Ovals - love em/hate em/or meh?

[beaujolais]

Ovals - love em/hate em/or meh?

I have oval issues. The shape just hits me as old & dated (but not in a good way), musty . . . stale. (Apologies to all oval lovers.)

I wish I could love them as there are lots & lots of ovals to choose from. I do like them when done east-west, actually. Anyone know of a company who has lots of east/west settings?

Also, where does the oval fit into cutting history? I don't think they were done much, way back when. Now, I know they are done lots due to lots of rough that lends itself into becoming ovals.

Do ovals sell well or do you think people, generally, prefer rounds?

Do you prefer thinner ovals or rovals?

Your oval opinions? Favorite ways to set them?

Thanks.

 

[innerkitten]

I used to avoid them but in the last few years I've grown to really love a nicely cut oval. Both with cabochons and faceted stones. While I generally go for regular oval proportions, I also enjoy the look of long ovals. It can really elongate the fingers and look very graceful when used in rings.

ETA: I think most people prefer rounds maybe even square cuts. But there are a lot of ovals out there. I think if you search you'll find some really beautiful oval settings, east west and traditional too. Don't know about the history of the cut. They show up in victorian and Georgian jewelry. Not sure about ancient Egyptian jewelry or other periods of that time.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks IK. OK, something for me to process - it elongates the finger. That's what I'm looking for - ideas on how to be o.k. with them.

I think most people like cushions, that is why I didn't put that in there. I was just wondering if, generally, rounds win out over ovals. Yes, I think, right?

Cabs I love in ovals. It just fits. Round cabs - not so much. (Sugarloaves - adore - but that is a whole different story/not what we are speaking about here.)

Thanks again.

 

[innerkitten]

Thanks IK. OK, something for me to process - it elongates the finger. That's what I'm looking for - ideas on how to be o.k. with them.

I think most people like cushions, that is why I didn't put that in there. I was just wondering if, generally, rounds win out over ovals. Yes, I think, right?

Cabs I love in ovals. It just fits. Round cabs - not so much. (Sugarloaves - adore - but that is a whole different story/not what we are speaking about here.)

Thanks again.

Okay, your talking faceted colored gemstones, and diamonds. But a bit OT ( and cause I love cabs ), sometimes cabs look better as ovals. But back to faceted stones. I think an oval has to be cut right just like a round or a cushion. One of the coolest amethysts I've seen on this forum was a long oval by Gene at Precision Gem. Wish I had the link. Pics are probably floating around PS somewhere.

Maybe you just haven't met the right oval

 

[jstarfireb]

As usual for me, it all comes down to cut. A commercially cut oval with 50/50 extinction turns me off. A precision cut oval (like the supernova) can be awesome! Here are a few of my ovals that I love...

Purple spinel, supernova by Barry:


Purple/charcoal grey color-shift spinel by Grey Weaver via Dana:


Sphene by Roger Dery (I call it a "cushiony oval" because Roger calls it oval and I think it looks like a cushion):

 

[beaujolais]

Okay, your talking faceted colored gemstones, and diamonds.

No, just talking colored stones.

Thanks Jstar. I adore your Barry supernova ! Also, the side stones distract from the oval-ness of it.

Oooo, how about a new word - coval = cushiony oval? I see that as more of a cushion, too, btw.

 

[NKOTB]

I have tried several times to like ovals, but inevitably end up returning the stone or selling it. I find it usually has the half/half extinction thing going on, though have had a few that don't. Supernovas are the exception. I don't mind them, but still generally prefer a round or cushion shape.

 

[innerkitten]

I have tried several times to like ovals, but inevitably end up returning the stone or selling it. I find it usually has the half/half extinction thing going on, though have had a few that don't. Supernovas are the exception. I don't mind them, but still generally prefer a round or cushion shape.

Half half extinction can be irritating. I have a native cut spessartite that does that big time. I've learned to live with it. I do own a Barry supernova and it's fantastic. Also bought a yellow oval sapphire from mastercut gems and it really doesn't have serious half half issues.I just see a sparkly yellow stone. Of course I took a photo just now and the spess came out looking pretty perfect so I can't really use it as an example.

