you flaunt your forever ring. "We love contour bands that follow the curve of the oval or matching the stones on the band with your center," says Roxanna Rector, a Senior Buyer at Blue Nile.
Ultimately, brides generally gravitate towards a minimalistic look. "The modern aesthetic lies in the dainty simplicity of the diamond band," says Connie Hung, founder and creative director of Costanté. "We love our oval sets with a Whisper Thin band so that the diamond is the star of the show," adds Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge.
Setting
Due to the timeless nature of oval stones, simple settings typically pair best with oval diamonds. "Oval engagement rings are especially striking in solitaire settings that show off the spread of the diamond," Wegman suggests. When in doubt, stick to the classics. "Almost every setting that pairs well with a round diamond will also work for an oval," says Rector.
Style
Oval-shaped diamonds offer great versatility, as they can be designed in ways that accommodate various distinct looks. "Ovals can be super modern (compass-set solitaire on a thin band) or quite romantic (vintage-inspired milgrain) depending on the look you're going for," Rector says.
"While each individual's preference is different, our most popular designs tend to lean towards a classic look with a modern flair" says Hung. "For extra flair, we recommend adding a diamond halo underneath the stone."
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Laura Lajines is a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work with Brides, she served as the senior fashion editor at the Zoe Report and PopSugar. Her work has also been featured in Elle, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.