Oval diamonds: ratio and the bow-tie
The fastest-rising shape in Canada. How to pick an oval that sparkles from end to end.
Ovals look large for their weight and lengthen the finger. Most people like a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.50. Lower looks rounder, higher looks slimmer. That's a question of taste, not quality. The thing to watch is the bow-tie: a darker band across the middle. Almost every oval has a little. A wide, black one that stays as the stone moves is a fault. Ovals get no overall cut grade, so you can only judge one by seeing it move. Our gemologist screens every oval for the bow-tie on its 360° video.
Choosing a diamond? Our diamond buying guide gives the cut, colour and clarity numbers to look for by shape and size.