18ct yellow gold oval cut halo 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 halo surrounds the center diamond with a ring of smaller diamonds for extra sparkle and a bigger look.
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. The halo follows the outline of the oval diamond, so the shape reads clearly from across a room.
Why a halo?
A halo frames the center diamond with a ring of small diamonds. The extra sparkle makes the center stone look larger, so it is a good way to get a big look for less. Paired with a diamond-set band, it gives the most sparkle of all.
Why 18ct yellow gold?
18ct yellow gold is 75% pure gold, with the deep, warm color people picture when they think of a gold ring. It is not plated, so the color 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 color 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 color and SI1 clarity suit most budgets.
Choose your own diamond
Every ring is set with a center 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.
From our workshop to your door
Each ring is made for you in our Cotswolds workshop in 3 to 4 weeks, in 100% recycled metal, and independently hallmarked. We have made fine jewelry since 1969. UK delivery is free, every order comes with a prepaid returns pack, and returns are free 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. The ring of small diamonds adds to the spread of the center stone, so it looks noticeably larger than it would on its own.
Yellow gold reflects a little warmth into the diamond, so a near-colorless 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.