An oval engagement ring sets a single elongated brilliant cut diamond, so it keeps the fire of a round while spreading that weight over a longer face. It is the most requested shape we make. At Luma we build oval rings around IGI certified lab grown diamonds, set in solid gold or platinum and made to order in our Hatton Garden workshop. Our oval engagement ring settings start at 670 pounds and the diamond is priced separately. A finished ring starts from around 820 pounds. You choose the setting, the metal and the band, and we keep the price down by working direct rather than through a retail markup. Every ring is UK hallmarked. See the full range on our oval engagement rings collection, or book a consultation and we will talk you through the options.
Why oval and lab grown work together
An oval spreads its carat weight along a longer axis, so it shows a larger face than a round brilliant of the same weight. With lab grown diamonds that advantage compounds, because you can choose a larger or cleaner oval for the same budget. A comparable oval in mined diamonds of the same grade typically costs several times more, so buyers usually put the saving into carat weight, a higher colour or a better cut.
When an oval suits the wearer
Oval suits wearers who want presence and length on the finger without the height of a large round. The elongated outline flatters the hand and makes fingers look slimmer and longer. It reads as classic rather than trend led, so it wears well over decades. It also sits neatly in a wedding stack because the low profile sits flush against a band.
When an oval does not suit
Ovals show a faint bow tie, a shadow across the centre where light does not return evenly. A well cut stone keeps it subtle, a poorly cut one makes it obvious, which is why cut matters more on an oval than on many shapes. Elongated shapes also expose the two points to knocks, so wearers who are hard on their hands should choose a setting that protects the ends. If she leans toward a compact, geometric look, a round or a princess may suit better.
Length to width ratio
The length to width ratio decides how long an oval looks. Most people prefer a ratio between 1.30 and 1.50. Around 1.35 to 1.45 reads as a classic oval, balanced and neither stubby nor too narrow. Below 1.30 the stone looks closer to round, and above 1.50 it looks distinctly elongated, which some buyers love. We show the ratio for every oval so you can choose the outline you want, not just the carat.
Settings that work best for oval
Oval works across the whole range. A four claw solitaire such as the Amaris keeps it clean and lets the length speak. A halo, like the Odette, rings the stone with smaller diamonds so it reads even larger. A trilogy with tapered or oval side stones balances the centre and adds width. East west settings, where the oval sits across the finger, are a modern option worth considering. See the oval collection for the full range.
Metal recommendations
14k and 18k white gold and platinum are the most popular metals for oval because a white setting lets the stone read bright and colourless. 18k yellow and rose gold give a warmer, more vintage feel and pair well with a slightly warmer diamond colour, which can also stretch the budget. Every piece is hallmarked at the London Assay Office.
Care and maintenance
Clean an oval every two weeks with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush, paying attention to the underside of the stone where dirt dulls the sparkle. Have the claws checked once a year, particularly the ones protecting the two points. We check the setting and prongs free of charge once a year, and a professional clean and polish is £20.
Pricing at Luma
Our oval engagement ring settings start at 670 pounds and the diamond is priced separately. A finished ring with a lab grown diamond starts from around 820 pounds. The Amaris solitaire is a good entry point, and designs like the Anouk and the Odette halo sit above it. As a guide, a 1 carat oval solitaire setting is around 755 pounds in 9k gold or 1,030 pounds in 18k gold, and most oval solitaire settings sit between 670 and 2,000 pounds depending on the metal and the design. Every diamond is IGI graded and shown to you with the certificate before setting.
Common questions about oval engagement rings
How much does an oval lab grown engagement ring cost in the UK?
At Luma our oval engagement ring settings start at 670 pounds and the diamond is priced separately, so a finished ring starts from around 820 pounds. A 1 carat oval solitaire setting is around 755 pounds in 9k gold or 1,030 pounds in 18k gold, and most oval solitaire settings sit between 670 and 2,000 pounds. The final price depends on the diamond, the metal and the setting. We price direct, so there is no retail markup on top.
Do oval diamonds look bigger than round?
Yes. An oval spreads its weight along a longer axis, so it shows a larger face than a round brilliant of the same carat weight. Many people choose a slightly lower carat in an oval and still get the size they pictured.
What length to width ratio is best for an oval?
Most people prefer a ratio between 1.30 and 1.50. Around 1.35 to 1.45 reads as a classic, balanced oval. Below 1.30 it looks closer to round, and above 1.50 it looks distinctly elongated. We show the ratio for every oval so you can choose the outline you want.
Read more: engagement rings collection. To design a bespoke oval with us, book a studio consultation at our Hatton Garden workshop.
Shop by shape: oval, halo and trilogy lab grown engagement rings.