When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, the diamond’s shape is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It defines the ring’s personality, complements your style, and becomes the centerpiece of your forever moment. Two shapes that have been capturing hearts for generations are the emerald cut and the oval cut. Both elegant, both timeless, but with very different vibes.
At Mountz Jewelers, we know that the right ring should reflect your unique story. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek sophistication of an emerald cut diamond ring or the soft romance of oval engagement rings, our goal is to help you make a confident, educated decision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the history, design characteristics, ideal settings, and personality match for each style.
The Emerald Cut Diamond Ring: Understated Elegance
A Brief History
The emerald cut has a storied past, tracing its roots to the 1500s when it was originally developed for, unsurprisingly, emerald gemstones. Its stepped facets made it easier to cut the brittle green stone without chipping. Over time, this geometric shape was adapted for diamonds, gaining popularity in the Art Deco era of the 1920s when symmetry, clarity, and clean lines were all the rage.
Today, the emerald cut is known for its refined, elegant aesthetic that feels both classic and architectural.
Design Features
Emerald cut diamonds are rectangular with trimmed corners and step-cut facets, which create a hall-of-mirrors effect rather than the intense sparkle of a brilliant cut. Instead of a glittery sparkle, you get a sophisticated, serene gleam, like still water reflecting the light.
Pros:
- Elongated shape flatters the finger
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Offers a larger surface area than many cuts of the same carat weight
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Emphasizes clarity, showcasing the diamond’s natural beauty
Things to Consider:
- Less brilliance than brilliant-cut shapes
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Inclusions and color may be more visible due to the open facet structure
That’s why at Mountz, we prioritize exceptional cut and clarity when curating emerald cut diamonds, ensuring that what you see is nothing short of extraordinary.
Who It’s Best For
Emerald cut diamonds are often chosen by those with a love for timeless beauty and quiet luxury. If you’re drawn to modern simplicity, clean lines, and meaningful details over flash, this cut may be your perfect fit.
Think of icons like Grace Kelly or Amal Clooney, both elegant women who understood the power of refined style.
Ideal Settings
Emerald cut diamonds thrive in minimal, elegant settings that allow their symmetry to shine. Popular choices include:
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Solitaire Settings: Let the stone speak for itself.
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Three-Stone Rings: Often flanked with tapered baguettes or smaller emerald cuts for balance.
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Bezel or East-West Mountings: For a more modern, distinctive twist.
At Mountz, our curated selection of emerald cut diamond rings highlights timeless designs and expert craftsmanship, ensuring the cut’s clarity and elegance are always on display.
The Oval Engagement Ring: Romantic and Radiant
A Brief History
The oval diamond cut was created in the 1960s by master cutter Lazare Kaplan as a modified version of the round brilliant cut. It quickly gained popularity for its blend of brilliance and elongated form, offering the best of both sparkle and size illusion.
In recent years, oval engagement rings have surged in popularity, beloved for their feminine curves and flattering silhouette.
Design Features
Oval diamonds are part of the brilliant-cut family, meaning they’re designed to maximize sparkle. With 58 facets and a rounded shape, they catch the light beautifully from every angle.
Pros:
- Elongated shape makes fingers look longer and slimmer
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Offers more perceived size per carat than round diamonds
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Brilliance and fire are comparable to the round brilliant cut
Things to Consider:
- Some stones may display a “bowtie” effect, dark shadows across the center if not well-cut
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Slight asymmetry can affect visual balance
At Mountz Jewelers, we hand-select only the most well-proportioned, high-quality oval diamonds, ensuring maximum sparkle and symmetry that delights at every glance.
Who It’s Best For
Oval engagement rings are perfect for the romantic at heart. If you love a ring that feels delicate, feminine, and full of life, this shape may be your match. It’s ideal for those who want maximum sparkle and size appeal, without straying from tradition.
Celebrities like Blake Lively and Hailey Bieber have helped popularize this look, showcasing how versatile and trend-forward oval diamonds can be.
Ideal Settings
Oval diamonds are extremely versatile and can complement a wide range of engagement ring styles. Some favorites include:
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Halo Settings: Adds extra sparkle while enhancing the stone’s shape.
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Vintage-Inspired Designs: With milgrain or filigree for a romantic, old-world feel.
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Hidden Halo or Floating Settings: For a modern and ethereal presentation.
Whether you're drawn to a soft rose gold setting or a classic platinum band, our team can help you find the oval engagement ring that tells your love story beautifully.
Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Match
Choosing between an emerald cut diamond ring and an oval engagement ring is about more than comparing sparkle, it’s about discovering the one that speaks to you. And we’re here to help you find it. With hand-selected diamonds, expert staff, and a legacy of trust in Central Pennsylvania since 1949, Mountz Jewelers is your guide to finding a ring that’s as enduring as your love.
Whether you're drawn to the understated glamour of emerald or the radiant curves of oval, our showrooms in Carlisle, Camp Hill, and Colonial Park/Harrisburg are ready to welcome you with a warm smile, expert advice, and a curated selection of unforgettable rings.
Because every “yes” deserves a Mountz Moment.
