I still remember the first time I saw an oval engagement ring sparkle under soft café lighting. It wasn’t mine — it belonged to a friend who’d just got engaged — but honestly, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. There was something quietly breathtaking about the way it caught the light, stretching that glimmer just a touch longer than a traditional round diamond. It felt classic, but with a personality all its own — like someone who knows the rules but doesn’t mind breaking them with style.
As a jewellery writer (and self-confessed magpie for anything that shines), I’ve noticed the oval engagement ring has had quite the renaissance over the past few years. Celebrities, influencers, and everyday romantics alike are drawn to its soft symmetry and timeless silhouette. But there’s more to this trend than just aesthetics — there’s a deeper shift happening in how Australians, and really the world, are thinking about love, luxury, and legacy.
Why Oval Engagement Rings Have Become the Modern Classic
If you’ve ever compared different diamond cuts, you’ll know that each one tells a slightly different story. The round brilliant has long been the “traditional” choice — elegant, symmetrical, and instantly recognisable. But ovals bring something a bit more fluid and personal to the table.
The elongated shape flatters almost any hand, giving the illusion of slender fingers and, bonus, a larger stone. Because of the way light travels through an oval cut, it often appears bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. That’s a pretty persuasive argument if you ask me.
But it’s not just about size. There’s an effortless grace to an oval stone — it feels less rigid, more romantic. It’s the kind of design that whispers rather than shouts. Perhaps that’s why more couples are choosing them: they’re distinctive without trying too hard to be.
You might not know this, but the oval cut has actually been around since the 1950s. It was invented by a Russian-born diamond cutter named Lazare Kaplan, who wanted to create a variation of the round brilliant that offered a touch more personality. Fast-forward to now, and oval engagement rings are experiencing a serious comeback — partly thanks to the likes of Blake Lively, Hailey Bieber, and Kourtney Kardashian, who all sport ovals in different styles. But beyond the red carpet, it’s the ring’s emotional and visual balance that keeps it timeless.
A Shape That Tells a Story
One thing that fascinates me about jewellery — especially engagement rings — is how much symbolism people attach to them. Ovals, with their never-ending curve, naturally represent continuity, infinity, and shared growth. There’s no sharp angle, no break — just a smooth, endless loop.
When you think about it, that’s exactly what engagement represents: a promise without corners.
Many jewellers I’ve spoken to in Sydney and Melbourne say they’ve seen a noticeable rise in requests for custom oval rings. Couples today want something that feels like them — a design that blends tradition with individuality. Oval stones allow for that flexibility. Whether set east-west for a contemporary look or surrounded by a delicate halo for vintage charm, they adapt beautifully to any style.
And because ovals have such a generous “face-up” area, they also tend to sparkle with a softer, more elongated brilliance — it’s almost liquid, the way light dances across the surface. If round diamonds are the classic ballad, ovals are the poetic love song with a twist of modern rhythm.
The Rise of Lab Made Diamonds and Conscious Luxury
Now, let’s talk about something that’s reshaping the entire jewellery world: lab made diamonds.
A few years ago, the idea of wearing a diamond grown in a lab might have raised an eyebrow or two. But things have changed — fast. These days, lab made diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from mined ones, even to trained gemologists. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical — the only difference lies in where they’re born: deep underground versus in a controlled, ethical lab environment.
What’s driving this shift? For one, conscious consumerism. Australians, particularly younger buyers, are more aware of where their products come from. Ethical sourcing isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s a value system. People want their engagement ring to symbolise love, not conflict or environmental harm.
And the financial side doesn’t hurt either. Lab made diamonds generally cost around 30–50% less than mined ones, which means you can either save or upgrade to a larger or higher-quality stone without compromising on integrity or beauty. It’s no wonder so many modern couples are turning to them when shopping for lab made diamonds.
When paired with the oval cut’s natural sophistication, the combination feels perfectly aligned with our times — a balance of conscience, creativity, and classic beauty.
Why Oval Engagement Rings Photograph So Well (and Why That Matters)
Here’s something people don’t often talk about — oval engagement rings love the camera.
If you’ve ever seen a close-up engagement photo on Instagram, you’ll know what I mean. The elongated stone catches light from multiple directions, creating this beautiful “stretch” of sparkle that looks stunning in both natural and studio light. It flatters every angle, which makes it ideal for those sweet, spontaneous proposal photos that inevitably end up shared online.
And let’s be honest — in today’s digital world, a ring isn’t just a symbol of commitment; it’s also part of your love story’s visual diary. From engagement shoots to wedding days and anniversaries, the oval shape never seems to fall out of frame.
Photographers often mention how ovals give them more room to play with composition — the shape naturally guides the eye along the finger, creating graceful lines and balanced imagery. It’s subtle, but it makes all the difference.
Choosing the Right Setting for an Oval
Here’s where things get really fun: designing your oval engagement ring. The shape is versatile enough to work beautifully in almost any setting, but each choice tells a slightly different story.
Solitaire: Simple, striking, and all about the stone. A classic gold or platinum band lets the oval take centre stage.
Halo: Surrounding the oval with smaller diamonds creates extra shimmer and a vintage vibe — it also amplifies the perceived size.
Three-stone: A timeless design that represents past, present, and future. Side stones can be pear-shaped, round, or even baguette-cut for a modern twist.
East-west: A sideways oval feels unexpected and fresh — it’s a hit among minimalists and design-forward brides.
Personally, I love how ovals pair with thin, tapered bands. They elongate the hand even more and give off that effortless “French girl” elegance.
If you’re thinking of exploring options, it’s worth browsing collections from jewellers who specialise in oval engagement rings. You’ll find a range of cuts, settings, and even coloured stones that highlight the oval’s unique character.
A Note on Care and Longevity
While ovals are durable, the pointed ends (called the “tips” or “points”) can be slightly more vulnerable to knocks if not properly protected. A well-made setting — especially with prongs or a bezel that covers the ends — helps prevent damage.
Cleaning is simple enough: a soft toothbrush, warm water, and mild soap will keep it sparkling. But if you’ve opted for a lab made diamond, you’ll find it’s often less likely to cloud or dull over time, as the growth process ensures fewer internal impurities.
Reflecting on the Future of Fine Jewellery
The more I learn about jewellery, the more I realise it’s never just about the sparkle. It’s about meaning — the way a ring represents moments, people, and promises. And as trends shift toward sustainability and individuality, oval engagement rings seem to embody the best of both worlds: heritage and heart, reinvented for a new generation.
There’s something quietly reassuring about that. Love, after all, doesn’t follow perfect lines — it curves, grows, and evolves, just like the shape of an oval.
If you’re in that wonderful stage of choosing a ring, take your time. Try different cuts, see how each one feels on your hand, and notice which one makes your heart skip a beat. Chances are, if it’s an oval, it’ll keep doing that for decades to come.
Final Thought
In the end, jewellery is personal — deeply so. Whether you go for a mined or lab made diamond, a sleek solitaire or a vintage-inspired halo, what matters most is that it reflects your story. Oval engagement rings just happen to capture that story in a way that’s both elegant and endlessly modern.
Maybe that’s why, even after seeing hundreds of designs over the years, I still pause when I spot one glimmering across a room. There’s a timelessness to it, a quiet sophistication that feels… well, a bit like love itself — enduring, radiant, and beautifully imperfect.
