Oval vs Round Diamond: Which One to Choose?

Choosing a specific cut can be quite a task when comparing different cuts in the diamond world. Each cut has its own uniqueness and beauty and is suitable for different occasions but still drawing a comparison between two cuts is especially difficult and even more, so when both are as famous as the oval cut and the round cut.

These two cuts have been around for centuries and with the round one prevailing in the diamond market, but does that make it better or just more accessible?

 
It can be quite confusing when choosing between the two so we have brought you a detailed guide as to what’s the difference between a round cut diamond and an oval cut diamond. Along with all you need to know about how similar, yet how different both of them are in comparison. Which one will suit your budget and which one will suit your style, let’s find out!

What is a Round Cut Diamond?

The round cut diamond is the oldest and most popular diamond cut. It is the market’s favourite diamond. The round cut diamond is a classic cut that is extremely popular amongst engagement ring designs. The name round cut diamond of course suggests that the diamond has a round table and a conical pavilion.

Shape	Carat	Cut	Color	Clarity	Price
round	2.36	Ideal	I	VS1	$600 $571	View
round	2.83	Ideal	I	VVS2	$732 $697	View
round	3.02	Excellent	F	VS1	$1415 $1348	View
round	2.71	Ideal	I	VS1	$688 $655	View
round	2.87	Ideal	F	VVS2	$25068 $1403	View
round	3.01	Ideal	E	VS1	$883 $841	View
round	2.29	Ideal	D	VVS1	$1551 $1477	View
round	2.17	Ideal	H	SI1	$794 $611	View
round	2.07	Excellent	E	VS1	$1678 $1426	View
round	2.28	Ideal	I	VS1	$2267 $1700	View
round	2.10	Excellent	J	VS1	$1773 $1330	View
round	2.19	Ideal	H	VVS2	$951 $713	View
round	2.30	Ideal	J	VS2	$1405 $1054	View
round	2.41	Ideal	J	VS1	$1501 $1126	View
round	2.32	Excellent	J	VS1	$1447 $1085	View
round	2.31	Ideal	J	VS1	$1440 $1080	View
round	2.50	Very Good	J	VS1	$5707 $4280	View
round	2.00	Very Good	F	SI1	$1032 $774	View
round	2.27	Ideal	I	VS1	$835 $626	View
round	2.05	Ideal	F	VVS2	$1560 $1170	View

What is an Oval Cut Diamond?

The lab grown oval cut diamond has now gained a lot of popularity because it definitely makes for a grand piece of jewelry be it a ring, a necklace, an earring, pendant or any other piece of jewelry. The oval table and the short pavilion make for a flatter but bigger-looking diamond.

Shape	Carat	Cut	Color	Clarity	Price
oval	2.09	Ideal	F	VVS1	$1324 $1261	View
oval	3.00	Ideal	F	VVS2	$987 $940	View
oval	3.03	Ideal	F	VVS1	$2065 $1967	View
oval	2.77	Ideal	G	VVS2	$813 $774	View
oval	2.35	Ideal	D	VVS2	$1374 $1309	View
oval	2.03	Ideal	E	VVS1	$1176 $1120	View
oval	2.49	Ideal	D	VVS1	$2451 $1838	View
oval	2.22	Ideal	G	VS1	$1896 $1422	View
oval	2.09	Ideal	F	VS2	$2224 $1668	View
oval	2.20	Ideal	E	I1	$712 $534	View
oval	2.01	Ideal	E	VS1	$789 $592	View
oval	2.23	Ideal	E	VVS2	$11409 $8557	View
oval	2.11	Ideal	E	VVS2	$10820 $8115	View
oval	2.00	Ideal	D	VS2	$10047 $7535	View
oval	2.87	Ideal	G	VVS2	$1736 $1302	View
oval	2.12	Ideal	F	VS2	$872 $654	View
oval	2.16	Ideal	E	VVS2	$1027 $770	View
oval	2.00	Ideal	F	VS1	$855 $641	View
oval	2.06	Ideal	L	VS2	$487 $365	View
oval	2.00	Ideal	H	SI2	$1467 $1100	View

Similarities in Round and Oval Diamond

Round and oval diamonds, despite their differing shapes, share several similarities. You get a curvy appeal, along with great brilliance in both diamonds. Both diamond cuts make for exceptional pieces of jewelry, especially engagement rings.

Both round and oval diamonds are subject to the same criteria regarding diamond grading standards. The Oval and Round cut diamonds have a similar finished look.

Oval vs Round Diamond

The round cut diamond has older origins than the oval cut diamond. It is used much more in the market today and hence is a more popular diamond but for the same reason, it might become a common choice if you choose to buy a round cut diamond.

