An oval shaped gemstone, or “Oval Cut” as it is normally referred to, can display a brilliance that is similar to that of a round brilliant cut. The standard number of facets on an oval cut gemstone is 56; however, they can often have a varying number of facets on the pavilion.
The modern oval cut was invented by Lazare Kaplan in 1957, whose famous Diamond cutting company started trading in 1919. Incidentally, Lazare Kaplan was a cousin of Marcel Tolkowsky. However, unlike the round brilliant cut - where Tolkowsky set specific measurements for the angles of each facet - the oval cut is left to the discretion and experience of the Lapidarist.
As the table facet is bigger in an oval cut, it is often used to show off gems with good clarity and colour; whereas round brilliant cuts can often hide flaws, the oval cut bares all.
Oval gems are very popular as their length can accentuate long, slender fingers and a well proportion oval cut will have a ratio of approximately 1.5 times the length to the width.
