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The Moval Cut: Discover the Rare Hybrid Diamond Shape

Blending the grace of the marquise with the softness of the oval, this niche diamond shape feels both vintage and modern with unmistakable character.

Published: October 2, 2025
Written by: Grant Mobley

moval diamond ring — Beladora Moval Diamond Ring in Platinum

In the long history of diamond cutting, certain shapes become icons while others remain niche treasures, admired by collectors and those who crave individuality. The moval cut diamond is one such rarity. A hybrid between the marquise cut and the oval cut, this unique shape is a study in subtlety. The elongated diamond shape softens the sharp points of the marquise into rounded ends, creating a silhouette that is both elegant and unique.

Meet the Expert

Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
He is a GIA Diamonds Graduate.
He has over 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores.

Though it has never reached mainstream popularity, the shape is quietly beloved among those who seek a diamond shape that looks one-of-a-kind. Today, it remains a rare choice in bridal jewelry and high jewelry alike, but for those who fall under its spell, nothing else will do.

The History of the Moval Cut Diamond

moval engagement ring — Levy’s 4.24 Carat Antique Moval Engagement Ring

The moval cut first appeared in the early 20th century, an era of experimentation in diamond cutting. Advances in technology allowed cutters to explore variations of established shapes, and some of these hybrids catered to those who wanted the drama of an elongated diamond without the sharp points of a marquise.

Marquise diamonds, with their boat-like silhouette and pointed tips, had long been associated with grandeur and maximum spread across the finger. Oval diamonds, meanwhile, brought the brilliance of the round into a more elongated outline. The moval took elements of both: it kept the length of a marquise but softened its tips into rounded ends, resulting in a diamond that feels elongated, feminine, and versatile without the risk of snagging or chipping that can sometimes come with marquise points.

Because it wasn’t a standardized cut, many of the moval diamonds that survive today were hand-crafted one by one. Their proportions vary widely—some are slightly plumper and closer to traditional ovals, while others stretch into extreme elongation, making them unmistakably distinct.

Modern Moval Diamonds and Their Rarity

Walk into a jewelry store today, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find this unique cut on display. Unlike round brilliants, emeralds, or even ovals, the moval remains a rarity in modern production. That said, it has enjoyed renewed attention among designers and collectors in recent years.

One of the few contemporary jewelers to truly champion the shape is the Los Angeles–based brand Rahaminov. Their proprietary version, called the Movál, reimagines the cut for a modern audience. Sleek, elongated, and intensely brilliant, Rahaminov’s take on the shape is a reminder that it isn’t just a relic of history; it’s an inspiration for creative cutters.

It’s not personal taste that keeps movals rare, but the shape of the diamond rough itself. Diamond cutting is always a balancing act between artistry and efficiency, with cutters aiming to retain as much carat weight as possible. Only certain rough crystals naturally lend themselves to this cut, allowing the cutter to preserve more of the stone while still achieving a beautiful outline. In those cases, the moval shape emerges almost organically from the rough.

How to Identify a Moval Cut Diamond

Because they are not a standardized cut with formal grading parameters, identifying one often comes down to a trained eye. The differences between an elongated oval and a moval can be subtle—sometimes even splitting hairs. Still, there are some telltale signs:

If a diamond comes to a sharp point on both ends, it is a marquise. If it looks like an oval but feels noticeably longer and narrower at the ends, without forming a point, it’s likely a moval.

This ambiguity is part of the charm. Each one has its own personality, proportions, and presence on the hand. No two are exactly alike, and that individuality is one of the reasons collectors value them.

Why Choose a Moval Cut?

This cut is perfect for someone seeking something rare, distinctive, and a little unexpected. Its elongated proportions can create the illusion of greater size, often making them appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. Its shape flatters the finger much like a marquise, but its rounded ends feel softer and more wearable for everyday.

Most importantly, it’s a cut that tells a story. It’s not the cut you see in every engagement ring, and that rarity alone makes it a conversation piece. The shape has quietly endured for more than a century, evolving from a niche experiment into a cult favorite. Whether you find an antique diamond with early 20th-century charm or a modern version like Rahaminov’s Movál, it’s a choice for someone who values timeless elegance and undeniable uniqueness.