Get the Look: Nina Dobrev's Engagement Ring

The ring that White presented is nothing short of spectacular – a magnificent 5 carat oval-shaped solitaire diamond crafted by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, who has designed engagement rings for numerous celebrities including Blake Lively, Beyoncé, and Kim Kardashian.

The stone is likely exceptional in its clarity and color, exhibiting premium characteristics. Set on a delicate yellow gold band, the design exemplifies elegant minimalism in its purest form. The thin band design showcases the impressive center stone without distraction – a design choice that draws all attention to the remarkable oval diamond. The prong setting appears to be a classic four-prong configuration that securely holds the diamond while allowing maximum light entry for optimal brilliance.

The proportions of Dobrev's oval diamond are also likely very close to ideal, with an estimated length-to-width ratio of approximately 1.6:1, creating an elongated silhouette that complements her hand perfectly. And the diamond's cut appears to be excellent, as evidenced by the remarkable light performance visible even in candid photographs from various angles.

The oval cut diamond has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly by those seeking a distinctive yet timeless engagement ring style. This elongated brilliant cut combines the sparkle of a round diamond with a unique silhouette that creates an illusion of greater size and visually elongates the finger.

The oval's elongated shape provides approximately 10-15% more surface area than round diamonds of identical carat weight, creating the appearance of a larger stone – a significant advantage for those seeking maximum visual impact without increasing budget proportionally. This surface area differential explains why Dobrev's 5 carat oval diamond appears so commanding on her finger, with a presence that might require a 5.5-6 carat round diamond to achieve.

Beyond size advantages, oval diamonds possess unique light dynamics. Their elongated facet pattern creates distinctive flashes of light and color (known as scintillation and dispersion in gemological terms) that differ slightly from round diamonds. This can create more dramatic prismatic effects in certain lighting conditions. The shape's soft curves create a romantic, feminine aesthetic while maintaining the brilliant light performance that diamond enthusiasts crave.

When selecting an oval diamond, pay particular attention to the "bow-tie effect" – a shadow that can appear across the center of the diamond. The severity of a bow-tie can range from barely perceptible to severely prominent, with higher quality cuts minimizing this effect through precise facet alignment and optimal depth proportions. While almost all oval diamonds exhibit some degree of bow-tie, the best examples balance this characteristic with exceptional brilliance that distracts the eye from any minor shadowing.

For those inspired by Dobrev's stunning ring, achieving a similar aesthetic is entirely possible at various price points through thoughtful selection of elements that capture the essence of her ring's appeal. The magic of Dobrev's ring lies in its harmonious balance between statement-making size and refined simplicity – a combination that creates timeless elegance.

When selecting a center stone for a Dobrev-inspired ring, consider that while her 5 carat diamond makes a dramatic statement, oval diamonds of 1-3 carats can create a remarkably similar effect at more accessible price points.

Additionally, lab-grown diamonds offer a stunning alternative, often providing 300-400% more carat weight for the same investment while being chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. As an example: current prices (as of March 2025) for a 3.5ct lab oval E VS1 diamond is $5,000, which would also get you a 1ct natural G VS2.  

The setting style Dobrev wears – a classic solitaire with minimal metalwork – allows the magnificent center stone to command all attention. As seen in Zili, Mackena, and Ariya, this minimalist approach to ring design has timeless appeal precisely because it refuses to follow fleeting trends, instead embracing the inherent beauty of a single exceptional gemstone.

Nina Dobrev's engagement ring stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic design elements executed with exceptional quality. Its combination of substantial presence and refined simplicity creates a versatile aesthetic that works equally well for red carpet events and everyday wear – a versatility that makes it a truly exceptional piece of jewelry worthy of the significant moment it represents.