In contrast to this, an oval cut diamond is much less in demand and hence makes purchasing an oval cut diamond a very unique choice. Only in the last few years have people started using the oval cut diamond for statement pieces.

A round cut diamond has a higher brilliance than an oval cut diamond due to the depth of its pavilion and the internal refraction in the diamond. The oval cut diamond has a wider table and shallower pavilion, hence even though the brilliance comes second to the round cut diamond, an oval cut diamond has much more fire, which is colored reflection inside the diamond.

Round vs Oval Diamonds:  The Bow Tie Effect

 
The bowtie effect is one of the biggest disadvantages of an oval cut diamond. The diamond cut is fancy and hence authorities like the GIA do not give grading to these diamonds which often leads to poor cut diamonds being floated in the market.

The bow-tie effect happens when a diamond has been poorly cut and hence the light at several points exists in the diamond creating a shadow inside a diamond that looks like a bow-tie, hence the name. If you do go ahead in choosing an oval cut diamond make sure you proof-check it for the bow-tie effect.

Oval vs Round Diamonds: Sparkle Comparison

The sparkle of a diamond is the dazzling play of light it emits with every movement. Among diamond shapes, the round cut stands out for its superior sparkle, thanks to its specific faceting structure and concentrated shape.

Both round and oval diamonds belong to the brilliant cut category, designed to maximize brilliance. Round diamonds, with 58 facets, reflect excellent white light. Oval diamonds, with 57-58 facets, have the potential to sparkle as much as round diamonds.

To evaluate brilliance, diamond labs like GIA use a grading scale ranging from Excellent to Poor, based on strict criteria like table and depth percentage, crown and pavilion angles. The ideal cut balances these factors for optimal light return. However, lab grown oval diamonds don’t receive a cut grade due to their diverse shapes, making it challenging to standardize light return assessment.

Assigning a ‘light return’ grade to oval diamonds is tricky because each oval is unique. Factors like length to width ratio may help labs gauge light performance in the future. For now, comparing multiple diamonds based on personal preference remains the best way to choose a well-cut oval diamond.

Oval vs Round Diamonds: Size Perception

When comparing the size of oval and round diamonds, a few factors make ovals seem larger. Due to their elongated shape and weight concentrated toward the top, ovals appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

This is supported by the overall surface area on display. Ovals look approximately 10% bigger than round diamonds of similar weight. Additionally, because ovals have a longer length and a shorter width, people often instinctively perceive the oval’s size based on its length rather than its width.

Oval vs Round Diamonds: Variety

Round diamonds are always the same shape – round. They vary in carat size but remain uniform in shape.

In contrast, oval diamonds offer a range of shapes and sizes based on their length to width ratio. Elongated ovals (ratio > 1.5) appear thin, while rounded ovals (ratio ~ 1.3) look wider. Most oval diamonds fall within a 1.34 to 1.42 ratio.

For example, the oval ring on the left has a 1.30 ratio, appearing more rounded. The one on the right has a 1.52 ratio, showcasing a longer and thinner appearance.

Oval vs Round Diamonds: Which One is More Expensive?

Round cut diamonds have a much higher demand than oval cut diamonds and hence their price range is relatively more than an oval cut diamond. An oval cut diamond is easier to cut. Even the making charges of both the diamonds differ, due to which the oval cut has a lower manufacturing rate. 

To put it in perspective when you go for a less clear diamond, round-cut diamonds can still be fairly expensive. But if you go for a less clear diamond in the Oval cut, you can get a pretty good deal on its price.

For example, let’s consider two diamonds with similar specifications except for their shapes:

If you are smart enough to choose your diamond, you may be able to get a ‘lesser grade diamond’ at a lower price with inclusions and abnormalities that are not detectable by the naked eye.

Round or Oval Diamond Cut Diamond Ring, Which Style to Choose?

Oval and round cut both are curved diamonds but one might be more suitable to your own personal style statement than the other. An Oval cut diamond is suitable for you if you like a more grand diamond and you prioritize fire over the brilliance of your diamond.

Designs You Should Consider Buying if You Prefer Oval Cut Diamonds:

Oval Bezel Ring

A bezel set oval diamond ring is a classical and evergreen design. A bezel setting places more focus on the central diamond and generally an oval cut diamond looks clean and almost perfect in the setting. We assure you, that a bezel setting with a paves-cut diamond band never fails to amaze. 

Oval Cluster Ring

A cluster ring setting is an absolute head-turner because the presence of multiple diamonds gives extra dazzle to the diamond. You can choose to go with the same size of smaller diamonds or go ahead with a big central diamond surrounded by multiple smaller diamonds, both designs are quite stunning.

Oval Diamond Band Ring

This ring basically plays with the band of the diamond and you can go ahead with different prong settings or you can use different effects like the bow-tie effect to give grandeur to the ring. You can choose to go with a white platinum pave set band if the simple look is a little underwhelming. 

