18ct yellow gold oval cut solitaire engagement rings, handmade to order by our family workshop in the Cotswolds and set with a diamond you choose yourself. An oval diamond has the sparkle of a round but looks larger for its weight, and its long shape flatters the finger. A solitaire holds one diamond on a clean band, so all the attention goes to the stone.
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The oval cut diamond
The oval is a stretched round brilliant, so it has much the same sparkle. Its long shape spreads the weight across a bigger surface, so an oval looks larger than a round of the same carat weight and makes the finger look longer and slimmer. With a oval diamond, a solitaire shows off the full outline of the stone.
Why a solitaire?
A solitaire is the purest engagement ring: one diamond on a plain band, with nothing to compete with the stone. It never dates, lets more light into the diamond than any other setting, and sits easily beside almost any wedding ring.
Why 18ct yellow gold?
18ct yellow gold is 75% pure gold, with the deep, warm colour people picture when they think of a gold ring. It is not plated, so the colour never fades. Some of our yellow gold designs hold the diamond in a white platinum head, so the stone looks as white as possible while the band stays golden. Yellow gold also flatters a slightly warmer diamond, so a stone in the H to J colour range can look just as good as a pricier, whiter one. For a lower price, see our 9ct yellow gold engagement rings.
Choosing your oval diamond
Most people prefer a length-to-width ratio of 1.35 to 1.50. Many ovals show a darker "bow tie" across the middle; a little is normal, so it is worth looking closely at the stone's photos before you choose. A G to H colour and SI1 clarity suit most budgets.
Choose your own diamond
Every ring is set with a centre diamond you choose yourself, natural or lab-grown, from our live stock. Each stone has its grading report, and the ring page shows the finished price before you buy.
Handmade by a family jeweller
We have been making jewellery in Bourton-on-the-Water since 1969 and are members of the National Association of Jewellers. Your ring is made to order in 100% recycled metal, hallmarked, and ready in 3 to 4 weeks, with free UK delivery and free returns within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
A darker band across the middle of the stone, caused by the way light passes through an elongated shape. Almost every oval has one to some degree. Check the diamond's photos: a faint bow tie is fine, a strong dark one is best avoided.
Yes. A plain wedding band sits neatly beside most solitaires, and if the setting sits low, a shaped band fits around it. Our wedding ring designer makes matching plain bands.
Yellow gold reflects a little warmth into the diamond, so a near-colourless stone in the H to J range looks just as good as a whiter, more expensive one. If you want an icy white stone, choose a design with a platinum head.
3 to 4 weeks from order, as every ring is made to order in our workshop. If you have a date in mind, contact us and we will do our best to help.