You’ve been narrowing down engagement ring options and it’s time to commit to the shape of the stone. Straight lines were eliminated straight away. But even after you avoided those sharp corners, that still left a dazzling array of pleasing curves on the table. While you understand the appeal of pear-shaped rings and the charms of the cushion cut rings, you keep circling back to the round and oval ring selections. And that’s where you’ve been stuck.
If you are looking for a tiebreaker to nudge you one way or another, maybe Modern Gents can help. Whether you are weighing in on the ring that is going to be sitting on your own finger or shopping for your future fiancé, the following are some factors to consider.
Discover The Different Types of Engagement Rings
You Can’t Go Wrong with Either
If the choice is causing you anxiety, take comfort in knowing that you will end up with a lovely stone no matter what direction you take. Both round engagement rings and oval cut engagement rings are classics that remain trendy for good reason. On account of their enduring popularity, we have invested in them as a society, which translates to technical mastery for ring makers and abundant information for ring buyers.
Even though jewelers have been crafting them for hundreds of years, both cuts received a modern upgrade in the twentieth century. Marcel Tolkowsky reimagined round diamonds in 1919, while Lazare Kaplan’s 1957 innovations put ovals in their current orbit. So, even if you feel like you don’t know enough to make an educated decision, you will still likely walk away with a well-crafted piece of jewelry.
However, we’re confident we can help you make that educated decision! Here’s one easy way to stack them up against each other. Both cuts can do a lot with a little, but, as a general principle, round stones maximize sparkle and ovals maximize size.
‘The One and Only’ engagement ring in yellow gold
Round Stones Get the Most Out of Their Sparkle
If you are wondering why round gems have been far and away the most popular shape for so long, just reflect on their shiny disposition that sets them apart from even the scintillating company they keep. Simply put, there is no better shape than a round stone in terms of sparkle. The perfect symmetry of a round stone perfectly distributes the light.
That perfect distribution is so valuable that jewelers will often sacrifice extra material for the concentrated dazzle of a smaller, rounder stone. Not only does that brilliance catch the eye, it holds the gaze away from discolorations and interior imperfections. So, maximizing sparkle means minimizing the flaws.
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‘The Elena’ engagement ring in rose gold
Oval Stones Get the Most Out of Their Size
A round gem might outshine an oval stone, but the oval stone will appear about ten percent larger. What causes this optical illusion? The oval is simply spread out over a larger surface area. The elongation doesn’t just make the stone look bigger; it also pulls off the magic trick of complementing long, slender fingers while slimming shorter, thicker ones. So if size (whether it applies to finger or stone) is your main concern, an oval cut might be the way to go.
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Other Factors to Consider
Of course, the shape of the stone isn’t the only way to play up its sparkle or size, so that doesn’t have to be the only variable determining your decision. If you were drawn to round and oval stones because you were worried about catching the ring on something, remember that the oval ring is usually shallower, but takes up more real estate on the finger.
Or maybe you have questions about the traditional meaning of each respective shape? Like the circular ring band, the round cut is a classic way to symbolize the neverending nature of love. Oval cuts are sometimes favored by those who want a little more variation on that classic symbol.
If the choice still remains difficult for you, the good news is that Modern Gents offers a hassle-free return and exchange policy. So, you can still loop back around again, even after you make a purchase.
Shop All Affordable Engagement Rings from Mod Gents
FAQs
Round-cut diamonds are the most sparkly shape, so if lots of sparkle is important to you, you should choose a round-cut diamond instead of an oval-cut. Oval-cut diamonds are still very sparkly – they're just not as sparkly as the round-cut.
Is oval or round stone better for ring? ›
If you're trying to decide between an oval or round diamond, you can rest assured that both will have excellent symmetry and beautifully rounded edges. Oval diamond rings are ideal for elongating fingers, and they tend to look bigger than round stones with the same carat weight.