Oval Diamond Halo Ring

A halo oval diamond ring is a popular design because of the symmetry it offers. It adds extra drama to the central diamond by placing smaller diamond accents around the main central diamond. We suggest you go with a white platinum setting because it only adds to the brilliance of the whole design.

Oval Hidden Halo Ring

The hidden halo ring is a new adaptation of the classic halo ring design. The hidden halo ring consists of a halo beneath the diamond and this makes the diamond appear bigger from the side because the halo adds height to the central diamond. The hidden halo ring adds extra sparkle on the side. 

Oval Solitaire Ring

The solitaire ring is the most widely bought engagement ring. It is one design that never goes out of fashion. The central oval diamond is the show stopper and if you have a higher-carat diamond, then this design is the best to show it off. 

Oval Three Stone Ring

A three stone ring works best with a four-prong setting. We suggest that along with the beautiful central oval diamond you choose rhombus-shaped diamond accents because they add width to the central diamond making it look bigger. The design is quite brilliant and beautiful.

Oval Vintage Ring

An Oval cut diamond is one of the best-suited diamonds for vintage and old designs. Vintage designs often had a pave set or dome set band with small milgrain details along with diamond accents complimenting the central diamond. Vintage rings also often sport minor nature-related details that look exquisite on a diamond ring. 

Designs You Should Consider Buying if you Prefer Round Cut Diamonds:

Round Bezel Ring

A round-cut bezel ring is suited for both men and women. It is one of the very few engagement ring designs which is unisex and looks great on both. The classical way to go about bezel diamond rings is a plain gold band with a round-cut diamond.

Round Cluster Ring

A round cluster diamond ring comes in many variations. You can go with a single central large diamond or choose multiple colored diamonds along with a big central diamond. Cluster rings tend to have higher brilliance and fire due to the presence of multiple diamonds and you can choose other band designs. 

Round Diamond Band

Round diamond bands are yet another design that is suitable for men and women. They are quite contemporary and offer many variations as well. The three most popular settings with this design are gypsy settings, channel settings, and pave cut settings. The metals to go with this design are white gold and platinum.

Round Halo Ring

The round halo ring is a simple clean design with a lot of dazzle and great diamond accents to add to that dazzle. It is often said to be one of the best designs there are for an engagement ring. You also can customize the design on your own by selecting a fancy band style.

Round Hidden Halo Ring

The round hidden halo ring is a simple design that is not so simple. The design has a halo of diamonds beneath the main central diamond. The design is contemporary and it does have other variations in it. The design is quite versatile and multiple mental bands and band settings work with this design.

Round Solitaire Ring

The round solitaire is the best-selling engagement ring design. You can choose between a four-prong or six-prong setting. Platinum is one of the best metals to go with a solitaire design. If you are going for a higher clarity grade then definitely this is the best design to show this off. 

Round Three Stone Ring

The three stone diamond ring is another evergreen design. It looks great especially if you pair it with two marquise diamonds. The brilliance of the central round cut diamond is further enhanced by the two diamonds. Three stone round cut diamond engagement ring is a great symmetrical and clean design.

Round Vintage Ring

Round vintage rings are often with a lot of details inspired by nature. Round vintage designs can also be inspired by the art deco period. The bands generally have milgrain details along with small diamond accents embedded in the band. Vintage designs never go out of style.

Conclusion

The diamond world is filled with beauty but at the same time, there are a lot of different specifications you need to keep in mind before you select a diamond. 

As not every beautiful diamond suits every occasion it is better if you choose one that suits you and your style. Before investing a lot of money in a diamond purchase you need to make sure that you thoroughly go through all your options and compare them so you end up choosing the best one.

In the end, the round cut diamond is considered the best type of diamond when ranked according to popularity and accessibility, this also leads to it being more expensive. While the oval cut diamond is considered to be more unique but equally risky to buy without proper certification.

We at Loose Grown Diamonds make sure each and every one of our diamonds is certified by reputed institutions like GIA and IGI. Each diamond is manufactured by us and put in front of the consumers to buy directly, without any involvement of a middle-man. Check out our store for more details.

FAQs

What is the primary difference between oval and round diamonds?
Oval diamonds have an elongated, elliptical shape with pointed ends, while round diamonds are perfectly circular.

Which diamond shape appears larger, oval or round?
Generally, oval diamonds appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape, which creates an illusion of greater size.

Do round diamonds cost more than oval diamonds?
Generally, round diamonds are priced slightly higher per carat compared to oval diamonds of similar quality due to the higher demand and the loss of more rough diamond during cutting.

Do oval engagement rings look bigger than round?
Yes, oval engagement rings often appear larger than round diamond ones of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape.