Certified Oval Diamonds — Antwerp
The elongating diamond shape — flattering brilliance and the illusion of greater size in every certified stone.
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FACETS
#3
Most Popular
1960
Created
Our Current Stock
Certified Oval Diamonds
Hand-picked certified oval diamonds from our current stock — at prices up to 75% below retail.
Expert Advice
Why Choose Certified Oval Diamonds?
The oval diamond is the fastest-growing shape in popularity — prized for its elongated silhouette that flatters the finger and creates the illusion of greater size. Developed in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan, this modified brilliant cut delivers the same intense light return as a round brilliant across 56 precisely arranged facets, while its elongated outline maximises face-up surface area — making it appear visibly larger than a round of identical carat weight.
Silhouette
The Most Flattering Shape
The elongated outline of the oval creates a slenderising effect on the hand and finger. It's widely regarded by jewellers and stylists as the most universally flattering diamond shape for engagement rings.
Presence
Larger Face-Up Appearance
An oval diamond has approximately 10% more surface area than a round of the same carat weight. This means it looks visibly larger on the finger — offering exceptional perceived size for your budget.
Value
Lower Price Per Carat
Oval diamonds typically cost 20–30% less than a comparable round brilliant. Combined with their larger face-up size, ovals deliver some of the best value in the diamond world — without compromising on sparkle.
Versatility
Uniquely Versatile
Ovals look equally stunning in classic north-south settings, trendy east-west orientations, three-stone designs and halo settings. No other shape offers this range of creative setting options while maintaining a timeless feel.
Brilliance
Brilliant-Cut Sparkle
As a modified brilliant cut, the oval delivers the same intense brilliance and fire as a round diamond. Its 56 facets produce a dazzling light show from every angle — with the bonus of an elegant elongated silhouette.
Demand
Investment-Grade Popularity
Oval brilliants have outpaced every other alternative shape in popularity since 2018, fuelled by demand from the luxury and celebrity engagement-ring markets. Strong sustained demand supports both resale value and confidence in long-term ownership.
Expert Advice
Your Guide to Oval Diamonds
Setting recommendations for certified oval diamonds
The oval is one of the most versatile shapes to set. A classic 4- or 6-prong solitaire allows maximum light into the stone and shows off its elongated silhouette to best effect. East-west settings — where the oval is oriented perpendicular to the finger — have grown significantly in popularity and create a distinctive, contemporary look.
A halo setting amplifies the oval's already generous face-up size, while a three-stone setting with tapered baguettes or round side stones flatters the shape's symmetry. If bow-tie is a concern, a bezel or half-bezel setting can mask the effect slightly while adding a sleek, modern frame.
What to expect to pay for certified oval diamonds
Price depends on the 4 C's and the stone's length-to-width ratio, but as a general guide: a well-proportioned oval at G colour and VS2 clarity will cost approximately €900–€1,400 for a 0.50ct stone, €1,900–€3,200 for a 1.00ct, €3,200–€5,500 for a 1.50ct, and €6,500–€11,000 for a 2.00ct.
Ovals typically cost 20–30% less than a round brilliant of identical grading — you receive more visible surface area for a lower price per carat. At Diamantwerp, our prices are typically 75% below what you would pay at a traditional jeweller for the same certified stone.
Oval Diamonds in Antwerp
Antwerp is the world's diamond capital — over 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through the city's diamond district each year. Buying certified natural diamonds in Antwerp means buying direct from the source, without the retail markups that come with high-street jewellers or international online platforms.
At Diamantwerp, our office on Hoveniersstraat 22 sits at the heart of the district, allowing us to source oval diamonds directly from cutters and sight-holders and pass the savings to you.
Oval Diamonds and certification
Unlike round brilliants — which can achieve a Triple Excellent cut grade from GIA — oval diamonds receive no standardised cut grade. This places greater responsibility on the buyer to evaluate the stone independently. When assessing a certified oval, examine the length-to-width ratio (ideally 1.30–1.50 for a classic look), check for the severity of any bow-tie effect in video or under direct light, and review the depth and table percentages on the certificate.
