Named for the Marquise de Pompadour, the lover of France's King Louis XIV, stories say that the stone was designed to mimic the woman's lips. Oval-cut diamonds have a 'bow-tie effect' of light loss at their center, and outside of the proper ratio, this effect becomes extremely noticeable. But it's also crucial to ensure that you purchase an oval cut within the ratio of 1.30 - 1.50. And due to their length, they have the effect of making fingers look skinnier and more delicate.

Taking the facets and general shape of a round cut, oval diamonds benefit from phenomenal fire and scintillation. Having its origins in the 1960s, the oval cut diamond mixes the best of round and emerald cut diamonds. Ideally, a princess-cut diamond should be fit in chevron prongs or a setting that covers their points.ĭespite being a relatively basic shape, the oval is a very modern cut of diamond. However, because of their points, they're a lot more delicate than a round stone, and more likely to snag on something. Princess cuts also benefit from a certain dainty femininity, and they're significantly cheaper on average than round-cut diamonds due to their square shape being a less wasteful method of cutting a stone. The princess cut diamond is the second most-popular diamond shape on the market, for many of the same reasons as the round cut: phenomenal sparkle, an ability to conceal inclusions, and compactness. However, by paying attention to the 4 C's of diamonds, it's very possible to find a gorgeous round cut that won't break your budget. The only downside of a round cut diamond is the cost-the most desirable diamond is also the one with the biggest price tag. Because it lacks points, a round-cut diamond is perfect for any setting. The facets of a round cut are perfectly designed to capture and refract light, and the science shows. The most popular shape of diamond in the world, round cut diamonds are beloved for their unparalleled fire (color sparkle) and scintillation (white sparkle).

Diamond shapes