Did you know that an oval engagement ring is one of the most popular styles today? Celebrities like Normani and Hailey Bieber wear oval engagement rings, and it’s easy to see why! Oval diamonds sparkle beautifully, make your fingers look longer, and give off an elegant, timeless style.
But here’s the tricky part – choosing the right style. Do you like a ring that’s simple and classic, like a solitaire? Or do you want extra sparkle with a halo setting? Should you go for claw prongs, or do you prefer the sleek look of a bezel setting? If these choices sound overwhelming, don’t worry – we’re here to help!
Oval engagement rings aren’t just beautiful; they’re also very versatile. They come in different designs, shapes, and settings to suit every personality and lifestyle.
This guide will walk you through the most popular oval engagement ring styles. We’ll compare different settings, explain what makes each design unique, and show you how small details (like prong type or band width) can change the look of your ring. Let’s get started!
Ring Settings | Oval Engagement Ring
When it comes to engagement rings, the setting is one of the most important things to consider. The setting is how the stone is placed on the ring, and it can totally change the look of your ring.
1. Oval Solitaire Rings – Simple and Elegant
A solitaire ring is as classic as it gets. This style features a single oval-shaped stone without any extra diamonds or fancy details. It’s simple, timeless, and puts all the attention on the beauty of the oval diamond.
Why Choose a Solitaire Ring?
- It never goes out of style. Solitaire rings have been loved for decades!
- It’s perfect if you want something elegant and minimal.
- You can pair it with almost any wedding band, from plain gold to pave.
2. Halo Oval Engagement Rings- Sparkles Galore
If you love sparkle, you might fall in love with a halo ring. This setting surrounds the oval stone with a circle (or “halo”) of smaller diamonds, making the center stone look bigger and shinier.
Variations of Halo Rings:
- Pave Halo: A traditional halo with 4 prongs around each diamond.
- Shared Prong Halo: A bubblier style where the round diamonds are separated by 2 prongs.
Non-Halo vs. Halo – Which is Right for You?
- Halo Pros: More sparkle, makes the center stone look bigger; glamorous look
- Halo Cons: It might be too flashy for someone who prefers a simpler, minimal style
3. Bezel and Half Bezel Oval Rings – Sleek and Secure
A bezel setting holds the oval stone in place with a metal frame that surrounds the diamond. In a half-bezel ring, the metal only covers part of the stone, usually on the sides.
Why Choose a Bezel or Half Bezel Setting for your Oval Engagement Ring?
- Bezel Setting: This is one of the most secure settings, perfect if you have an active lifestyle. The metal protects the edges of the stone, reducing the risk of damage.
- Half Bezel Setting: It offers a mix of security and openness, letting more light hit the stone for extra sparkle.
Bezel vs. Half Bezel vs. Prong Setting:
- Bezel: Secure, sleek, and timeless.
- Half Bezel: A balance between protection and openness.
- Prong Setting (used in solitaire and halo rings): Less metal around the diamond, making it look bigger and brighter.
4. East-West Oval Engagement Ring Setting – A Bold Twist
Most oval engagement rings are set in the traditional “north-south” direction, with the long sides of the oval pointing up and down. But the east-west setting flips the oval sideways, making the ring look unique and modern.
Why It’s Trendy and Different:
- It’s unexpected! The east-west setting stands out because it’s not as common as the traditional setting.
- It looks great on wider bands and can give your ring a more modern, fashion-forward feel.
- If you love rings that are a little bit different, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Oval Ratios and Stone Cut
The shape of the oval stone can change the entire vibe of your engagement ring. Some ovals are slim and long, while others are shorter and wider. Let’s explore the differences and what makes certain oval cuts stand out.
1. Elongated vs. Wide Oval Ratio
Elongated Oval: An elongated oval has a slim, stretched shape that makes the stone look bigger and your fingers look longer and slimmer. It has an elegant, refined look and often appeals to people who love a sleek style.
Wide Oval: A wide oval, on the other hand, is shorter and rounder. This gives it a bolder, softer look and can create the illusion of a fuller, more substantial stone.