Every oval diamond at Diamantwerp comes with a verified certificate from GIA, HRD or IGI — and our team will walk you through the proportions of any stone before you commit.
Four things to understand before you purchase a certified oval diamond — from the most flattering settings, to realistic pricing, to what makes Antwerp the smartest place to buy, to why certification matters even more for ovals than for rounds.
Explore More
Other Diamond Shapes
Not sure if this shape suits you? Discover our complete range of different diamond shapes.
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Round
Timeless ClassicThe classic choice with maximum brilliance. 58 facets engineered for unmatched sparkle and fire.
View Round Diamonds -
Cushion
Vintage RomanceSoft rounded corners with a pillow-like shape. Broad facets showcase mesmerising light play.
View Cushion Diamonds -
Princess
Modern ClassicA square silhouette with brilliant-style faceting. Sharp corners and contemporary sparkle.
View Princess Diamonds -
Pear
DistinctiveA teardrop silhouette combining the round's brilliance with the marquise's elongation.
View Pear Diamonds -
Marquise
Regal HeritageA regal boat-shape favoured since 1745. Elongates the finger and maximises visual size per carat.
View Marquise Diamonds -
Emerald
Art DecoStep-cut facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect. Prized for its understated, architectural elegance.
View Emerald Diamonds -
Asscher
Vintage GlamourA square step-cut with deeper facets than an emerald. Signature "hall of windows" effect with Gatsby-era charm.
View Asscher Diamonds -
Radiant
Bold BrillianceA rectangular silhouette with brilliant-cut sparkle. Created in 1977 for modern fire in a classic shape.
View Radiant Diamonds -
Heart
Pure SymbolA symbol of love crafted for precision. Requires a master cutter to achieve perfect lobes and pointed tip.
View Heart Diamonds
Diamond education
How to Choose Your Perfect Diamond
Selecting a certified loose diamond is a personal journey. Every stone is unique, and the right choice depends on a balance of the four fundamental quality factors — known as the 4 C's of diamond
Use our search tool above to filter by cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Compare certificates, review 360° imagery, and find the stone that matches your taste and budget. Not sure where to start? Our experts are here to help.
Client Experiences
What Our Clients Say
Real experiences from clients who purchased certified loose diamonds through Diamantwerp.
Diamantwerp
Out of 5 stars
Overall rating out of 11 Google reviews
Despite some issues with delivery on your side, the product I ordered exceeded my expectations. The quality is at a high level, so overall I am satisfied with the purchase.
Great experience from start to finish. Communication was clear and professional, and the diamond matched the description perfectly. Very satisfied with the quality and overall service. Highly recommended!
Perfecte service, betrouwbaar en Top kwaliteit 👍
Zeer tevreden, hetgeen gevraagd is werd ook uitgevoerd….. top!!!!
Wij hebben onze trouwringen hier besteld en zijn ontzettend tevreden. Vanaf het eerste moment werden we heel vriendelijk en professioneel geholpen. Er werd echt de tijd genomen om naar onze wensen te luisteren en mee te denken over het ontwerp. De service was perfect: duidelijke uitleg, eerlijk advies en een fijne, persoonlijke benadering. We voelden ons echt welkom en begrepen. Het eindresultaat is prachtig geworden. We zijn er enorm blij mee en dragen ze met trots. Absoluut een aanrader voor iedereen die op zoek is naar kwaliteit, vakmanschap en uitstekende service!
Verschillende groottes van parels tentoongesteld, waardoor ik kon kiezen welke perfect bij mij passen. Goede service en top kwaliteit!
Zeer tevreden van mijn trouwring. Exact het design waar ik naar verlangde, kwaliteitsvolle uitvoering en een fijne service.
