Choosing the Perfect Oval Wedding Ring Set: A Practical Guide

Introduction

Oval wedding ring sets, with their elegant appearance and ability to make fingers look more slender, are a timeless choice for many. Their popularity is grounded in a classic yet modern aesthetic, especially since the invention of the modern oval cut by Lazare Kaplan in 1957. These diamond sets, including options like solitaire, halo, and other wedding set styles, offer a diverse range for the perfect oval diamond engagement ring selection.

When considering an oval engagement ring, the key lies in understanding the essentials of selecting the perfect oval cut diamond. It's important to consider the 4 C's and specific grading that highlights the unique beauty of oval diamonds. Valley Rose prides itself on offering ethically sourced oval diamonds, including Aether Air lab diamonds and SCS Sustainably Rated Lab diamonds, ensuring that every piece contributes to ethical and responsible jewelry practices.

The Appeal of Oval Lab Diamonds

Oval lab diamonds are celebrated for their unique aesthetic and practical benefits, making them a preferred choice for many. These gems are not only visually striking but also offer a variety of advantages that cater to individual styles and preferences.

Unique and Captivating Allure

Oval lab diamonds boast a long surface area that enhances their brilliance, making them appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This optical illusion, combined with their ability to hide inclusions well, especially when set in prong or bezel settings, results in a higher clarity appearance. The elongated shape also contributes to the illusion of length, making the wearer's fingers appear more slender and elegant.

Flexibility and Durability

These diamonds are versatile, fitting well with various styles from modern to historical designs. The rounded corners of oval lab diamonds reduce the risk of chipping and damage, making them a durable choice for everyday wear. This shape is particularly flattering, creating a sleek, elongated silhouette that enhances the overall look of the ring and the hand.

Brilliance and Style

Oval lab diamonds are known for their brilliance, comparable to that of round brilliant cuts, which is a significant factor in their popularity. They also offer a contemporary and more affordable alternative to traditional round diamonds, providing the sparkle and aesthetic appeal of high-end diamonds. Their unique shape and style make them a bold choice for those looking to express their love in a distinctive and expressive way.

Choosing the Right Oval Lab Diamond: The 4 C's

The Importance of Cut in Oval Lab Diamonds

1. Understanding the Cut: The cut of an oval lab diamond is crucial as it determines the stone's light performance, which affects its brilliance and fire. While only round brilliant diamonds can achieve an "Ideal" cut grade, oval diamonds can still reach high cut grades like "Excellent" or "Very Good," ensuring substantial brilliance and aesthetic appeal.
2. Effect of Proportions: The length-to-width ratio of an oval diamond significantly influences its appearance. A more elongated oval may appear larger, but extreme cuts are known for their bow tie effect, where a dark shadow appears across the center of the diamond. The ideal ratio ensures a balanced look that enhances the diamond's visual appeal without compromising on style.

Color and Clarity Considerations

1. Color Grades: For oval lab diamonds, opting for a color grade between G and J can be a wise choice, as these diamonds appear colorless face-up, yet are more affordable than the higher grades. This range offers a good balance between cost and the absence of color, which is pivotal in enhancing the diamond's sparkle.
2. Clarity Impact: Clarity is another critical factor, where a grade of VS2 or higher is recommended. Such diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye, ensuring the brilliance is not overshadowed by visible flaws. The oval cut is particularly forgiving, often masking inclusions better than other shapes.

Carat Weight and Overall Harmony

1. Understanding Carat Weight: Carat refers to the diamond's weight, and while larger diamonds are more rare and valuable, the cut, color, and clarity grades should harmonize with the carat weight to ensure the overall beauty of the diamond. It's important not to prioritize carat weight over the other aspects of the 4 C's, as a larger diamond with poor clarity or color may not provide the desired aesthetic.
2. Choosing the Right Balance: When selecting an oval lab diamond, consider how each aspect of the 4 C's complements each other to enhance the diamond's overall appearance and brilliance. A well-balanced approach to these characteristics will ensure that the diamond is not only beautiful but also worthy of your forever ring.

Why Certified Ethical Oval Lab Diamonds Are Important

Environmental and Ethical Benefits

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: Lab-grown diamonds are celebrated for their minimal environmental footprint but not all lab diamonds are created equal. Most require significant water and energy usage which is why is is crucial to seek out stones that are made with clean energy or better yet: made entirely from carbon pollution like our AETHER Air Lab Diamonds.
2. Conflict-Free Assurance: Unlike traditionally mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are inherently conflict-free, ensuring that their purchase does not contribute to financing of conflict wars associated with diamond mining. 
3. Ethical Metals Matter: You probably are seeking out a lab diamond ring for ethical reasons so don't forget about the sourcing of your metals. While recycled gold is often presented as a sustainable solution it can still contain newly mined gold making it unreliable choice for truly ethical jewelry. At Valley Rose we support ASM gold that is fully traceable and certified ethical. To learn more about Fairmined, the gold we use, click here.

