Since you have landed on this page, it is safe to say that you have an affinity towards diamond ellipses (circles and ovals). However, you aren’t sure which to choose, a round diamond or an oval diamond. If you need help deciding between a round diamond and an oval diamond for your engagement ring, you are in the right place. Below we have a thorough comparison of round vs oval diamonds. After reading everything below, you should be able to confidently make a decision that you know you will be happy with for many years to come.
ROUND VS OVAL DIAMONDS
It’s obvious that the biggest difference between a round diamond and an oval diamond is the shape. However, there is more to consider than just the shape, as with a change in shape and cut comes contrast in other aspects of the diamond, like sparkle, imperfections, size, and even price.
As such, we will be basing our comparison of round vs oval diamonds on the following:
- Style
- Sparkle
- Imperfections
- Size
- Shape
- Popularity & Rarity
- Versatility
- Price
We hope that after running through the information below, you will be able to decide which is right for you, a round diamond or an oval diamond.
Style
Both round and oval shaped diamonds have been around since as early as the 17th century. However, the modern round and oval brilliant versions that we all know and love today are products of the 20th century.
The round brilliant diamond was developed in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, and the modified brilliant oval diamond was created by Lazare Kaplan in 1957.
Round brilliant diamonds and oval shaped diamonds were instant classics right from the start. They both provide a timeless look that is perennially popular. Neither the round nor the oval diamond will ever go out of style.
That said, if we had to differentiate said “style”, we would say the round brilliant is more traditional, classic, and standard, and the oval is classic yet unique.
So, if you want a diamond that is absolutely traditional, elegant, and can never do wrong, a round brilliant is the one. It is the quintessential diamond shape and the industry standard. However, if you want a diamond that is more unique but also undeniably classic and sophisticated, the oval diamond is a great choice. And although the oval diamond provides a unique look, it is still a lot more understated and versatile than other fancy diamond shapes, such as marquise and heart shape diamonds.
Sparkle
When it comes to sparkle, aka brilliance, the round cut diamond is the most brilliant of all diamond cuts. This is due to the way round brilliant diamonds are faceted and their concentrated shape. With round brilliants, you will get maximum fire, brilliance, and scintillation.
Now, even though the round brilliant diamond provides the most sparkle, oval diamonds are also incredibly brilliant. After all, it is a brilliant cut diamond.
Brilliant cut diamonds, aka modified brilliants, are essentially round brilliant diamonds with a modified shape, which means they use a similar method of faceting (many small facets). The shape and symmetry is the only reason the degree of sparkle is different. Shape and depth play a significant role in the diamond’s light performance. It’s not only about facets.
Among brilliant cuts, the oval diamond is one of the most radiant. The shape and design allows for optimal fire, brilliance, and scintillation.
All in all, both round and oval diamonds will give you sublime sparkle, but if you want the absolute maximum sparkle, a round brilliant is recommended.
Important note: Sparkle doesn’t just come down to the shape of the diamond. The 4C’s (color, clarity, cut and carat weight) play an even more important role in a diamond’s sparkle. So, while a round brilliant diamond will sparkle a bit more than an oval diamond of similar cut, color, and clarity grade (and size), some oval diamonds can be more brilliant than round diamonds simply because they are of a higher grade. Learn more about the 4Cs.
Imperfections
Speaking of the 4Cs…there are certain imperfections regarding the 4Cs to consider when comparing round vs oval diamonds.
Round brilliants don’t show color imperfections as much as oval diamonds. This means when choosing a round diamond, you can get away with a lower color grade than you can with oval diamonds. This is because oval diamonds are shallower. So, while round brilliants cost more, generally speaking, you won’t have to go for such a high color grade. Whereas with an oval diamond, you do want to pay more attention to the color grade if you want a diamond that is colorless to the naked eye.
Another thing to consider is the bow-tie effect. A bow-tie effect is a dark patch in the middle of a stone where light isn’t reflected. A round brilliant diamond will never have a bow-tie, no matter if it is poorly cut or not. However, oval diamonds can have the bow-tie effect due to their elongated shape, so it is something you want to pay attention to.
Note: “Bow-Ties” are not necessarily a bad thing. Some people actually like the visual effect they create when the diamond is on an engagement ring. Nevertheless, it is important to know about the bow-tie effect and to avoid diamonds with glaring prominent bow-ties.
In terms of clarity, you will have to mind the clarity grade for a round brilliant more than you do an oval diamond. Oval diamonds hide inclusions and blemishes better than round brilliant diamonds, especially near the sides of the stone.
In a nutshell, with round brilliants, cut and clarity are top priority, whereas cut (symmetry and polish) and color are most important for an oval diamond.
Size
The size of a diamond is referred to as carat weight. Both round and oval diamonds come in many different carat weights.
