Oval Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring: Why More Australians Are Choosing This Modern Classic
I’ve spent the better part of a decade interviewing jewellers, stylists, and newly engaged couples about the rings that mark one of life’s biggest moments. And every so often, a trend sneaks up quietly, almost shyly, before suddenly becoming the piece everyone’s talking about.
Right now, that piece is the oval lab grown diamond engagement ring.
If you’d told me five years ago that lab grown stones would be shaking up the engagement ring market this dramatically, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Back then, they felt like a niche choice — loved by engineers, early adopters, sustainability-minded millennials. Now? They’re not just mainstream. They’re shaping the future of modern jewellery design, and the oval cut is leading the charge.
But what’s behind this shift? And why does the oval shape, in particular, seem to resonate so deeply with Australian buyers?
Well, that’s exactly what I wanted to explore.
Why the Oval Cut Suddenly Feels So… Right
The oval cut has been around for centuries, but it’s always had this quietly elegant aura — a bit timeless, a bit romantic. I once heard a designer describe it as “the shape that flatters everyone,” and honestly, they’re not wrong.
When I started asking stylists why ovals are everywhere right now, two points kept coming up:
1. It elongates the finger in a really graceful way
It’s a small detail, but people notice it. An oval diamond has this soft, flattering stretch that makes hands look longer and more delicate. You don’t need a massive stone to get that impact either — the shape naturally creates presence.
2. It looks larger than its carat weight
Now this was something I didn’t fully appreciate until I saw two rings side-by-side. Oval cuts tend to have more “spread” on the top surface, which means a one-carat oval can look like a 1.3-carat round. For buyers wanting maximum visual impact without stretching the budget, that’s a pretty compelling perk.
Combine that with the rise of lab grown diamonds, and suddenly couples who once had to compromise on carat size are realising they don’t have to anymore.
The Lab Grown Diamond Shift: What Changed?
Ten years ago, the idea of choosing a lab grown diamond felt almost disruptive. These days, the conversation has completely transformed.
And honestly? It wasn’t just marketing. The shift came from a mix of technological breakthroughs, transparency, and a new generation with very clear values.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds
Let’s clear this up immediately, because the number of people who still don’t realise it surprises me every year. Lab grown stones aren’t “fakes.” They’re physically, chemically, and optically the same as mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
I once visited a lab facility for a feature story — you wouldn’t believe how mesmerising it is to watch carbon atoms slowly form crystal structures inside a chamber. It’s oddly poetic, in a futuristic sort of way.
The environmental impact matters to younger buyers
Plenty of couples want to choose a stone that aligns with their values. They like knowing its origin. They appreciate transparency. I’ve had conversations with brides-to-be who said choosing a lab grown stone made the engagement feel even more meaningful — “like we weren’t inheriting someone else’s damage,” one woman told me.
You get more value — and Australians aren’t blind to that
Look, weddings are expensive. Life is expensive. Most people just want a beautiful ring without sacrificing a honeymoon, a house deposit, or basic financial sanity.
This is where the oval lab grown diamond engagement ring really shines (yes, pun intended). Buyers can often go up in colour, clarity, or carat without blowing out the budget.
If you’re curious about navigating quality or avoiding common buying pitfalls, there’s a surprisingly helpful guide here on lab grown diamonds a colleague of mine pointed it out recently, and it’s become something I send to readers all the time.
Why the Oval Cut and Lab Grown Stones Are a Perfect Match
It’s not often that a diamond shape and a diamond origin trend rise together, but the oval cut seems almost tailor-made for the lab grown era.
Here’s why:
1. Ovals sparkle differently — and beautifully
Every oval has something called a “bow-tie effect,” a little darkened area through the centre. Most high-quality stones minimise it, and in some cases, it adds personality. When a lab grown diamond is well-cut, that bow-tie softens and the stone gives off this gorgeous, emotive shimmer.
2. The bigger appearance pairs well with lab grown affordability
Buyers who would have chosen a one-carat mined diamond are suddenly choosing a two-carat oval lab grown stone — and finding it’s within reach. That upgrade transforms the entire feel of the ring.
