Round vs Oval Diamond Faceoff

What makes them different?

Round and oval diamonds are both brilliant cut stones that are very lively and give off an amazing amount of of sparkle!  Both have completely rounded edges and great face up dimensions relative to other diamond cuts making them very attractive as center-stone options for an engagement ring.  However, they have some differences that you should review before making a decision on which one is right for you.  An oval’s elongated shape creates the illusion of an even greater size because of its weight distribution which also causes the sparkle to be more spread out and perhaps less intense.  Round diamonds are truly a classic cut and the weight is evenly distributed throughout the stone.  Because a round has a more compact shape it will have a great concentration of fire and brilliance.

There are also different shapes of ovals; some are long and slender while others are wider and fuller.  This will be determined by the oval’s length-width ratio and most prefer a ratio between 1.3:1 and 1.5:1 as this will create the most balanced, desirable shape.  Having the ability to choose the exact type of oval shape you would like is another reason why it can make for a unique choice as your engagement ring. Rounds on the other hand are cut to exact specifications and have a nearly perfect symmetrical round shape.   With limited variations on how they are cut, there are less variables to be aware of when selecting a round center diamond which can in fact make it a safer choice.

What suits you best?
Round Brilliant cut diamonds are best suited for someone that is searching out a very classic and traditional look.  Round diamonds are considered to be timeless and will certainly remain in style for years to come as they are the industry standard for which all other diamond shapes are measured against.  Because of its precise cutting style, the sparkle factor is unparalleled so you can be certain to get a diamond that will always dazzle.   This shape also is the best at both hiding inclusions and tint of color from the naked eye as the brilliance and sparkle will overshadow these negative effects. With all things being equal, a round diamonds will be more expensive than an oval diamond.

While Ovals are no doubt very elegant, they would be ideal for someone that is seeking a bit more of a unique look.  This shape is very versatile and someone with longer hands may want to consider an oval cut diamond to complement them while someone with shorter hands may want to consider this shape to add the illusion of length.  Because of the variations in cutting styles within oval diamonds, there are many factors to look into before selecting the right stone. Also, oval diamonds are known for giving off more color and with more stretched out facets inclusions can be more easily noticed.

Engagement Ring Styles for Each Shape

The real beauty of both these diamond cuts is that they look great in nearly every engagement ring style you can think of.  Their soft-edged appearance lends itself well to be complemented by side stones, pave settings and all halo designs.  For round diamonds, some may prefer solitaire as they want to showcase the sparkle of the center-stone while others prefer to complement with a pave band (see model # RS-198 shown to the right).  And if you really want to jazz it up adding a cushion framed halo around this diamond will give it an even greater appearance.

Similarly speaking, ovals look great resting on top of a delicate pave band which makes the center-stone stand out even more.  Many clients have also fallen in love with the rose gold look and find this subtle metal color to add a nice touch of detail to their oval engagement rings such as model# RS-220 from our website.  Of course, you can discount the halo designs such as our delicate micro-pave oval halo design model RS-128 style which has become a huge hit with many.

Choosing the right diamond for you is truly a matter of personal preference and determining what may look best on your hand.  Also, consider which style of engagement ring you are interested in as this will be a determining factor as to which diamond cut to select as the centerpiece.  At Lauren B, our diamond engagement ring advisors are available to guide you every step of the way and ensure you end up with the perfect diamond shape for your even more perfect engagement ring.