What Is a Moval Engagement Ring?

A moval engagement ring is a ring set with a moval diamond: a shape that sits between an oval and a marquise. The name is a blend of the two words. A moval is longer and more tapered than a typical oval, but its ends are softer than the sharp points of a marquise. The result is a slim, elongated stone that looks a little more sculpted than an oval and a little less dramatic than a marquise.

Because the moval isn't a standardized shape, you won't find it in most jewelry cases, and no two cutters make it exactly the same way. Below, we'll cover how a moval compares to its two parent shapes, what to look for when you're choosing one, and how we design our own moval engagement rings.

Moval vs. oval vs. marquise

The easiest way to understand a moval is to picture a line of shapes. At one end is the oval, with smooth, rounded ends. At the other is the marquise, which comes to a point at both ends. The moval lives in the middle.

A few things carry over from both parents:

• The elongating effect. Long, narrow shapes tend to make fingers look longer and slimmer. GIA calls this one of the reasons people choose the marquise, and the moval shares that silhouette.
• The bow tie. Oval and marquise diamonds cut in the brilliant style can show a dark, bow-tie-shaped shadow across the middle. GIA notes that some degree of bow tie is always present in ovals, and that a well-cut stone keeps it to a minimum. Expect the same consideration with a moval.
• Softer ends than a marquise. GIA identifies the points as the most vulnerable part of a marquise. A moval doesn't have those sharp tips, though the setting still does the real work of protecting the stone.

Why moval diamonds are hard to find

Most diamond shapes are cut to well-known, repeatable proportions. The moval isn't. There's no official moval outline, so one cutter's moval can look almost like an oval while another's leans toward a marquise.

That also means grading can't tell you whether a moval "looks right." GIA doesn't issue cut grades for fancy shapes like ovals and marquises the way it does for round diamonds, and its own researchers have written that grading methods for rounds can't simply be transferred to fancy shapes. A grading report will still describe the stone's color, clarity, and measurements, but the shape itself comes down to the design.

This is why every Kayge moval is custom-cut for the ring it goes into, to get the best quality, look, and proportions for that design. The stone and the setting are made for each other rather than matched after the fact.

What to look for in a moval engagement ring

When you're comparing moval rings, look past the carat weight and pay attention to these:

1. The spread. Spread is how large a diamond looks from the top, compared to its carat weight. Movals are typically cut more shallow than many other shapes, so more of their weight sits in the visible surface rather than hidden in the depth of the stone. That's why a moval can look a lot larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. The key is balance: a well-cut moval gives you that extra size without giving up its sparkle.
2. The ends. Decide how soft or pointed you want them. This is the main thing that separates a moval that reads "oval" from one that reads "marquise."
3. The bow tie. A faint shadow is normal. A large, dark one that stays put as you tilt the stone is a drawback. GIA's research on fancy shapes found that "large, dark, persistent bow ties" were viewed negatively.
4. How it's set. An elongated stone looks completely different depending on its direction and how high it sits. That leads to the fun part.

How to set a moval: two of our designs

A moval's shape invites less traditional settings. Both of our moval engagement rings use a flush setting, where the diamond sits down in the metal instead of up on prongs, which gives the ring a low, chunky, sculptural profile.

East West Moval Set

Our East West Moval Set turns a 2ct lab moval diamond sideways and flush sets it into a signet style band. Setting an elongated stone east-west, across the finger instead of along it, shows off the moval's tapered shape in a way that feels modern and unexpected.

Asymmetrical Moval Set

The Asymmetrical Moval Set features a 1.5ct lab diamond, flush set on a tilt in our classic organic style ring. The angled stone gives the ring movement and a slightly off-center look that's easy to wear every day.

Both designs share the same details:

• Lab diamonds that are DEF in color and VVS1 to VS2 in clarity
• Metal options in 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, 18k yellow gold, or platinum
• Sizes 4 through 9.5, including half sizes
• Made to order in San Diego; allow 6 to 10 weeks

If you'd prefer a natural diamond, need it sooner, or want a size or change that isn't listed, email us at hello@kaygestudio.com.

Pairing a wedding band with a moval

A low, flush-set stone and an unusual shape can make finding a wedding band tricky. That's why each of our moval sets comes with a matching band that follows the curve of the engagement ring for a close fit. You can order the full set, the engagement ring on its own, or the band on its own.

For more on building a set, read our guide to matching wedding rings, or browse the Kayge wedding line.

Is a moval right for you?

A moval might be your shape if:

• You love the length of an oval but want something less common
• A marquise feels too pointed or too vintage for you
• You want a ring that looks sculptural and personal rather than classic
• You like the idea of a stone cut specifically for the ring it's set in

If you'd rather stay with a classic oval, our KAYGE Solitaire features a 2ct lab oval in a prong setting, set as low as possible and designed to pair with any ring from our wedding line.

Frequently asked questions

What is a moval diamond?

A moval is a diamond shape that sits between an oval and a marquise. The name blends the two words. It's longer and more tapered than a typical oval, with softer ends than a marquise's sharp points.

Is a moval just an elongated oval?

Not quite, though the two are close and people often use the terms loosely. An elongated oval is still an oval, with rounded ends. A moval tapers more toward the ends, heading in the direction of a marquise.

What ratio is a moval diamond?

There's no standard moval ratio, because the moval isn't a standardized shape. It typically falls between the two shapes it borrows from. For reference, GIA notes the most popular ovals are about 1.40 to 1.50 times as long as they are wide, and suggests marquise shoppers look for about 1.75 to 2.25.

Are moval diamonds rare?

They're far less common than ovals or marquises. Since there's no standard moval outline, fewer jewelers carry them, and shapes vary from one cutter to the next. Every Kayge moval is custom-cut for the ring it's set in.

Are moval diamonds more expensive?

There's no reliable industry-wide price data for movals. Like any diamond, the price depends mainly on carat weight, color, clarity, and how the stone is cut, and the ring design and metal add to it. Current pricing for our East West Moval Set and Asymmetrical Moval Set is listed on each product page, with separate prices for the full set, the engagement ring only, and the band only.

Can I get a moval in a lab-grown or natural diamond?

Our moval sets are listed with lab diamonds, DEF in color and VVS1 to VS2 in clarity. For a natural diamond, email hello@kaygestudio.com.

What wedding band goes with a moval engagement ring?

A low, flush-set moval can be hard to match with a standard band. Each of our moval sets includes a band that follows the curve of the engagement ring, so the two sit close together. You can also buy the engagement ring or the band separately.

Find your moval

A moval is one of the most distinctive shapes you can choose for an engagement ring, and the right one depends on how the stone and the setting work together. Explore our East West Moval Set and Asymmetrical Moval Set, or see all of our engagement rings.

Have an idea that goes beyond what's on the site? Learn how our custom engagement ring process works, or get in touch.