3. Modern settings suit the oval shape
Jewellers tell me oval stones work especially well with minimalist, contemporary designs:
- Sleek solitaire bands
- East-west settings
- Hidden-halo rings
- Floating or tension-inspired styles
These designs feel very now — a blend of subtle luxury and everyday wearability.
And because I get asked this often: yes, ovals are also incredibly durable for daily wear. Their elongated shape means fewer sharp corners to catch on clothing compared to princess cuts.
The Story Behind the Purchase: What Couples Keep Telling Me
When you speak with enough couples, you notice certain sentiments repeating — not sales jargon, but genuine emotional reasons behind their choice.
Here’s what I hear most often:
“It just felt more ‘us.’”
People choosing lab grown stones often say the decision reflects their relationship — modern, thoughtful, not tied to traditions they don’t necessarily connect with.
“We didn’t want to start our engagement with financial stress.”
This one comes up almost weekly. The relief on people’s faces when they realise they can afford a dream stone without adding to their debt is huge.
“I loved being part of the design process.”
Many jewellers say lab grown diamonds attract couples who want a more personalised, hands-on experience. They’re involved in choosing the exact stone, the setting, the proportions — it becomes a shared creative moment rather than a rushed purchase.
“It sparkles more than anything else I tried on.”
Oval cuts have a charm that’s hard to explain. They dance with light in an almost whimsical way. Even people who walk in convinced they want a round stone often walk out rethinking everything after trying on an oval.
What to Look for When Choosing an Oval Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
If you’re on the hunt, here are a few insider tips I’ve gathered over the years:
1. Pay attention to the length-to-width ratio
This dramatically affects the look. A classic oval sits around 1.30–1.40, but some prefer a more elongated 1.45+. Try on different ratios — you’ll feel the difference.
2. Bow-tie visibility varies
Every oval has one, but the goal is to have a soft, diffused one. A harsh bow-tie can make the stone look uneven.
3. Prioritise cut quality
Cut is EVERYTHING for oval diamonds. A well-cut lab grown oval will outshine a poorly cut mined diamond any day.
4. Look for secure, low-profile settings
Modern Australian couples want rings they can comfortably wear to work, to the gym, to the beach. A slightly lower setting keeps the stone safe and snag-free.
5. Choose the jeweller carefully
A trustworthy jeweller doesn’t push; they educate. They’ll show you stones under different lighting, explain the nuances, and let you take your time.
If you want to browse examples, there’s a helpful collection here featuring various styles of oval lab grown diamond engagement ring designs.
It gives you a decent sense of what’s trending globally.
Why Australians Are Embracing the Change
Jewellery trends don’t always hit Australia at the same time as the US or Europe — sometimes we’re early, sometimes we’re late, sometimes we’re stubbornly independent. But the lab grown movement? We’ve embraced it wholeheartedly.
A few reasons stand out:
- Australians value fairness and transparency. If a stone has a clean origin story, that matters.
- We appreciate quality but hate unnecessary mark-ups.
- Sustainability isn’t a lofty concept here — it’s woven into everyday choices.
- Our style leans natural, understated, elegant — an oval cut fits that beautifully.
There’s also something quite Australian about choosing a modern solution over a dated tradition. Not rejecting history, but gently rewriting it to suit our own values.
A Final Thought: Rings Reflect Who We’re Becoming
Writing about jewellery for so long has taught me one thing: people don’t choose engagement rings with their wallets or even their eyes — they choose with their stories.
The rise of the oval lab grown diamond engagement ring isn’t just about saving money or following a trend. It’s about couples wanting something that feels honest, thoughtful, and aligned with the lives they’re building.
An oval cut brings romance. A lab grown diamond brings clarity — literal and metaphorical.
Together, they offer a modern take on tradition that still feels timeless.
If you’re considering one, trust your instincts. Try on different shapes. Ask questions. Take your time. Let the ring choose you as much as you choose it.
And above all, pick something that feels like the start of your own story — not anyone else’s.
Because at the end of the day, trends will shift, styles will evolve, and new generations will carve out their own choices. But the ring you choose now?
It’ll become part of your life’s long, sparkling memory.