 

[movie zombie]

east/west orientation and i love ovals.
north/west orientation and for the most part to me they look dated. however, there are some creative settings that work.

 

[wordie89]

I like ovals (have 3, 1 set east west) but am very attracted to the cushion.... (own 2, 1 set recently.)

I don't care for the look of the long ovals but haven't tried one on and the idea of it elongating the finger.... I like that! I think Chrono said ovals are popular because they maximize the weight of the stone and they have to be well cut to minimize extinction (sorry if I incorrectly attribute, Chrono).

 

[chrono]

I used to avoid ovals like the plague for several reasons:
1. The most common cut, ie same old, same old
2. Can't handle bowties
3. Have to shop very hard to find one without the half and half.

Although I'm more open to ovals today, the cutting and colouration must be of very high quality if I am to consider it seriously. Without a doubt, square cushion is my favourite shape. I also have a bias against rectangular stones. For cabochons, I love rounds. The symmetry of it appeals greatly to me.

I like a well proportioned oval, not too fat (roval) and not too thin (pill shaped). I've always adored EW settings and plan to set my big oval spinel this way.

 

[ChrisA222]

Im very pro-oval....but I am also very cut-obsessive...so the oval has to be done really well. If you have an oval like one in the pic I attached, it makes it a lot nicer than same-old, same-old. I can see how the cookie-cutter native-ovals would be blah. But, put a brilliant pavillion on them, and maybe some extra girldle faceting like this pic, and its a whole different stone.

I put ovals and rounds on the same level...don't have a preference either way between the two, as long as the stone performs.

ETA: The first stone I posted didn't look as good as I thought it was...lol, so I edited this post and put a better stone up there.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I love supernovas and pretty much hate other ovals unless the color really wows me.
I have a malaya garnet supernova from Barry that I LOVE, and a tourmaline from him on the way that I'm hoping will be the nice seafoam color I've been wanting.

I also have a padparadscha colored spinel cut in an oval, the cut is a little meh but the color is really delicious so I still enjoy it.

 

[pinkjewel]

I'm in the "love" oval group. Ovals almost always look larger than their carat weight and elongate the finger. It doesn't even have to be long and skinny to elongate. Since I have short, not skinny (wear a 6) ring fingers- ovals appeal to me. I do hate bowties on them and will avoid gems with them. I am particularly fond of rovals that look almost like a cushion. I have never liked round stones much and am more attracted to ovals and cushions. I like your term "coval" for a cushiony oval.

 

[JewelFreak]

I like ovals. If the cut is very good, w/out extinction, bow ties, etc. I really don't like marquises or pears, have passed on some tempting ones because I can't get with those shapes, but ovals can be nice. JStar, love your Barry purple spinel, yummm.

--- Laurie

 

[kenny]

I'm not particularly fond of ovals but the stones I collect are scarce, so shape takes a back seat to color.
If I wanted a specific color and it floated down the river of life as an oval but it had the right color, size and price I'd buy it.

My least favorite shape is heart but I ended up with two of those.
At least you can't call me heartless.

Here are some oval diamonds I suppose I could tolerate:

 

[LD]

I like them. They typically look bigger than the carat size which is always a bonus and they are very versatile when setting. Having said that, the cut can adversely affect an oval so I do like them naked and without a bowtie!

 

[AmeliaG]

Love the shape, hate the half and half extinction. But the supernova doesn't look like a real oval to me, rather like a squashed round.

 

[beaujolais]

east/west orientation and i love ovals.
north/west orientation and for the most part to me they look dated. however, there are some creative settings that work.

Totally agree.

I'm not particularly fond of ovals but the stones I collect are scarce, so shape takes a back seat to color.
If I wanted a specific color and it floated down the river of life as an oval but it had the right color, size and price I'd buy it.

Another totally agree. Kenny, are your hearts with cleft or without? They can look cool without the cleft. I never liked hearts in person but a co-worker had one in a diamond and it was actually nice. No one would ever think you are heartless, using both meanings, btw.

