From the very beginning, our client was set on a classic solitaire engagement ring. The simplicity of this setting allows the diamond to take centre stage, therefore our focus became all about finding the one.

Initially, he found himself torn between a round brilliant and an oval cut diamond, appreciating the symmetry and sparkle of a round cut, but drawn to the elegant elongation of the oval shape. Eventually, oval won his heart, so with the design set, we channelled all our attention into finding the perfect stone.

An oval cut diamond offers a beautiful balance of brilliance and shape, but small details, like the diamond’s length-to-width ratio, can make a surprisingly big difference. The ratio informs how long the diamond is compared to how wide it is. A ratio of 1.4–1.45 gives a graceful, elongated oval shape, which is what our client thought he wanted. But after comparing several options side by side, he ended up falling for a diamond with a 1.3 ratio which is slightly rounder, softer, and channels many of the traits of both a traditional round cut and elongated oval cut.

This project was a perfect example of why we always encourage our clients to view diamonds in person. Colour, clarity, and cut may sound straightforward on paper, but there is simply no substitute for seeing how a diamond performs with your own eyes. Tiny nuances can change everything.

With the ring design decided, our shared focus was entirely on finding the perfect diamond for our client. We sourced a wide selection of options and after much discussion, comparison, and a few surprises along the way, we found the one: a beautifully balanced oval diamond that felt just right.