Do round or oval diamonds sparkle more? ›
The round cut diamond has the most sparkle of any diamond shape or cut due to its faceting structure and concentrated shape.
What does an oval engagement ring say about you? ›
The Oval Diamond
This bold cut suits an innovative, unique, sophisticated woman who is also a leader. Oval cuts have become one of the most up-and-coming, popular diamond shapes. This cut is great for those who love to stay ahead of the trends, but also love a classic, elegant aesthetic.
What is the most classy diamond shape? ›
Remember, these timeless shapes offer enduring elegance and dazzling beauty, ensuring your diamond ring remains a cherished treasure for years to come, but ultimately the choice is yours. The Unmatched Round Brilliant: A true icon, the round brilliant cut reigns supreme, and is considered the most timeless of them all.
What shape diamond holds the best value? ›
The most expensive diamond shape is the round brilliant cut. This shape is highly valued due to its exceptional brilliance, fire, and precision. Round diamonds tend to be priced higher than other shapes due to market demand, increased manufacturing costs, and their incredible sparkle.
Why choose oval engagement ring? ›
Oval Diamonds Can Look Larger
Oval diamonds appear larger than round diamonds because of their clever ovular shaping. Because the oval cut looks slightly extended, it also makes your loved one's finger look longer and more elegant — though it's already perfect, we know.
Why is a round diamond more expensive? ›
Round brilliant-cut diamonds are the most expensive because of the raw material lost and the intricacy of the cutting process. Most fancy shape diamonds are unable to match the fire, scintillation, and brilliance of a round shape diamond.
Why choose an oval diamond? ›
This particular cut enhances the diamond's brilliance and fire, allowing the colors to dance in the light. The oval shape also creates the illusion of longer, more slender fingers when worn in a ring, making it a popular choice for those looking for both style and grace.
What is the prettiest cut of diamond? ›
By far the most popular cut is the Round Brilliant, with it's fifty-seven perfectly aligned facets it's brilliance really does out-shine the others. Total internal reflection is the key here; light travels through the stone giving optimum sparkle and scintillation.
Round diamonds are also the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, diamond rings, and many other types of diamond jewelry. Around half of all diamonds sold today are round brilliant diamonds. On the other hand, cushion cut diamonds are considered a unique, vintage-style shape.
Is 2 carat oval diamond too big? ›
A 2 carat Oval diamond will attract plenty of attention and look bigger than most 2 carat diamonds, but they wouldn't be considered “too big” by most standards. The right diamond size for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste.
Which shape engagement ring is best? ›
Round-cut diamonds are the most popular diamond shape. They're also a universally flattering shape, no matter what your hands look like. You should also choose a ring that suits your tastes as well as your lifestyle.
Are oval or round diamonds more expensive? ›
Oval cut diamonds are less expensive per carat than round diamonds, they elongate the finger, they look huge for the weird, and they're seriously sparkly. Plus they've got this timeless, sophisticated vibe going on and we're pretty sure they'll be as popular in ten to twenty years as they are today.
What type of engagement ring looks biggest? ›
Best Diamond Shapes for a Big Look
The ones that carry mass at the top are marquise, pear, and oval cut diamonds. These diamond cuts are known as elongated shapes, and these elongated shapes actively contribute to the illusion of size.
Are oval diamonds trendy or classic? ›
An oval diamond engagement ring will look great with any setting, from vintage to modern, and it's not hard to see why. “Ovals are timeless for a very good reason!
Do round diamonds look big? ›
The answer is: it depends. Round-cut diamonds have the potential to look larger than other shapes, but it all comes down to how they're cut. If a round-cut diamond is cut too shallow, it will appear smaller. On the other hand, if it is cut too deep, it will look more prominent.
Why are oval diamonds so popular right now? ›
Their elongated shape creates the illusion of longer, slender fingers, making them a flattering choice for all hand sizes. It also amounts to more visual size. Plus, oval rings offer a unique twist for traditional solitaire or halo settings, perfect for couples who crave individuality.
