When it comes to popularity, the round brilliant diamond cut has always ranked highest among the different shapes one sees on the market. Lately, though, there has been a surge in the preference for some relatively unusual cuts like the oval, which has also set their popularity soaring. It has gotten to the point where many diamond shoppers want to find out how the oval cut compares with the original round diamond cut.
Some detractors would no doubt say that oval engagement rings could not approach round brilliant ones magnificence by a long shot, but experts do agree that that oval cut has a charm all its own, which makes it a worthy addition to a lot of different jewelry designs. Following is a look at how the oval cut stacks up against the traditional round cut.
Based on Sparkle
The round cut is the one that delivers the maximum sparkle out of the different diamond cuts, owing largely to its concentrated shape and faceting structure. It is, in fact, the shape that delivers the best brilliance, fire, and scintillation from a diamond. An oval cut lags in behind a little in terms of sparkle, but it still falls in the category of “brilliant cuts”. Its faceting structure is very similar to what you see in the round shape. Overall, the sparkle of the oval cut is substantial, and not something to consider too small.
Based on Size
The first time you see an oval cut stone, you would likely tend to measure it from top to bottom, in which case it would look a lot bigger than its actual size. This is not just an illusion though; an oval cut stone is bigger by about a tenth when compared to a round cut stone. When you choose the former, you are actually getting more diamond size for your buck, which has got to sweeten the deal a bit.
Based on Price
One reason why the oval cut figuratively outshines the round brilliant is that it costs so much less. It is much more affordable at about 30% less, because of the fact that it is not in as much demand. Close to three-fourths of shoppers pick the round brilliant given the chance. It also bears noting that the oval cut causes less wastage of rough compared to the round cut, which entails losing up to 40% of the original stone. For those on a tight budget, it’s always best to go with the oval cut if they have the choice available.
Based on the Variety in Shapes
Concerning a round cut, you only ever see the one shape even though there may be differences when it comes to size. Oval cuts, contrastingly, come in a range of shapes, which has to do with their length-to-width ratio. You can get something that looks thin and slender, something that appears wide and squat, or anything in between. The normal ratio extends from about 1.30 to 1.66, which means the variety of options you have there stays high in comparison to a round brilliant. 1.45 is widely considered to be what they call the classic shape, although longer ovals are best for adorning more slender fingers.
Based on Rarity and Availability
Oval diamonds are less in demand, but because of this, they are also rarer on the market, and less available. Round cut stones are run of the mill when you step into a jewelry store, and there is a much higher chance you will find something to suit your style there. With an oval-cut stone though, it can be very difficult coming by the exact specifications that you were looking for. This also makes ovals a more unique choice, if you want to look at that as a pro instead of a con.
Based on the Bow-Tie Effect
In this one space, the round cut scores because there is no instance or variation where it ever shows a bow-tie. Contrastingly, long shapes such as ovals, pears, and marquises do sometimes—you see a visible bow-tie or horizontal line running through the center when the stone is viewed face-up, which is something every diamond shopper needs to avoid if they have a choice. Although if the bow-tie is not severe, you can go with it as long as it does not impair the stone’s beauty at first sight.
Regarding shape, both the round and the oval cuts can look stunning based on how they are set, whether as solitaires or vintages, or even tension-set. Neither possesses a sharp edge or corner that makes chipping a serious possibility, which means no extra protection is needed in terms of setting on the band. Round diamonds are considered the more classic choice, and trace back several centuries, which makes them too traditional for some people’s tastes. In such cases, something more visually unique like the oval can be exactly the thing to buy.