How Oval and Emerald Cut Engagement Rings Make Your Fingers Look Longer
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring, the shape of the diamond is often the first thing a bride-to-be chooses. It is such an important choice because it’s the hardest to change once you make up your mind (settings can be updated, side stones can be added, but recutting a diamond is rarely a good idea). Many women try different diamond shapes to see how they look on the hand, which can be significantly different than how a ring looks in the showcase or online. If you’re looking for engagement rings that make your fingers look longer and more elegant, oval and emerald cut diamonds are solid options. These elongated shapes look elegant on hands of any shape, and they can help create the illusion of more graceful fingers for those who aren’t happy with their proportions.
The Optical Illusion of Oval and Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
Oval and emerald cut diamonds are known for their elongated silhouettes, which naturally lead the eye along the length of the finger. This creates the illusion of added length, making your fingers appear more slender and graceful.
According to Grant Mobley, the in-house diamond expert for the Natural Diamond Council, “While there is no hard and fast rule, in general, elongated diamond shapes (like the marquise or oval) tend to create the illusion of elongating the fingers.” (Brides).
Unlike round or princess-cut (square) diamonds, which don’t lead the eye along a line, oval and emerald cuts elongate the entire look of the hand. This effect is particularly flattering for those with shorter or wider fingers, to balance out a shorter proportion. However, people with longer or thinner hands may also prefer the look of ovals and emeralds because they seem so harmonious with their proportions.
Oval vs. Emerald Cut: What’s the Difference?
Both oval and emerald cut diamonds share an elongated shape, but they offer distinct aesthetics and benefits:
- Oval Cut: With its soft, rounded shape and brilliant faceting, the oval cut is an excellent choice for those who love sparkle and elegance. This cut enhances the size appearance of the diamond, often making it look larger than other shapes of the same carat weight. If you’re searching for oval engagement rings near me, you’ll find countless examples of just how versatile this cut is. Ovals are a timeless favorite diamond shape, maintaining steady popularity through multiple trend cycles.
- Emerald Cut: Known for its clean, step-cut facets and rectangular shape, the emerald cut offers a sophisticated, vintage feel. Unlike the oval cut’s brilliance, the emerald cut provides a unique “hall of mirrors” effect, emphasizing clarity over sparkle. For those specifically looking for emerald cut engagement rings near me, finding a jeweler that specializes in sourcing this elegant cut is important. Because emerald is a “step cut” diamond, looking at it is more like looking at a plate glass window than the discoball-esque flashes of a brilliant cut diamond; this makes flaws a little more visible on an emerald cut diamond. You want to find a jeweler who will prioritize clarity when searching for your emerald cut.
Both cuts maximize finger length, but the choice between them depends on whether you prefer brilliance (oval) or clarity and sophistication (emerald). Also, in some traditions, it’s important for an engagement ring center stone to be a rounded shape with no corners (symbolizing love without end), so ovals are wonderful within that tradition. For others, aesthetic choices, like a preference for Art Deco or minimalism might steer them towards emerald cuts. More traditional or romantic designs might do better with an oval.
Best Ring Settings for Engagement Rings that Make Your Fingers Look Longer
The setting of your engagement ring can further enhance the elongating effect. Here are some styles to consider:
- Solitaire Setting: A single oval or emerald cut diamond set on a gold or platinum band is simple, timeless, and versatile. Solitaires can be chunky, big, and bold, with a wide band and a bezel set stone. Or they can be dainty and ethereal, with a barely-there little wire of gold holding the stone. Or anything in between. Solitaire just means one (like the card game Solitaire is designed for one player only). Any ring with just one stone, no matter the style or shape, is a solitaire.
- Halo Setting: A circle of diamonds around the center diamond can make the stone appear even larger, amplifying the elongating effect. This style was really popular in the early 2010s, and it has staying power because it genuinely is beautiful. However, more recent takes on the halo include the hidden halo –a small band of diamonds around the center stone only visible from the side– and retro ballerina halos –a sunburst-like surround of tapered baguettes or other fancy shape stones reminiscent of a tutu, harkening back to the 1940s and 1950s.
- Three Stone Settings: Side stones can be beautiful with long cuts like ovals and emerald cut diamonds. Traditional side-stone shapes like trapezoids, baguettes, and half moons can balance out a longer center stone. Pear shapes or heart shapes turned sideways also provide a beautiful taper from a large center stone to a slender band.
- East-West Setting: Though less common, setting an emerald cut diamond horizontally can give a bold, modern look, but their horizontal orientation might not work if you’re searching for an engagement ring to make your fingers look longer.
Who Should Choose These Shapes?
If you want a ring that not only looks timeless but also enhances the natural elegance of your fingers, oval and emerald cuts are ideal. These shapes are particularly beneficial for those with:
- Shorter fingers, as they create the illusion of length.
- Wider fingers, as they balance proportions.
- Petite hands, since the elongated shape adds a graceful touch.
Find Your Perfect Ring
Choosing the right engagement ring is a deeply personal decision, but if you want an engagement ring that makes your fingers look longer, an oval or emerald cut might be the perfect fit. At Secrete Fine Jewelry, we specialize in helping you find the ideal diamond for your hand shape and style preferences.
Looking for expert guidance? Reach out to us at our contact page to get personalized recommendations or to schedule an appointment for a custom engagement design consultation with one of our in-house designers.
Final Thoughts
Oval and emerald cut engagement rings offer more than just timeless beauty—they also create a flattering, elongating effect for your hands. Whether you love the brilliance of an oval cut or the sophistication of an emerald cut, these shapes are excellent choices for a ring that looks as good as it feels. Choose wisely, and let your engagement ring make your fingers—and your heart—shine!