Side-by-Side Oval Engagement Ring Comparison: Check out the photos provided to see the difference between elongated and wide oval ratios. This visual comparison can help you decide which style feels right for you.
2. Rose Cut Oval Engagement Rings – A Vintage Beauty
The rose cut is a vintage style of cutting diamonds that dates back hundreds of years. Unlike modern cuts, which have a flat top and a pointed bottom, the rose cut is flat on the bottom and shaped like a rosebud on top, with fewer facets. This gives it a soft, romantic sparkle.
Why Choose a Rose Cut Oval?
- It has a vintage, antique vibe that’s perfect if you love old-fashioned charm.
- Because it has fewer facets, it creates a more subtle, natural shimmer like a gloss instead of a faceted sparkle.
Band Variations
The band of an engagement ring is more than just something that holds the stone. Its width and shape can change how the whole ring looks. Let’s explore some popular band options!
1. Diamonds on Your Setting
You might have heard terms like 1/3 band, 1/2 band, and 3/4 band, but what do they actually mean? These terms describe how far around the ring the diamonds or decorations go.
- 1/3 Band: Diamonds cover just the top third of the band. This is perfect if you want sparkle, without diamonds between your fingers
- 1/2 Band: Diamonds go halfway around the band. This offers a balanced mix of sparkle and simplicity. You can turn your ring around 180 degrees to show a plain, solid band
- 3/4 Band: Diamonds go almost all the way around, leaving just a small section on the bottom without diamonds. This style is the closest to "full eternity" (diamonds all the way around) yet it leaves room for resizing in the future, as eternity rings cannot be resized
2. Tapered Bands – Enhance the Oval
A tapered band is wider at the bottom and narrows as it gets closer to the oval center stone. This design draws the eye toward the center stone, making it look larger.
Why Choose a Tapered Band?
- It makes the oval diamond stand out even more.
- It gives the appearance that your oval diamond is larger, so you can go smaller on the carat size and still have the appearance of a larger center stone.
Oval Engagement Ring Prong Styles
The prongs on your engagement ring are the little metal claws that hold the stone in place. They may seem small, but they can make a big difference in how the ring looks and how secure the stone is.
Claw Prongs vs. Petite Claw vs. Rounded Prongs
- Claw Prongs: These prongs are sharp and pointed, making the stone look edgy and modern.
- Petite Claw Prongs: Similar to claw prongs but thinner and more delicate. They offer a daintier look while keeping the stone secure.
- Rounded Prongs: These prongs are rounded at the tip, giving the ring a softer, classic look.
4-Prong vs. 6-Prong Oval Ring Comparison
- 4-Prong Setting: This setting has four prongs holding the center stone, which leaves more of the diamond visible. It creates a more open, airy look.
- 6-Prong Setting: This setting has six prongs on the center diamond, for a unique look.
Bezel Setting – The No-Prong Oval Engagement Ring
If you prefer a ring with no prongs on your oval engagement ring, a bezel setting could be perfect for you. Instead of prongs, a bezel setting surrounds the stone with a smooth metal frame. It’s one of the most secure options and has a sleek, modern vibe.
Why Choose a Bezel Setting?
- It keeps the diamond very secure, making it a great choice if you have an active lifestyle.
- sIt protects the edges of the diamond, reducing the risk of chipping.
- It gives the ring a clean, minimalist look.
With so many styles, prong types, and band options to choose from, you can truly customize your oval engagement ring to match your style and personality!
Final Thoughts
Shopping for an oval engagement ring doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or take up more time than you can spare. With Balacia, you’re not just getting a beautiful ring, you’re getting a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. From our curated selection of stunning designs to their personalized support and hassle-free shopping experience, Balacia ensures that finding the perfect piece is simple, enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you’re short on time, overwhelmed by choices, or unsure of where to start, Balacia is here to take the pressure off and help you focus on the exciting journey ahead.
Your love story is unique, and your ring should reflect that. Ready to find the perfect match? Schedule a call or email us to explore our exquisite collection of oval engagement rings and wedding bands for men & women and create something uniquely yours. Let Balacia help you make your proposal and the memories that follow unforgettable!
