The oval-shaped brilliant diamond is similar to a round brilliand diamond except it is elliptical in shape. The oval shaped diamond was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s. An oval brilliant diamond typically has 56 facets. Shape appeal is important with oval diamonds.

Since oval diamonds do not have an "ideal" proportion, and therefore lose some brilliance when compared with a round diamond. Actually most round diamonds are very slightly oval in shape.

Buying Tip: Look for uneven shoulders or high shoulders. A poorly-cut oval shaped diamond exhibits a noticeable bow-tie shadow effect.