The Rise of the Oval Engagement Ring

I’ve always believed that jewellery tells a story — not just about style, but about the times we live in. And lately, as I’ve been talking to jewellers, scrolling through engagement announcements, and chatting with newly engaged friends, one particular trend keeps catching my eye: oval engagement rings.

It’s funny — for decades, round brilliants have been the go-to shape for “classic” engagements. But quietly and confidently, the oval has stepped into the spotlight. There’s something about its elongated elegance that feels both vintage and modern at once. It flatters the hand, catches the light beautifully, and, somehow, seems to say, “I’m traditional, but not predictable.”

So, why are so many Australians (and honestly, people everywhere) falling for this shape right now? I spent a few weeks diving into that question — and what I found surprised me.

A Shape That Tells Its Own Story

You might not realise this, but oval-shaped diamonds have been around since the 1950s. They were first popularised by Lazare Kaplan, a master diamond cutter who wanted to create something that preserved the brilliance of a round stone but with a touch more individuality.

There’s a softness to the oval that’s quite unlike other cuts. It doesn’t have the sharp edges of a marquise or princess cut, and yet it’s not as expected as a round brilliant. The elongated silhouette gives it a graceful presence — some say it even symbolises longevity and harmony.

And if you’ve ever slipped one on your finger (trust me, I’ve tried a few), you’ll notice something else: ovals have a wonderfully slimming effect on the hand. The stone elongates the finger and, because of its larger surface area, tends to look bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. It’s the kind of optical magic that makes you feel like you’re getting more sparkle for your spend.

The Rise of Personality Over Perfection

One thing I’ve noticed is that couples today don’t necessarily want the “perfect” diamond — they want something that feels personal. Oval engagement rings seem to hit that sweet spot. They have a touch of individuality without straying too far from tradition.

It’s part of a broader shift in how we think about engagement rings. Ten years ago, it was all about status — the size, the sparkle, the brand name. Now, there’s a lot more emphasis on meaning. People want rings that reflect their story, their values, even their ethics.

That’s where oval cuts fit beautifully. They’re not shouting for attention, but they’re undeniably distinct. Whether set east–west (horizontally across the finger), framed by a halo, or kept minimalist in a simple solitaire, ovals adapt gracefully to different personalities.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Lab Created Diamonds

Of course, no conversation about engagement rings in 2025 feels complete without mentioning the incredible rise of lab created diamonds.

Honestly, I remember the first time I heard about them — I was sceptical. How could something grown in a lab possibly rival the romance of a natural diamond? But once I started digging into the science (and yes, seeing them up close), my doubts vanished. These aren’t imitations or simulants — they’re chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin.

And that difference matters more than ever. With growing awareness about ethical sourcing, environmental impact, and fair labour practices, Australian couples are asking tougher questions. Where does this stone come from? What’s its footprint?

Lab grown diamonds answer those questions beautifully. They offer transparency, sustainability, and — let’s be honest — much better value. You can often get a larger or higher-quality stone for the same price as a mined one. That means more sparkle, less guilt.

It’s a small revolution in luxury — one that’s reshaping how we define “real.”

The Beauty of Customisation

Another reason ovals are so beloved right now is how versatile they are. I’ve spoken to a few independent jewellers around Sydney and Melbourne who told me they’re designing more oval engagement rings than ever before — not just for women, but for anyone who wants a design that feels fresh yet timeless.

Because of their balanced proportions, oval stones lend themselves beautifully to bespoke settings. You’ll often see them paired with delicate hidden halos, vintage-style bands, or minimal bezel mounts that put the focus entirely on the stone.

And when crafted with lab created diamonds, the options expand even further. You’re not constrained by scarcity or budget in quite the same way. You can experiment — go for an elongated 1.5:1 ratio for that graceful finger-flattering look, or a chunkier 1.3:1 if you like a bolder shape.

Customisation isn’t just about design anymore; it’s about expression. Couples are choosing rings that tell their story — perhaps with a birthstone accent, recycled gold, or a sentimental engraving tucked underneath the band.

The Emotional Weight of Choice

One of my favourite parts of interviewing couples about their ring choices is hearing the “why.” Some choose an oval because their mum’s engagement ring had one. Others say it just “felt right” when they tried it on.

There’s something romantic about that — about trusting instinct over convention.

An engagement ring, after all, isn’t just a piece of jewellery. It’s a symbol of a promise, a chapter marker, a little piece of forever you wear every day. The oval’s quiet elegance captures that beautifully. It’s not ostentatious, but it’s full of presence.

And perhaps that’s why it resonates so deeply with modern Australians. We tend to value understatement — quality over flash, authenticity over excess. An oval cut feels perfectly in tune with that spirit.

The Modern Jewellery Movement

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately (and who hasn’t?), you’ll know that engagement ring trends move fast. One week it’s toi et moi rings, the next it’s coloured sapphires or vintage settings. But ovals have something the others don’t — staying power.

Even TikTok’s trend cycles haven’t managed to flatten their appeal. Influencers might show off oval solitaires under sunlight, but it’s the everyday couples — teachers, tradies, nurses, entrepreneurs — who are really driving the trend.

Jewellers across Australia are responding, too. Many are pairing traditional craftsmanship with ethical materials, bringing old-world artistry into a new era of conscious luxury. Some even specialise entirely in lab grown stones — a shift that, five years ago, would’ve seemed radical.

It’s a sign that sustainability is no longer a niche — it’s the new normal.

A Personal Reflection: Finding Beauty in Balance

Writing this piece, I couldn’t help reflecting on how our attitudes toward love and luxury have evolved. When my parents got engaged, the diamond symbolised permanence — something mined from the earth, as old as time itself. Now, permanence has a different meaning. It’s about the life you build together, the values you share, and the choices you make along the way.

That’s why I think the combination of oval engagement rings and lab created diamonds feels so right for our time. It’s a marriage (if you’ll pardon the pun) of tradition and progress — beauty with conscience.

And maybe that’s what makes it so appealing. The oval is graceful, the lab-grown diamond is thoughtful, and together they represent a new kind of modern romance: grounded, intentional, and quietly radiant.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an engagement ring isn’t just about trends or sparkle. It’s about connection — to a partner, a memory, a future. The oval cut, with its soft curves and timeless shape, seems to carry that message naturally. It doesn’t scream for attention; it simply shines.

And when paired with an ethically sourced lab created diamond, it tells an even deeper story — one of love not just for each other, but for the world we share.

So whether you’re shopping for your own ring or simply admiring from afar, take a moment to appreciate the quiet beauty of this shape. Like any good love story, it’s equal parts classic and unexpected — and that’s what makes it truly unforgettable.