What is an oval cut diamond?

An oval cut diamond is a fancy-shape brilliant cut with an elliptical outline, producing light performance close to a round brilliant. IGI-certified oval lab-grown diamonds follow the same facet arrangement as round brilliants, typically 57 or 58 facets, which drives strong brightness and scintillation across the stone. Because the elongated shape distributes carat weight along a longer face-up area, an oval often appears larger than a round of identical carat weight. The length-to-width ratio typically falls between 1.30 and 1.50, and it is this proportion that governs how pronounced the size illusion reads in practice. That illusion makes the oval a practical choice for buyers prioritising presence without increasing carat weight, and therefore cost. Worn as a ring, the shape visually lengthens the finger. One trade-off to know: ovals can show a bow-tie shadow across the centre, a dark zone caused by light leakage. Severity varies by cut quality, so reviewing a grading report alongside actual stone imagery before purchasing is worth the extra step. IGI certifies the cut, colour, and clarity grades of oval lab-grown diamonds to the same standards applied across all certified shapes, giving buyers a consistent basis for comparison.