The oval shape diamond was conceived and first cut by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s. It is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond and that's why its technical name is oval modified brilliant diamond. The approximate fifty-six facets found on the oval shape diamond provide it with the fire and scintillation often associated with the round brilliant. Yet, the oval-cut diamond faces up considerably larger and longer than a round brilliant cut diamond of the same carat weight. The oval shaped diamond can also accentuate long, slender fingers while still providing the beautiful brilliance found in the round brilliant cut diamond. If you are looking for a diamond that appears larger than the actual carat weight while still providing a soft rounded and slandering appearance, the oval is for you.

Length-to-Width Ratio for Oval-Shape Diamonds: