Oval Sapphire

Discover why the oval sapphire has become an indispensable presence in jewellery, the compelling reasons to choose this shape, and a few criteria to help you find the ideal stone.

Oval sapphire: a classic and widely favoured shape

The oval sapphire is the most popular stone shape in jewellery and fine jewellery. This is especially true of the blue sapphire, also cut in round, square, cushion or pear shapes. Sapphires of other colours are often oval in shape too, though some lend themselves to more fanciful cuts, such as the violet sapphire.

The appearance of an oval sapphire varies according to the cut applied. This is why oval sapphires are found with differing numbers of facets. The brilliant cut is particularly sought after, as it showcases the stone with maximum brilliance. The cabochon cut is another example: a stone with no facets and a domed upper surface, where brilliance is not the objective. Yet the vast majority of oval sapphires do feature facets.

A precious stone may vary in quality, as may its cut. Many stones are oval in shape — a style that established itself firmly during the 20th century.

Why choose an oval sapphire for a ring?

As we have seen, oval sapphires are generally faceted, lending them a beautiful brilliance. Moreover, oval stones appear larger than other stones of the same weight. The oval shape is prized for sapphires and other gemstones, including the diamond, not least because it suits a wide variety of jewellery styles. For a sapphire engagement ring, you can achieve a striking stone without exceeding your budget, and choose between a modern or vintage aesthetic.

Note that oval sapphires come in varying proportions, as stones may be more or less elongated depending on the ratio of length to width. An oval sapphire and diamond cluster ring typically features a moderately oval stone rather than an elongated one, though with bespoke ring creation, this comes down entirely to personal taste.

Need to have a sapphire assessed? We offer precious stone valuations in Paris.

Ring styles featuring an oval sapphire

Beyond the oval sapphire cabochon ring, which has a polished surface, rings tend to have a brilliant appearance, frequently enhanced by the presence of diamonds. This is by no means obligatory, however. It is perfectly possible to create truly beautiful oval sapphire solitaire rings without diamonds, particularly if you are drawn to contemporary styles. An oval sapphire can also be paired with small round sapphires on an engagement ring, or with two further oval sapphires in a trilogy ring. Among the most lustrous settings is the halo ring, in which a circle of small diamonds surrounds the sapphire.

With or without diamonds, a sapphire is perfectly suited to every gold:

• a white gold oval sapphire ring: modern, elegant and luminous
• a yellow gold ring: warm and timeless
• a rose gold ring: soft, more romantic and distinctly contemporary

Purchasing an oval sapphire

We offer oval blue sapphires and sapphires in other colours, such as the teal sapphire, across a wide range of prices, including both heated sapphires and unheated ones. Some of our stones are exceptionally rare, while others are more readily available.

All of them, however, are sourced directly through short supply chains, with no intermediaries, and each is accompanied by an authenticity certificate from a gemological laboratory. Please note that if you wish to purchase an oval blue sapphire or one in another colour, not every stone is listed on our website — do not hesitate to contact us if you cannot find what you are looking for!

Further reading:

• Which hand should you wear your wedding ring on?

• How do you clean a sapphire jewel?