In the heart of London’s famed jewellery district, Hatton Garden has long stood as a beacon of tradition, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Among its rows of ateliers and showrooms, one constant remains: the engagement ring, that ultimate symbol of love and commitment. Yet while styles come and go, one shape has quietly risen to take centre stage once again, the oval engagement ring.
And when it comes to modern interpretations of this classic silhouette, few names stand out like Lily
Arkwright. This British fine jewellery house is leading the charge with their ethical and exquisitely crafted oval engagement rings, offering a modern alternative that still respects heritage and artistry. With sustainability at the heart of their designs, Lily Arkwright is bridging the gap between legacy and innovation, making it a brand that Hatton Garden enthusiasts and new-age romantics alike can appreciate.
Let’s explore how Lily Arkwright is redefining the classic engagement ring and why oval cuts are leading the charge.
A Timeless Shape with a Contemporary Edge
The oval diamond dates back to the 1960s, credited to Lazare Kaplan, a master diamond cutter whose innovation brought a fresh twist to the beloved round brilliant. With its elongated shape and softly rounded ends, the oval cut delivers the brilliance of a round diamond with a more flattering, finger-lengthening profile. It’s graceful, bold, and unmistakably elegant.
In today’s world, where engagement ring buyers are seeking designs that combine tradition with personal expression the oval cut is enjoying a full-blown renaissance.
Celebrities like Blake Lively, Kourtney Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber have all said “yes” with oval rings, sparking renewed interest among modern couples. Yet beyond the red carpet, the shape’s growing popularity is also driven by its versatility, optical size advantage (it appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight), and romantic, vintage-inspired appeal.
It’s no surprise, then, that Lily Arkwright’s oval engagement rings are in high demand.
Why Lily Arkwright?
Based in Manchester with showrooms in London and Glasgow and fast becoming a national name in the UK’s fine jewellery scene, Lily Arkwright represents the next generation of jewellers—those who uphold precision and excellence while embracing sustainable materials and digital-first experiences.
All of their jewellery is crafted in the UK using ethical materials, including lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, and set in 100% recycled precious metals. Every gemstone is independently certified by trusted laboratories such as IGI and GIA, ensuring transparency, quality, and peace of mind.
What truly sets the brand apart, however, is its commitment to making luxury accessible and responsible. At a time when today’s buyers are not just choosing rings but choosing brands that reflect their values, Lily Arkwright offers a compelling alternative to traditional jewellers.
The Allure of Lab-Grown Diamonds
At the core of Lily Arkwright’s ethos lies a devotion to sustainable luxury. Their lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, but are created in a controlled laboratory environment using ethical, energy-efficient processes.
This means:
- No destructive mining practices
- Reduced environmental impact
- Conflict-free stones
For the conscious consumer, this is a game-changer. With increasing awareness around the ethical and ecological issues surrounding mined diamonds, lab-grown stones offer a guilt-free way to enjoy the same brilliance and beauty, without compromise.
This approach aligns seamlessly with the values held by many of today’s London couples, particularly those drawn to areas like Hatton Garden, where appreciation for heritage is met with a thirst for innovation.
Oval Engagement Rings: Signature Lily Arkwright Style
Lily Arkwright’s oval engagement rings collection offers a wide range of beautifully designed settings, each crafted with the utmost care. From understated solitaires to vintage-inspired halos and contemporary bezel designs, there’s an oval ring to suit every personality.
Key Features:
- Enhanced brilliance: With their 58 facets and elongated shape, oval diamonds reflect light exceptionally well, offering superior sparkle.
- Flattering design: The shape visually lengthens the finger, creating a slender, graceful look that’s universally flattering.
- Unique but classic: Oval cuts are a distinctive twist on tradition—a favourite among brides who want something a little different, without straying too far from the timeless.
- Customisable settings: Every Lily Arkwright ring can be personalised, from choice of metal (platinum, white, yellow, or rose gold) to stone size, side stones, and more.
A particular standout is the Grace Oval Engagement Ring, which features a stunning lab-grown oval diamond in a classic four-claw setting. The clean lines and delicate band highlight the stone’s brilliance and fire, offering elegance in its purest form.
A Personalised, Concierge-Like Buying Experience
Unlike many high street retailers, Lily Arkwright operates with a highly tailored and consultative model. While their entire range is accessible online, customers can also book virtual consultations or in-person appointments at their Manchester showroom. Here, gemmology-trained consultants walk clients through the diamond selection process, settings, sizing, and everything in between.
It’s a high-touch experience designed to reflect the gravity of the moment, because choosing an engagement ring isn’t just a purchase, it’s a milestone.
For London buyers, Lily Arkwright regularly hosts pop-up consultations and is expanding their footprint through luxury developments and events, making them increasingly accessible to Hatton Garden clientele who value one-on-one guidance and elevated service.
Affordability Without Sacrifice
One of the key advantages of lab-grown diamonds is cost efficiency. Lab diamonds typically cost 30-40% less than mined equivalents, meaning buyers can often opt for higher carat weights, better colour/clarity grades, or invest more in custom settings without going over budget.
Lily Arkwright passes this value directly onto customers, offering fair, transparent pricing with no hidden mark-ups. Their goal is to democratise luxury, ensuring that every couple can access a beautifully crafted ring that’s ethical, elegant, and enduring.
The Ideal Choice for Modern Couples
At the intersection of style, substance, and sustainability, Lily Arkwright’s oval engagement rings are the embodiment of modern love stories. They offer all the romance and sophistication of traditional designs, paired with the progressive values and craftsmanship today’s couples expect.
Whether you’re browsing for inspiration or ready to begin the journey toward “I do,” Lily Arkwright’s approach makes it easier, more ethical, and infinitely more exciting to choose a ring that tells your story—without compromise.
Final Thoughts
In a city where heritage and innovation intertwine as seamlessly as they do in Hatton Garden, Lily Arkwright’s elegant, sustainable designs feel entirely at home. Their oval engagement rings marry the romance of timeless craftsmanship with the promise of a brighter, more ethical future.
For the modern romantic seeking meaning as well as beauty, Lily Arkwright offers the ideal blend—where form meets function, and brilliance meets conscience.
