Oval Natural Diamonds

An oval is a brilliant-cut diamond with an elongated outline. Because more of its weight sits in its spread, an oval usually looks larger face-up than a round of the same carat weight, and its shape visually lengthens the finger.

Look at the length-to-width ratio (most buyers prefer around 1.30 to 1.50) and at the "bow-tie", a darker band across the centre that every oval has to some degree. A faint bow-tie is normal; a heavy one is worth avoiding.