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Torn between choosing a round and an oval diamond for your engagement ring? Let us offer you some help. This guide puts the spotlight on these popular diamond cuts. A closer look at the two, stacked up against each other, will reveal which one suits you.
Before we delve into their differences, let’s first talk about their similarities.
Both cuts are timeless shapes that have graced many fingers for centuries. They are also called brilliant diamonds because their facet structures are designed to maximize light performance and brilliance.
Round and oval diamonds alike are known to show off the intense fire, brilliance, and scintillation that make diamonds universally coveted in the first place. Considered classic cuts, they often belong to the top choices for engagement rings.
While the two cuts share these attributes, they also differ in many ways, and we will cover all the basics here. Both extremely lovely, each one stands out with its own set of distinct features.
So let’s get down to business and begin this battle of the sparklers!
Style
The round diamond is essentially THE quintessential and standard style with its own cult following—from royalty to celebrities to ordinary women who have a penchant for a good dose of dazzle.
The oval cut is also a timeless style, but compared to the round, it displays a more modern look and vibe. Its elongated shape is like a unique, stylized version of the round ellipse worthy of a curious second look.
If you wish to go all-out traditional with your engagement ring, the round-cut diamond is the way to go. But if you want your band a bit unexpected without veering away too much from the classic look, then the oval cut would be ideal.
Sparkle
While both cuts offer optimum sparkle, the round dazzles a bit more than the oval. The round cut’s shape, depth, symmetry, and facet structure all play a role in its overall light performance compared to all other diamond cuts. Note, however, that the cut grade also affects a diamond’s degree of sparkle, even round ones.
Meanwhile, the oval shape comes close when it comes to sparkle. Because of its similar elliptical shape and facet structure as the round cut, it also offers intense fire, brilliance, and scintillation.
A unique feature
When it comes to oval cuts, a dark patch called the ‘bowtie effect’ appears in the center of the stone when light hits. As the moniker suggests, it looks like a bowtie when the oval diamond is seen face up. While this is not exactly an inferior attribute, many diamond buyers prefer the bowtie effect to be minimal without taking away from the sparkle factor of the stone when viewed from the top.
Size
Do oval diamonds look bigger than their round counterparts?
The answer is yes. The size of a diamond is determined through its carat weight. Thus, if you’re big on diamond size, then the oval cut may be the better option for you. Compared to the round cut, an oval diamond of the same carat weight will appear to be bigger because of its elongated shape. Compared to the round, its spread-out surface area and shallow depth also add to the larger size illusion.
An oval diamond looks about 10% bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. It’s a good choice if you desire a prominent stone on your ring but don’t want to go over budget.
Versatility
In terms of oval cut vs round cut diamond versatility, both round and oval diamonds score high. They look effortlessly stunning on any kind of setting, from solitaire to halo. Likewise, they’re not prone to damage or chipping owing to their smooth, rounded edges.
Each of the two stone cuts is unique on its own. The round diamond is easier to work with as an accent setting, while the flexible oval can be set vertically or horizontally. (Round will always look round any way you put it).
The oval diamond is also more versatile in flattering a woman’s fingers. Because of its elongated shape, it complements long, slender fingers. On the other hand, it also gives short, plump fingers a longer and slimmer illusion.
When it comes to ring design, there is a wider range of round diamond ring options due to their popularity in the market.
Price
Are round diamonds more expensive than oval? Yes. In fact, round diamonds are the most expensive of all diamond cuts of similar cut grade, carat, color, and clarity.
Why are oval diamonds cheaper than round?
Well, round diamonds enjoy higher demand, making it pricier than other cuts. They also encounter the most raw diamond wastage during the cutting process, which adds to the cost of each piece.
Why Choose Othergems?
Whichever wins on the oval vs round engagement ring arena, Othergems.com offers an impressive selection of high-grade natural and lab-diamonds.
The Othergems legacy of quality diamond craftsmanship has made it one of the most trusted designers and retailers of diamond rings and other fine jewelry in New York and beyond.
For stunning bespoke and ready-made creations, visit our site and find the perfect diamond engagement ring for you or your loved one. Our collection includes only artisan designs, from timeless to avant-garde, created by the best diamond crafters in the world.
