Oval Cut Lab Grown Diamond Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring in Silver, 10K, 14K and 18K Gold

An oval laboratory grown diamond lifted on a cathedral setting, where the shoulders of the band sweep upward in two arches to meet the head. The arches give the stone height and a sense of structure, and from the side the ring has the graceful profile of a vaulted ceiling, which is where the name comes from.

At a glance

• Centre stone: Oval brilliant laboratory grown diamond
• Carat options: 2, 3, 4 and 5 carat
• Colour and clarity: E colour, VVS2 clarity
• Certificate: IGI, included free
• Setting: Cathedral solitaire, four claws
• Accent stones: None, a true solitaire
• Metals: 925 silver, 10K, 14K and 18K gold in yellow, rose and white
• Made: To order in Surat, India

What a cathedral setting does

In most solitaires the head simply sits on top of the band. In a cathedral setting the metal of the band rises to hold it, forming two arches either side of the stone. That does three things. It lifts the diamond so more light reaches it from the sides. It makes the ring look more substantial without adding a single extra stone. And it braces the head, so the claws are supported from below rather than standing alone.

With an oval, the arches follow the length of the stone and draw the eye along it, adding to the elongating effect the oval is loved for.

The oval brilliant

An oval carries brilliant faceting in an elongated outline. It looks larger for its carat weight than a round because more of its surface faces up, and it lengthens the finger. A well proportioned oval, like the ones we choose, keeps any darker bow tie across its centre soft and small.

What laboratory grown means here

A laboratory grown diamond is a diamond. It is crystallised carbon with the same cubic structure, the same 10 on the Mohs scale, the same refractive index of 2.42 and the same dispersion as a mined stone. Ours are grown by chemical vapour deposition and high pressure high temperature methods, then cut and polished by hand. This is not moissanite, not cubic zirconia and not a simulant. A gemmologist testing it will read diamond, because it is diamond.

Metals

Choose 925 sterling silver, or 10K, 14K or 18K gold in yellow, rose or white. The arches of a cathedral setting show off the metal colour more than a flat solitaire, so this is a design where the choice of gold really shows. 10K is the hardest alloy, 14K is the everyday balance, and 18K is the richest colour but the softest metal. White gold is rhodium plated and will want replating every one to two years.

Every centre stone arrives IGI certified

The centre diamond is graded by IGI, the International Gemological Institute, and the certificate comes with the ring at no extra charge. It states the carat weight, the E colour grade, the VVS2 clarity grade, the measurements and the girdle inscription, and confirms in writing that the stone is laboratory grown.

Made to order in our own workshop

Mapple Gems is a family run workshop in Surat, India, where most of the world's diamonds are cut and polished. The cathedral arches are shaped to the length of your oval, the claws are set by hand and the ring is finished for your carat weight and finger size. Allow two to three weeks for making, plus shipping.

Looking after it

Warm water, mild washing up liquid and a soft toothbrush. The raised setting leaves the underside of the stone open, so brush under the head where lotion collects. Take it off for the gym, gardening and swimming.

Custom orders

We can change the prongs, the band or the setting of this design. Each change is quoted individually, so contact us with what you have in mind.

Questions we are asked

What colour and clarity is the diamond? Every centre stone is E colour and VVS2 clarity, on every metal and every carat weight. The IGI report in the box states both grades.

Does a cathedral setting sit high? A little higher than a flat solitaire, which is what lets light into the stone. It is still comfortable for everyday wear.

Will a wedding band sit flush? Yes. The arches rise above the band line, leaving room for a straight band beside it.

Is it stronger than a plain solitaire? The arches support the head from below, which makes it one of the sturdier solitaire styles.

Can it be resized? Yes. The band is plain below the arches.

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