Oval Vs. Round Diamonds: Know the Difference

Written by Macy Taylor

Diamonds are truly a wonder of nature, known for their brilliance & rarity. They have been a symbol of love language among couples and millennials for centuries now, capturing and winning hearts with their unbeatable sparkle and radiant beauty. With so many shapes to choose from, picking the right diamond shape might become quite daunting when choosing your engagement ring.

If we speak of trendy diamond shapes, oval and round cuts, both stand out in lending a remarkable sparkle that can be used to create and experiment with various ring styles. From the timeless elegance of round cut to the trend-setting allure of oval cut diamonds, check out everything you want to know about oval vs. round diamonds to pick a perfect diamond shape for designing your dream diamond engagement ring.

TABLE OF CONTENT

All About Round Diamonds & Oval Diamonds

Round Cut Diamonds

The round cut is one of the most popular and common diamond shapes. All thanks to the way the diamond is cut, that in turn, lends a lot of sparkle and radiance. Round diamonds are well known for reflecting light and making the stone eye-catchy and full of sparkle. These diamonds have more facets than any other diamond shape and more surface area to reflect light and create sparkle. The main reason why brilliant round cuts are so common is that they go well with any jewelry setting, whether it is a solitaire or halo style diamond ring, or a pair of earrings.

round cut diamond

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Oval Cut Diamonds

Oval cut diamonds are becoming more popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They offer a unique and elegant look different from the traditional round cut diamonds. Oval cut diamonds are similar to round cut diamonds as they are both brilliant cuts, meaning, they have many facets that create sparkle. However, the oval cut diamond gives out a more contemporary look due to its elongated shape. When compared to round cut diamonds Oval cut diamonds tend to look larger even if they have the same carat weight. This is because the oval shape has a larger surface area than a round diamond, which can make it appear bigger to the naked eye. Oval cut diamonds are an excellent choice for individuals who desire a bigger diamond without breaking the bank because they frequently cost less than round cut diamonds of the same carat weight.

Oval Cut Diamonds

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The Difference Between Round & Oval Diamonds

When it comes to oval vs. round diamonds, each has its own distinct properties. Personal preference eventually determines which of the two to choose. Let's examine the distinctions between oval vs. round cut diamonds in more detail.

Shape and Symmetry

The most obvious difference between oval vs. round diamonds is their shape. Round diamonds are perfectly symmetrical, with 58 facets that create excellent brilliance and fire. The oval brilliant cut diamond, on the other hand, has a more elongated shape, with 56 facets that create a unique pattern of light reflection known as the "bow-tie effect." The bow tie effect is when certain diamond cuts, like oval, marquise, and pear shapes, display a visible bow tie-shaped area in the center due to light refraction. This results in fainter brilliance and light leakage, and can vary based on cut quality and the stone itself.

Size and Appearance

Oval diamonds might look bigger than round diamonds of the same carat weight due to their elongated form. This is because the oval diamond's length to width ratio gives the illusion of a larger size. Oval diamonds can also elongate fingers and create a slimming effect. On the other hand, round diamonds typically feature a round shape that differs in carat weights but never in shape. Round diamonds are universal and have a classic, timeless appearance that can be versatile in a variety of settings.

Brilliance and Fire

Round diamonds are well-known for their exceptional brilliance and fire. They have a maximum reflection and display a beautiful, symmetrical pattern which hides inclusions and blemishes. Oval diamonds also display brilliance and fire, but the elongated shape can sometimes lead to less light return and a less symmetrical pattern. However, a well-cut, higher color grade oval diamond can still be quite brilliant and beautiful.

Setting and Style

Both oval vs. round diamonds can look stunning in a variety of settings. Round diamonds are often seen in classic settings such as solitaires and three stone diamond rings. Oval diamonds are fancy shapes well-suited for more modern settings, including split shank and halo styles. The elongated shape of oval diamonds can also be used to create a unique look when paired with side stones or tapered baguettes.

Setting and Style

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Price

Round diamonds are in higher demand than oval diamonds, making them more expensive. The round cut requires more skill to cut, and the cutting process results in more diamond loss, which adds to the cost. Oval diamonds, on the other hand, can be a more affordable option, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.

In conclusion, both oval vs. round diamonds are stunning and have distinctive qualities. Your preference, desired style, and setting are ultimately what determine whether to choose an oval or round diamond. The cut grade, price range, style, and diamond quality should all be taken into account when choosing between these shapes for an engagement ring.

Friendly Diamonds provides a vast array of premium diamond engagement rings including diamonds in princess, cushion, and pear shapes in addition to oval vs. round diamonds. We take great care and attention to detail while making our engagement rings to ensure that you get a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime. In addition, our website provides informational tools to assist you in picking the ideal engagement ring for your beloved.