Choosing an engagement ring is exciting, but with so many shapes, settings, metal types and price points available it can also be challenging. Fortunately for couples browsing oval engagement rings Manchester jewellers offer there’s a wealth of information about what can impact beauty and value to help buyers during the selection process.
Oval diamonds have gained popularity due to their ability to combine the brilliance of a round diamond with an elongated style, plus their shape also helps to create an illusion of a bigger centre stone.
However, buyers should remember that other factors such as cut proportions, clarity, colour, the setting design and even the metal chosen can also impact the look of the finished ring. In addition to mined diamonds, oval engagement rings Manchester buyers are also weighing up lab created diamonds as another option for balancing size, quality and budget.
This guide will highlight the key considerations prior to buying.
Why Choose Oval Engagement Rings Manchester Buyers Love
An oval diamond provides lots of sparkle but with a softer look than a round diamond. The oval shape also means that the stone spans out over a greater length on the finger, meaning that there appears to be a bigger diamond without the need for an extra large carat weight.
Oval shaped stones also allow for a range of different styles including:
Classic solitaire
Hidden halo
Traditional halo
Pavé diamond
Three stone
Minimalist bezeled
These options make oval diamonds a good choice for a wide range of tastes.
How to Compare Oval Engagement Rings Manchester Jewellers Offer
Never judge a stone its carat weight. It’s true that an oval diamond with a higher carat weight will be bigger, but two oval diamonds with the same carat weight can look very different due to their differing shapes.
Pay particular attention to the length to width ratio as a longer oval will look slim, while a shorter wider oval will have a plumper, rounder look.
You should also be on the look out for the “bow-tie effect”. On many oval cut diamonds there’s a narrow dark area in the centre that resembles a bow-tie. An oval diamond with a slight bow-tie is completely normal, but if it’s a very dark bow-tie it can make the diamond look less bright.
Judging diamonds in a jewellery store under spotlights is also misleading as buyers don’t always see how the stone looks in different types of light.
Choosing an Oval Ring in Manchester: Setting Matters
The setting can have an impact on both the look and the security of your ring.
A solitaire setting is minimal and draws attention to the beauty of the diamond, while a halo setting makes the centre stone appear to be a larger carat weight.
Pavé settings add extra sparkle but require more maintenance.
Four prong settings tend to be minimalist while six prong settings can give a bit more security making them a good option for a buyer who leads a more adventurous lifestyle.
Oval Engagement Rings Manchester: Natural or Lab-Grown?
Another choice that buyers need to make is whether to go with mined or lab created diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same fundamental structure as mined diamonds, but are formed in a controlled factory environment. They come in a range of different qualities, so lab created diamonds have colour, clarity, cut and carat just like mined diamonds, meaning that buyers can compare the quality using the same grading systems. With lab created diamonds it’s often possible for buyers to get a bigger centre stone or spend more on the setting within the same budget.
The choice between lab or naturally mined diamonds will come down to individual priorities and budget.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
Prior to purchasing a ring it’s important to review warranty, diamond certificate, return policy and resizing options. It can also be beneficial to compare several different stones as subtle differences in proportions can impact on the look of an oval diamond when it’s on a finger. Different metals can also impact the overall look, so buyers should consider how yellow gold, white gold or platinum will complement the look of the diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do oval diamonds look larger than round diamonds?
Yes, due to the fact that they span a bigger length on the finger they tend to dwarf round diamonds of a similar carat weight.
What is a good setting for an oval diamond?
Solitaire, halo, hidden halo, pavé and three stone are all good options, but it’s important to pick a style that suits your personal preferences.
Are lab created diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, they have the same fundamental properties, but are formed in a different way.
What should I prioritise when choosing an oval diamond?
Focus on proportion, brilliance and symmetry and how much of a bow-tie effect there is, rather than carat weight.
Finding the Right Oval Engagement Ring
Buying oval engagement rings Manchester couples will treasure for life requires more than just thinking about carat weights. Buyers should consider the sparkle and cut in combination with the setting, metal and certificate prior to purchasing their ideal diamond. From lab created diamonds to mined options, take time to review several options in person or on video before finding the perfect ring.