Round brilliant and oval cuts are two of the most popular styles when it comes to diamond engagement rings. While the round brilliant cut presents the best shape to show off a diamond’s dazzle, the elongated form of the oval is undeniably flattering on all.
Whether you have found yourself stuck deciding between the two, or are simply looking for more information regarding the similarities and differences of the two types of cuts, you have come to the right place. Learn all there is to know about round brilliant and oval cut diamonds, and find yourself one step closer to your dream engagement ring.
What is a round brilliant cut diamond?
A round brilliant cut is a circular diamond cut which consists of 58 facets designed to beautifully reflect the light; 33 on the crown and 25 on the pavilion. The origins of the round brilliant cut date back to the 17th century, although the form we see today is most like the Old European Cut of the 1800s.
Since this time, the round brilliant has remained one of the most popular cuts for engagement rings and other diamond jewellery, due to its ability to reflect light in the most dazzling way, showcasing the very best trait of the precious gemstone.
What is an oval cut diamond?
Oval cut diamonds are another classic diamond shape, commonly used in engagement rings and fine jewellery. Oval diamond cuts are a symmetrical and elongated version of the round brilliant, possessing a sparkle that is similar to a round cut. Oval cuts are sold in ratios ranging from 1.30 to 1.60, a bigger ratio results in the cut being more narrow whilst a smaller ratio results in a rounder shape.
The shape is particularly popular amongst those seeking a twist on tradition. Its elongated form is often praised for its ability to look flattering on almost any hand, making fingers appear longer and more slender. And its stretched surface helps diamonds look larger than round cut stones of the same carat weight.
Round cut vs oval cut - What are the differences?
Clearly, each diamond cut has its own individual set of properties. To help you choose between two cuts, or to at least better understand them, we delve deeper into their attributes, including their brilliance, size and price.
| Round Brilliant | Oval | |
|
Shape |
Perfectly round |
Elongated with rounded edges |
|
Style |
Traditional and classic, can be set in a range of different ways, including solitaire, halo, 3 stone and cluster |
Modern and unique, can be set in a range of different ways, including solitaire, halo, 3 stone and cluster |
|
Brilliance |
Round brilliant cuts showcase a diamond’s brilliance in the best possible way |
Oval cut diamonds have impressive brilliance, but it will be less intense than a round cut |
|
Size |
Carat weight is presented compactly and evenly distributed |
Elongated surface area makes same carat weight appear larger |
|
Price |
More expensive |
More affordable |
Shape
The shapes of these cuts are just as they sound; round and oval. Round cuts are perfectly circular in shape. They can differ in size but not in shape.
The oval cut on the other hand is available in a variety of forms, from skinnier to wider or long to shorter. All however, have rounded edges, are symmetrical and are elongated in some way.
Style
The Round cut is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. Its versatility means that it can compliment any setting type, including solitaire, halo, 3 stone and cluster designs, allowing you to make the popular cut your own. Its classy and elegant appearance also makes it ideal for everyday wear for many years to come.
Oval cuts are also elegant and classic, however, they are often chosen by those who want something a little different from the traditional circular design. The elongated feature of the oval cut gives the illusion of skinnier fingers and blends seamlessly into the curves of the hand.
Brilliance
The many facets of the round brilliant cut enable the diamond to interact with light in the most beautiful way. This results in more brilliance compared to oval cuts. Although oval cuts do not possess the same level of brilliance, they are still exceptionally sparkly and follow closely after round cuts.
Some oval cuts have a bow-tie effect present which refers to a shadow that resembles the look of a bow-tie in the centre segment of the stone. The stone's value is affected by the intensity of the bow-tie present in the stone; the more intense the bow-tie is, the less valuable the stone will be in the market. Fortunately, round cuts are less impacted by this bow-tie effect.
Size
Oval cuts are known to have a larger surface area than round cuts, making diamonds appear bigger than the same carat weight cut in a round brilliant shape. The shape of the oval also gives the illusion of a bigger stone because of the top to bottom sequence. This makes sense as round cuts store most of their weight below the top surface, while oval cuts have a larger table area.
Price
Round cuts are usually more expensive due to popular demand and a difference in quality. Therefore, it is likely you will find an oval cut diamond engagement ring in the same quality as a round brilliant cut at a more affordable price.
Although, when purchasing an engagement ring other factors such as setting and metal type can have an impact on price too. For this reason, it is recommended to look at the entire design of an engagement ring, rather than its cut alone in order to find a style that suits your budget.
Which is perfect for you?
If you are someone who loves traditional and timeless pieces of jewellery, the round brilliant would be the perfect choice for you. It is an elegant cut that will last you a lifetime and will always stay on trend.
On the other hand, if you are someone that prefers to stand out and wants something a little bit different, the oval cut is a modern style that will not go unnoticed. The oval cut features a combination of traditional and modern elements, packaged in a shape that flatters most fingers and offers what appears like a bigger diamond for a more affordable price.
Think you have settled on the perfect diamond cut for your ring? Browse our collections of round brilliant cut and oval engagement rings to find the design of your dreams.
