The oval's technical name is "oval modified brilliant," based upon its shape and modifications of the traditional round, brilliant configuration. The oval was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s.


PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUES
A length-to-width ratio of 1.5:1 is almost universally considered a pleasing shape for ovals, with any variation beyond 1.4:1 or 1.6:1 beginning to be noticeable and becoming an aesthetic issue. As with all fancies, however, a certain degree of individual taste is always factored into the desirability of a particular diamond's shape. Fifty-six facets are typical for oval brilliants.