Diamond shapes
The moval engagement ring
A moval cut engagement ring holds a diamond that sits somewhere between an oval and a marquise: elongated and full like an oval, but gently pointed at both ends. Not the sharp tip of a marquise, rather a soft, stretched line that makes the finger look longer.
The moval cut is still young and far from available at every dealer. At émin in Zurich we show you what the shape can do, where its pitfalls are, and how to find a stone that looks as good in real life as it does in the photo.
Why the moval is so popular right now
Elongated, but not sharp
The moval has the slender length of a marquise without its sharp ends. If the marquise feels too strict and the oval too safe, this is often where people land.
Looks large per carat
Because the weight is spread along the length rather than into depth, a moval looks noticeably larger from above than a round brilliant of the same weight.
Modern, not a gimmick
The shape is new, yet it looks calm and elegant on the hand. It suits a simple solitaire just as well as a ring with a fine hidden halo.
What a moval diamond looks like
Seen from above, a moval is usually about 1.7 to 2 times as long as it is wide. The middle is full and rounded like an oval; towards the ends the stone narrows and finishes in two soft points. Picture an oval gently pinched at both ends. The facets are arranged like a brilliant, so the stone sparkles along its whole length.
Because the shape is so new, there is no fixed standard for ideal proportions yet. A moval can lean more towards oval or more towards marquise, which is exactly why comparing matters. We lay several stones side by side so you can see which version looks best on your hand.
Moval, oval or marquise: the differences
All three are elongated and lengthen the finger. The difference lies mainly in the ends and in how easily you can find the right stone.
| Feature | Moval | Oval | Marquise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ends | Softly pointed, gentler than a marquise | Round, no points | Two sharp points |
| Look | Modern, elongated, soft | Classic, calm, elegant | Striking, vintage or very modern |
| Size effect per carat | Large, close to the marquise | Large | Largest |
| Bow-tie effect | Possible, stone selection matters | Possible, stone selection matters | Possible, stone selection matters |
| Setting | Protect the points with V-prongs | Classic prongs are enough | Protect the points with V-prongs |
| Availability | Still rare, good in lab-grown | Widely available | Readily available |
What to watch for with a moval
Like the oval and the marquise, a moval can show a so-called bow-tie: a dark shadow across the middle that resembles a bow tie. A slight bow-tie is part of elongated cuts; a strong one swallows the sparkle. You can hardly see it in photos or certificates, which is why we check every stone by eye, in daylight and under a loupe.
The two points are the most delicate parts of the stone. We therefore recommend a setting with V-prongs, small metal tips that wrap each end and protect it from knocks. The shape stays clearly visible and the ring holds up in everyday life. Most people wear the stone lengthwise, points towards fingertip and wrist; worn sideways it looks especially distinctive.
Good to know
The moval is a new cut. In lab-grown diamonds it is easy to get, because the shape can be cut flexibly. As a natural diamond it is rare, the search takes longer and the choice is smaller. Depending on the lab, the shape may be named differently on the certificate; we explain what it says. And if you end up preferring a classic oval, we'll tell you that too.
Oval models we also make with a moval
We don't have a dedicated moval model in the collection yet. On request, these rings with an oval stone can be made with a moval diamond instead.
What a moval engagement ring costs
Guide prices for a first orientation. We break down the exact price openly in your consultation.
Guide price as for a solitaire with a round brilliant. The moval cut can change the price slightly.
Price depends on the work involved. We calculate openly, no surprises.
Guide prices, as of 2026, incl. VAT. The exact price depends on stone, metal and work.
Frequently asked questions
The moval is a hybrid of the marquise and the oval. It is elongated and full in the middle like an oval, but tapers into soft points at both ends. These points are clearly rounder than on a marquise. The name combines the two shapes: marquise plus oval becomes moval.
An oval has soft edges all round and no points. A moval narrows towards the ends and finishes in two gentle points. That makes it look a little slimmer, more elongated and more modern. If you like ovals but want a bit more tension, look at both shapes side by side.
It can, like almost every elongated cut. How strong the dark shadow in the middle is depends on the individual stone and its cutting, not on the shape itself. That's why we look at every moval by eye and only show you stones where the bow-tie stays subtle.
A little less than on a marquise, because they are rounder, but they remain the most delicate spots. Each point is set with a V-prong that wraps the end and protects it from knocks. That way you can wear the ring every day without constantly worrying about the stone.
Yes, but rarely. Because the shape is new, only a few natural diamonds are cut this way so far, the choice is small and the search takes time. In lab-grown diamonds the moval is readily available and comes in different proportions. We explain both routes, the decision is yours.
Nobody can say for sure. The short answer: the shape is new and very much in demand right now. But because it builds on two classics, it looks calm and elegant on the hand rather than playful. More important than any trend is that you still love the stone in twenty years.
Yes, that's exactly what the appointment at our atelier on Zypressenstrasse in Zurich is for. You see the stones under a loupe, in daylight and right next to an oval and a marquise. In a video consultation we show you the stones on camera and send close-ups and the certificate.
Quick enquiry
Curious about a moval?
Send us a short note about what you have in mind. We'll look for suitable moval diamonds, advise you on shape, setting and price, and suggest an appointment, in Zurich or by video.