We kopen hier ondertussen al meerdere jaren onze edelstenen in alle vertrouwen en transparantie. Telkens de overeengekomen kwaliteit aan de best mogelijke prijs, een tevreden klant hier.
Heel professionele en betrouwbare service. Duidelijke uitleg, zonder druk om te beslissen. Alles verliep vlot en correct - zeker een aanrader!
Common Questions
Certified Oval Diamonds FAQ
Everything you need to know about buying an oval cut diamond.
What is the bow-tie effect in oval diamonds?
The oval diamond is the fastest-growing shape in popularity worldwide — and the most consistently flattering shape for the hand. A modified brilliant cut first developed in the 1960s by Lazare Kaplan, the oval combines the intense light return of a round brilliant with an elongated silhouette that makes both the stone and the finger appear significantly larger. Its 56 facets are arranged to maximise brilliance and fire across a greater face-up surface area than any comparable round of the same carat weight — making it one of the most efficient shapes available for buyers who want visual impact without stepping up in price.
What length-to-width ratio is best for oval diamonds?
The classic oval ratio is between 1.35 and 1.50. Ratios below 1.35 appear rounder, while ratios above 1.50 look more elongated. Most buyers prefer 1.40–1.45 as the sweet spot between elegance and proportion. Personal taste plays a big role — always view the diamond face-up before deciding.
Do oval diamonds show colour more than round brilliants?
Slightly. The elongated shape can concentrate colour at the tips, making lower colour grades (J–K) more visible than in a round. We recommend choosing G–H colour or higher for an oval, especially in a white gold or platinum setting. Read our colour guide for details.
What clarity grade should I choose for an oval diamond?
The oval's brilliant facet pattern is reasonably forgiving on clarity — its 57–58 facets scatter light effectively, making small inclusions harder to spot than in step-cut shapes like the emerald or asscher. For most buyers, VS2 or SI1 represents the sweet spot: both will face up eye-clean in the vast majority of cases, at a meaningfully lower price than VVS grades.
The one area to watch is the centre of the stone. The bow-tie shadow that runs across many ovals can actually work in your favour here — it draws the eye away from any inclusions sitting in the belly of the stone. However, inclusions near the tips of the oval have less facet coverage and are more exposed. If you're choosing SI1, check the certificate plot carefully and ensure no inclusions are positioned at either end.
For ovals above 1.50ct, we recommend moving up to VS2 as a minimum — inclusions become more visible as face-up surface area increases. For stones under 1.00ct, a well-chosen SI1 from a reputable lab is an excellent value decision. Read our clarity guide for the full breakdown.
How can your prices be so much lower?
We buy directly from cutters and sight-holders in the Antwerp diamond district — cutting out multiple intermediaries. Our low-overhead business model means we pass the savings directly to you. The same certified loose diamonds from Antwerp, at a fraction of the price. Browse diamonds by budget: under €2,000, under €5,000 or under €10,000.
Is an oval diamond suitable for an engagement ring?
The oval is currently one of the most sought-after engagement ring shapes — and for good reason. Its elongated silhouette creates a slimming effect on the finger and makes the diamond appear significantly larger face-up than a round of the same carat weight, typically 10–15% larger. For buyers who want maximum visual impact per euro, the oval is hard to beat.
Settings-wise, the oval is versatile. A 4 or 6-prong claw setting is the classic choice and keeps the stone open and visible. A halo dramatically amplifies the face-up size. East-west settings (stone set horizontally) have become a popular modern choice that feels architectural and distinctive.
For proportions, a length-to-width ratio of 1.35–1.50 gives the most flattering finger-elongating effect. Below 1.30 starts to look more round than oval. Check the bow-tie effect before purchasing — a strong bow-tie is visible in photographs and reduces the stone's visual appeal. We only stock ovals with minimal to no visible bow-tie. We recommend a minimum of 0.50ct, with 0.70ct and above being the most popular for solitaire rings.
