Oval vs Round Cut Diamonds

 

Bottom Line…

• While round cut diamonds is the most popular diamond shape, oval cut diamonds are slowly becoming the second most popular shape.
• Round cut is the standard and its prices are like a commodity with very little room for margins. If you buy a round diamond from a competitive site like James Allen , you can be sure that there could be only 5% ups or downs with its  prices elsewhere, nothing more.
• While round diamonds are known for their spread and brilliance, so should be oval cut diamonds. They have amazing spread and surface size as well brilliance because they combine the faceting style of round and marquise cut diamonds .
• While bow-tie effect is not an issue in round cut diamonds, it can be an issue in oval cut diamonds. Therefore, use technologies like James Allen’s ultra HD videos to assess the diamond before buying a loose diamond online.
• In conclusion, if you are after what is standard in the industry, go for a round cut. However, if you want something different, but still want to play it safe, go for an oval cut diamond. Ovals are exceptional investment options after round.

Overview…

The round cut is the most popular and provides remarkable fire and brilliance. About 75% of people choose round cut diamonds.

Nonetheless, the oval shape which has a similar cut also provides comparable fire and brilliance. So should you still go for the round diamond?

The choice of a cut is not always that simple. Each of these two diamond shapes has unique characteristics.

We will discuss the characteristics of the oval and the round cut in depth below. This will help you pick the right stone.

Size and Shape…

When shopping for an engagement ring, the apparent size of the stone is something you need to consider. It can have an impact on the style and the perceived value of the diamond. After all the goal is to purchase a ring that leaves a lasting impression.

The greater apparent size of the oval cut can accentuate your fingers and give the engagement ring a unique style. When we look at an oval, as opposed to a round shape, we tend to size it up from top to bottom. This not only makes it look bigger, but also gives it a greater overall surface area.

The round shape is considered to be the most popular and classic among shoppers. However, the oval shape is becoming more and more famous by the day. First, it is considerable less costly and has a unique style. With the oval shape, it is possible to get more shapes and styles.

The round shape makes the diamond more durable than stones made with other fancy cuts. But the oval has the same advantage. They don’t have sharp edges that can chip off.

This will however depend on the quality of the cut. Since the oval is likely to yield more irregular shapes and symmetry, it is effectively more prone to damage.

Variety of Styles…

Another thing you need to remember is that fingers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some people have short and chubby, while others are long and slender fingers.

So when it comes to style, there is no shape that will be ideal for everyone. The round shape is considered the most popular and most recognizable classic style. But it is not ideal for all shapes and sizes of fingers.

The round cut is perfect for long fingers. But it is not as flattering as the oval cut. Round shapes may differ in size but they are always the same shape. The oval shape provides a greater variety of suitable styles, especially for those with short, chubby or petite fingers, to choose from.

Ovals come in different ratios. The ratios may range from 1.30 to 1.66. The most common ratio is 1.45 which is closer to the traditional style. For those with short chubby and petite fingers they are more ratios available so that they can choose the most flattering ring.

Considering both the size and shape of the stone can help you get an even more flattering ring. Small stones are ideal for smaller fingers. People with small and short fingers are best suited by a small oval stone. Those with long chubby fingers should choose a round or oval of a considerable size.

Class and Sophistication…

Both cuts are considered to be sophisticated and classy. They are, therefore, suitable for engagement rings and most types of elegant jewelry. After all they are made from a similar cut that is designed to enhance their sparkle and brilliance.

However, round diamonds are more popular for those looking for diamond engagement rings, since they have considerably more fire and brilliance. The main problem with the oval shape is the bow-tie lines that can be seen in some of the stones. They not only impact the quality of the fire and brilliance but also how you shop.

While GIA grading may indicate whether a stone has blemishes, it does not indicate whether it has bow-tie lines. Yet bow-tie lines are an important consideration to make when you are buying a stone. The oval cut almost always has these lines. They range from easily discernible to barely perceivable with the naked eye.

So what does this mean?

When going for an oval shape you need to examine them closely. Keep in mind that the bow-tie is best seen when the stone is face up. This also means you need to be discerning when buying diamonds online. Pictures you view on a website may fail to indicate the extent and true nature of the diamond.

The Implications of Symmetry…

The symmetry of the stone is not that significant for round cuts. Although, round cuts have the disadvantage of creating more waste during the process of cutting. This is part of the reason why they are costlier.

But symmetry is most critical when choosing an oval diamond. The two opposite points need to be perfectly aligned; otherwise the whole piece will look odd. Not all cuts are perfect. So shoppers have to pay attention to any uneven symmetry that can be discerned on the oval stone.

Stone Settings…

The stone setting is another important factor that you should not ignore, especially when choosing an engagement ring. When it comes to setting, there are two factors you need to balance, brilliance and durability of the stone.

Setting can affect the brilliance of an oval cut stone. For example, in a prong setting the more prongs you have the more the sparkle and fire will be compromised. Also, it hides part of the stone and can potentially ruin its style. But fewer prongs may fail to protect the diamond from impact.

The Solitaire, Prong and Bezel are the most popular ring settings. The solitaire raises the stone so that it is visible and reflects light. Oval shapes have a lower brilliance than round shapes. So you need to consider the prong size and ensure it doesn’t compromise on brilliance.

But you also need to remember that the fewer the prongs, the more unsafe the stone will be. Bigger stones will require more prongs. This shouldn’t be a big problem even for the oval cut, since a larger stone reflects more light.

Round cut diamonds typically have 4 or 6 prongs. They do not require a lot of stability, thanks to their even circular shape. Oval diamonds can be in 4, 6, or 8 prongs. The slightly more pointed edge of this cut requires more prongs for safety.

The oval shape is a top choice for those looking for a ring to accentuate their style. The halo may therefore be another good choice for an oval shape.

The halo makes the stone appear larger and increases the overall sparkle of the stone. It can accentuate a small stone improving its brilliance. It also has the effect of elongating the stone on the ring. The elongating effect is suitable for those opting for an oval shape to make their fingers appear longer.

The Color Grade…

Every diamond buyer should be aware of the discrepancies that exist between the grade, and the perceived characteristics and quality of the stone. Two diamonds may have the same grade, but when examined next to each other, one may show more imperfections.

Both round and oval shapes do not easily show color. They arrangement of their facets disperses light more effectively and makes color less discernible. This is an advantage when you are choosing a setting made of platinum or gold.

The nature of color grading is that it is not always the same as when assessed by the naked eye. So you can need to check the stone and examine its color. You can buy a low grade stone for these shapes and reduce the cost of the ring. Since oval cut diamonds are less costly, you can work with an even tighter budget than with a round stone.

Purchase and Cost Savings…

The cut of the diamond is often considered to be the most important factor for brilliance. But the cut is not the only thing you need to consider. Even if brilliance is what is the most important factor to you.

Round cuts are very popular. They are not as problematic when it comes to settings, brilliance or showing blemishes, color and inclusions. But they can be unnecessarily expensive. Especially, when the other factors are not carefully considered.

Oval shapes can help you save money. They are not as in demand as their round counterparts. There are also other advantages such brilliance and concealing colors. Nevertheless, due to the bow-tie effect and the issue they can have with symmetry, they need to be closely examined before a purchase is made. The round cut is the most ideal choice when price is not an issue and you are looking for brilliance. Still, you need to consider all factors carefully to get the best deal.