Certification and Quality Assurance

1. Guaranteed Quality and Authenticity: Each certified lab-grown diamond comes with a detailed third-party report that verifies its quality and authenticity. This transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions based on reliable information.
2. Ethical Sourcing: Certifications like SCS Sustainably Rated Diamond 007 also guarantees that the diamonds are ethically sourced, adhering to stringent standards that avoid the ethical dilemmas commonly associated with natural diamond mining.

Advantages of Controlled Production

1. Precision and Innovation: Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments that mimic natural conditions, allowing precise control over their physical and aesthetic properties. This technological advancement not only ensures high-quality gems but also supports continuous innovation in diamond production.
2. Support for Ethical Practices: By choosing certified ethical lab-grown diamonds, consumers support practices that can minimize environmental impact and prioritize human rights, aligning their personal values with their purchase choices.

Best Settings for Oval Lab Diamond Rings

Variety of Styles and Metals

Oval lab diamonds can be set in a myriad of styles, enhancing their versatility and appeal. Popular styles include solitaire, pavé, halo, and three-stone settings, each offering a unique aesthetic that complements the oval diamond's shape. The choice of metal also plays a significant role in the ring's overall appearance. Options range from the classic elegance of 14K and 18K white, yellow, and rose gold to the sleek, modern feel of platinum, allowing customization to personal taste and style.

Enhancing Diamond Brilliance with Strategic Settings

To minimize the bow-tie effect—an optical shadow that can appear in the center of oval diamonds—certain settings are more favorable. Settings that allow more light to enter and reflect through the diamond, such as halo or bezel settings, can significantly enhance the stone's brilliance and reduce the visibility of this effect. Moreover, the setting style can also influence the perceived color of the diamond; for instance, a yellow or rose gold setting can warm up lower color grade diamonds, making them appear more color-neutral.

Shop Our Oval Engagement Ring Collection

Orientation and Perception

The orientation of the oval diamond within the setting can alter its visual impact. Traditionally set in a north-south direction, the oval diamond can also be placed east-west for a more contemporary and elongated appearance on the finger. This unconventional setting not only covers more of the finger but also gives the illusion of a larger stone, providing a distinctive look that can set apart the wearer's style. Additionally, the choice between a glossy gold band or a pavé-set band can further tailor the ring to personal preferences, either highlighting the simplicity of the stone or enhancing it with additional sparkle.

 

 

Best Stacking Wedding Bands For Oval Diamonds

Contoured and Chevron Bands

1. Contoured Bands: Specifically designed to fit the unique curves of oval engagement rings, contoured bands ensure a seamless and snug fit. This design minimizes gaps between the engagement ring and the wedding band, reducing the risk of chipping and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
2. Chevron Bands: Known for their distinctive 'V' shape, chevron bands create a striking visual contrast with the smooth curves of oval engagement rings. This combination offers a modern and dynamic look, ideal for those seeking a bold style statement.

Variety in Shapes and Customization

Matching Metals and Comfort Considerations

• Consistent Metal Types: To maintain a harmonious appearance, you may want to match the metal type of the wedding band with that of the engagement ring. This isn't always a hard and fast rule however and mixed metals have their own unique aesthetic.
• Band Width and Comfort: The width of the wedding band should complement the engagement ring’s band, creating a balanced and elegant look. Additionally, ensuring a comfortable fit is crucial, especially considering the stacking nature of the rings which requires daily wear.

Strategic Pairing for Enhanced Aesthetics

• Metal Color and Accent Diamonds: When selecting a wedding band, consider the metal color and the shape of accent diamonds to ensure that the engagement ring stands out beautifully. Curved cluster wedding bands and varying diamond shapes can add dimension and intrigue, enriching the visual dynamics of the set.

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Conclusion

Throughout this article, we've explored the elegance and versatility of oval diamond engagement rings, emphasizing the importance of the 4 C's—cut, color, clarity, and carat—along with the pivotal role of the length-to-width ratio and shape options in selecting the ideal oval cut diamond. We've highlighted Valley Rose's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices through our offering of Aether Air lab diamonds and SCS Sustainably Rated Lab diamonds, ensuring that your choice contributes positively to both society and the environment. 

There are many advantages of a custom approach to the perfect engagement ring and wedding band, this creates a guarenteed harmonious look. Valley Rose not only provides an array of stunning options but also supports your journey with expert guidance available through free engagement ring consultations. The process of choosing an oval wedding ring set is not just about finding a piece of jewelry but about discovering a symbol of love and commitment that aligns with your values and aesthetics. By embracing the principles detailed in this guide, you're well-equipped to select a ring that encapsulates beauty, ethics, and lasting significance.