Besides carat weight, you have dimensions. The dimensions of a diamond can make a difference to how big it looks and its light performance.
The two most important aspects to pay attention to are the table size and depth.
- Ideal table percentage for a round brilliant is 54-57% and the ideal depth percentage is 59-63%
- Ideal table percentage for an oval diamond is 53-63% and the ideal depth percentage is less than 68%.
Look for a diamond within this range and you will maximize both shine and size.
Do oval or round look bigger?
Oval diamonds appear larger than round brilliants of the same carat weight because they are elongated and their surface area is more spread out due to them being more shallow. Oval diamonds are said to look around 10% bigger than a round brilliant diamond of the same carat weight.
A nice contributing factor to the elongated shape of oval diamonds is how they compliment both short and slender fingers. An oval diamond will complement thin, long fingers and it will make short fingers appear slimmer. It’s a win-win no matter what kind of fingers you have!
Shape
When we say shape, we are, of course, going to refer to more than just the obvious, which is round diamonds are round and oval diamonds are oval…
With round diamonds, they will always be perfectly round. After all, a circle is always consistent in its shape. With ovals, they can vary in shape – fat, wide, long, slender. Just like the shape itself, oval diamonds differ in shape.
So, when you are buying a round diamond, you don’t need to think about the shape, just the table and depth percentage. However, when buying an oval diamond, you need to consider its actual shape.
Length-to-width ratios typically range from 1.30 to 1.66. This gives you a lot of options. The classic ratio will be around 1.45-1.50. Nevertheless, there is no right or wrong, you can choose the oval shape you prefer. Some people like longer ovals that make their fingers look slender, whereas some people prefer a wider oval that is similar to a round brilliant. The choice is yours, it’s all about preference, which makes oval diamonds even more unique.
Popularity & Rarity
Round brilliant diamonds are far and away more popular. The industry has made it this way. For around every 25 round brilliants, you will find one oval diamond. Round brilliants are simply produced in greater quantities. This makes oval diamonds a rarer sight to see.
All that said, oval diamonds are still a popular choice comparing to other diamond shapes. In recent years, the oval diamond has become one of the most popular options. Current standings rank as follows: round, cushion, oval. Any of these options will be considered trendy yet classic. They are all perennially popular, with the round brilliant leading the front.
Versatility & Setting Choices
Both round and oval diamonds are extremely versatile. They can be used in any kind of jewelry, albeit the round brilliant is a little more versatile on this front thanks to its ability to be used as an accent diamond very easily.
In terms of engagement ring settings, oval and round brilliants look fantastic with any kind of setting – i.e. solitaire, halo, three-stone.
Thanks to oval and round brilliant diamonds not having any sharp edges or corners, they are much harder to chip or damage. This means you won’t need extra protection for your ring setting, allowing more of the diamond to show and shine.
Note: With oval diamonds, you have an additional setting option called the east-west setting. An east-west setting places the oval horizontally rather than vertically.
Price
When it comes to price, the 4Cs are the primary determinant of the price of a diamond. However, when comparing similar quality round vs oval diamonds, you will find that oval diamonds typically cost 20-30% less than round brilliants.
There are two reasons why round brilliants are more expensive. First, there is more demand for round brilliants. Second, and most importantly, there is considerably more diamond rough wastage when cutting a round brilliant diamond.
All in all, the round brilliant is the most expensive diamond shape of them all. However, the 4Cs must be considered as a high grade oval diamond can be far more expensive than a low grade round diamond.
ROUND OR OVAL DIAMOND, WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Choosing between a round vs oval diamond comes down to personal preference. Which is better can only be determined by you. Both round and oval diamonds are fantastic choices. You can’t go wrong with either as they are both timeless in style.
To sum up the above points…
Choose a round brilliant diamond if:
- You want the most traditional and classic style.
- You’d like the most brilliant diamond shape.
- You want more options when purchasing a ring.
- Budget is not a concern.
Choose an oval diamond if:
- You want a timeless yet unique style.
- You’d like a larger-looking diamond.
- You want to save a little money.
- You want your engagement ring to stand out from the rest.
Whatever choice you make, you are bound to have a classic engagement ring that you will love forever.
BUY OVAL AND ROUND DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS & JEWELRY IN BOCA RATON
Diamonds By Raymond Lee has so many beautiful rings and jewelry with round brilliant and oval diamonds. If you shop with us, you will have tons of stunning, high-quality options to choose from. We also have the best prices and all of our diamonds come with grading reports from GIA, which is the most reputable diamond grading laboratory in the world.
Have questions for us, please feel free to reach out to us. We are always happy to help lead you in the right direction, as to make your shopping experience informative and headache-free.
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