Get the Look: Blake Lively's Engagement Ring

Blake Lively’s engagement ring, a masterpiece of design featuring a blush-toned oval cut diamond, quickly became the subject of intense fascination and admiration. Its unique combination of shape, color, and setting struck a chord with jewelry enthusiasts and soon-to-be-engaged couples alike. Designed by jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, the ring features a rare, oval cut pink diamond set on a rose gold pavé band. Estimated at 12 carats and valued at an astounding $2 million, this ring is not just a symbol of love, but also a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and rarity.

What makes this ring particularly special is its use of a pink diamond, considered one of the more coveted diamond colors. Combined with its substantial size and flawless clarity, Blake Lively’s ring is definitely one-of-a-kind and set with a very rare diamond. It also represents a broader shift in engagement ring aesthetics, moving away from traditional styles towards more unique and personalized choices based on expressing individuality.

With over a decade since Lively premiered her ring, the impact of it on the jewelry market has been nothing short of remarkable. According to a study by The Knot, oval cut diamond rings made up a mere 2% of all engagement rings in 2015. However, by 2022, this figure had skyrocketed to 21% – a tenfold increase in just seven years. This dramatic shift has helped oval shaped diamonds to test the most popular spot that has long been held by the round cut brilliant cut diamond.

An oval cut diamond is a modified brilliant cut gemstone that combines the sparkle of a round brilliant cut with an elegant, elongated shape. Typically featuring 58 facets, this unique cut creates the illusion of a larger stone compared to other shapes of the same carat weight, making it a popular choice for those seeking both brilliance and perceived size.

When evaluating oval diamonds, several key aspects come into play. The length-to-width ratio, usually ranging from 1.33 to 1.66, significantly impacts the diamond's appearance. While the ideal ratio is largely a matter of personal preference, many gravitate towards the balanced look of a 1.5 ratio. Symmetry is another crucial factor, as it ensures the stone's two halves mirror each other perfectly, contributing to its overall beauty. The bow-tie effect, a characteristic dark area across the center of the stone, is common in oval cuts. While a minimal bow-tie is normal and can add character to the look, it shouldn't dominate the diamond's brilliance.

For those considering white oval diamonds, it’s important to understand the 4Cs of oval diamonds. Cut quality, encompassing excellent symmetry and polish, is paramount for maximizing the stone's light performance. In terms of color, G-H grade diamonds often offer an optimal balance of quality and value. Clarity is another important consideration, with the best strategy to be choosing an eye-clean stone, typically in the VS1-VS2 range or higher. And when it comes to carat size, since the oval cut appears larger on the finger when compared with other shapes in similar sizes, it’s a great option for going slightly smaller in carat size without compromising on the look of a bigger stone.

For those inspired by Lively's ring, there are numerous options that have become popularized over the years that replicate the look of a pink diamond without the cost and rarity factor. Pink and peach sapphires have emerged as fantastic alternatives, offering a similar romantic hue with their own unique charm.

Pink sapphires, belonging to the corundum family like rubies, provide excellent durability (9 on the Mohs scale) making them suitable for everyday wear. They come in a range of pink hues, from soft blush to vibrant magenta, allowing for personalization to suit individual tastes. Peach sapphires, with their delicate blend of pink and orange tones, offer a subtler option that beautifully mimics the glow of Lively's ring.

Morganite, a variety of beryl, has gained significant popularity as an engagement ring stone in recent years. With its soft pink to peach color, morganite provides a remarkably similar look to pink diamonds at a fraction of the cost. While slightly less durable than sapphires (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale), morganite is still suitable for engagement rings with proper care.

These gemstones offer more consistent color compared to natural pink diamonds, which can vary significantly in hue and saturation. And when set in rose gold, as seen in Lively's ring, these stones take on an even warmer, more romantic appearance. Paired with a halo of white diamonds or an intricately designed band, they can create a stunning effect that captures the essence of Lively's iconic ring.

With Delphine, a gorgeous interpretation of Blake Lively’s engagement ring, a stunning oval-cut peach sapphire sits in the center of a rose gold, pavé set band with more diamond accents along the gallery. And in Matilda, a pink morganite is paired with a diamond encrusted rope band and diamond peek-a-boo halo.

If you love the more classic look of a white diamond, Samanthina features a dazzling oval cut diamond at the center, creating a beautiful contrast with the rose gold setting, and it pops even more with the diamonds on the band and the peek-a-boo halo. But you can never go wrong with an ice white diamond in a platinum setting with diamond sparkle on the band and gallery for the perfect amount of pop, like in Jessie.

Blake Lively's engagement ring has not only captured the public's imagination but has also proven that your ring can reflect your personality in unique and lovely ways. Whether you opt for a rare pink diamond, a classic white oval, or one of the beautiful alternatives like morganite or sapphire, the most important aspect is choosing a ring that tells your unique love story.