I own about 4 ovals out of about too many stones: one is a pretty color pink spinel set in a frilly, romantic type pendant setting (bought when I back really didn't know much) (may sell but I like the color of the stone), a spectacular sphene (oh, does it perform), spess with great glow, neat silver/grey spinel (unique & wonderful color). Oh, recently picked up a roval greyish lavendar spinel cause the price was right and I don't have anything in that color. They each have an excuse or redeeming feature for their being.

Chris A: I think ovals work better on guys, maybe. Thanks Chrono, always greatly value your opinion, as you know. I knew you liked ovals, LD, so maybe there is something to it. Amelia/MTG/NK: yes, I was speaking with Barry once about this and he said the only way ovals can work is a bit more roval and he certainly does make spectacular ones.

And to think Diana/Kate Middleton have an oval. Still can't get my head around that one.

Thanks for your input, all.

 

[kenny]

Kenny, are your hearts with cleft or without? They can look cool without the cleft. I never liked hearts in person but a co-worker had one in a diamond and it was actually nice. No one would ever think you are heartless, using both meanings, btw.

Thanks.
How can I tell if my hears have a cleft?
I don't know what a cleft is.

 

[AmeliaG]

The problem with East-West orientation is that then there really IS a size that's too big. Oh, and the fact that your fingers look fatter.

As Gilda Radner said, 'It's always something!"

 

[innerkitten]

Kenny, are your hearts with cleft or without? They can look cool without the cleft. I never liked hearts in person but a co-worker had one in a diamond and it was actually nice. No one would ever think you are heartless, using both meanings, btw.

Thanks.
How can I tell if my hears have a cleft?
I don't know what a cleft is.

Is it a heart with an indent on the top or does it resemble a drop.

 

[beaujolais]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/setting-for-a-cleftless-heart.99517/

I do like them but sometimes they can resemble a mis-shapen pear or trillion.

 

[AmeliaG]

Hmmm, its not a heart without a cleft. I don't know what THAT looks like but like you say, it looks like a mis-shapen pear or trillion. Not very attractive.

I think it depends on the use. I despise large marquises as the center stones of rings (they look like missiles ready to launch) but I love them in pendants, on necklaces and even in bracelets. Again the traditional heart on a ring looks tacky but in a well designed pendant that same heart looks amazing.

 

[kenny]

They have clefts.

I have seen some called hearts which really do look like fat pears that are flat on top.

 

[pregcurious]

I like ovals on rings. At below 2 carats, I like them in three stone settings that increase E-W finger cover to balance out the N-S finger coverage of the center oval. At above 4 carats, I like them with very small sides stones, or no side stones. I really like Blake Lively's ering.

For pendants and earrings, I prefer rounds or pears.

 

[jstarfireb]

I love supernovas and pretty much hate other ovals unless the color really wows me.
I have a malaya garnet supernova from Barry that I LOVE, and a tourmaline from him on the way that I'm hoping will be the nice seafoam color I've been wanting.

I also have a padparadscha colored spinel cut in an oval, the cut is a little meh but the color is really delicious so I still enjoy it.

Aha! So it was you who nabbed that lovely Namibian tourmaline from his last drop! I call dibs if you don't want it.

 

[jstarfireb]

Thanks for the spinel love, guys! Here's a clearer pic (from Barry):

 

[Starzin]

I've always liked ovals - but much prefer a large cushion - simply because I have short fingers and rounds don't suit them at all! Having said that, cut is paramount but I do think they lend themselves to interesting settings if people are inclined.

Tacori apparently have some E-W settings http://jewelry.michaelcfina.com/jewelry/Oval Ring Some are variations on a theme.


This is a rather blingy halo with split shank http://www.myjewelrysource.com/green-amethyst-rings/gr2059-green-amethyst-rings.htm

Simplicity - sorry saved without source


Talking about E-W, I've always rather liked pears set sideways however since I had a marquise .67 diamond set sideways for years and hardly ever wore it (now a pendant), partly because it was set in WG and I'm a YG girl, I tend to steer away from anything set sideways now I think. But I'm still saving them...just in case..yanno? http://www.anzie.com/product_dewdrop.php