Finding the perfect engagement ring can be a challenge due to the abundant choices available. Among the decisions you’ll make, deciding on the shape of the diamond is one of the most important. Round and oval are the popular options, each boasting a distinct charm and allure.
While the classic round cut has long been the favorite shape, the oval cut is gaining acceptance for its elegance and modern appeal. However, there are several other factors to consider besides the shape when selecting between a round or oval engagement ring. These include brilliance or sparkle, style, imperfections, color, and price. Hereโs a detailed discussion about such crucial aspects:
- Brilliance Or Sparkle
The brilliance is essentially the white light reflected by a diamond.
Round diamonds boast the highest level of brilliance due to their enormous capacity to reflect light. Even a small round cut can have unmatched brilliance. If you want to explore the beauty of this shape further, itโd be best to shop round brilliant engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds, so you have an array of options.
The distinction between a round and an oval diamond is moderate. An oval diamond showcases brilliance that’s next in line after the brilliance of a round cut diamond.
A high level of brilliance can be a plus factor, but it doesn’t mean that round diamonds are the more exquisite option. An oval diamond with its elongated form can still exude luster with a captivating shimmer.
- Shape And Style
Knowing more about the shape and how it influences the style is crucial. Round diamonds have virtually the same shape, although they vary in terms of size. So, if you want one, go for a perfectly round cut. As for oval diamonds, they offer a better shape variety, ranging from short and wide to long and thin.
As for the style, both diamond shapes offer a timeless look. For a classic and traditional option, round works nicely. Oval still exudes a classic appeal but has a modern touch.
- Color
The color is also a vital factor to consider when choosing between a round and oval diamond.
Oval diamonds have a color grade one to two grades lower than the round cut. This means theyโre more likely to show more color due to a shallow cut, so a higher color grade is crucial if you want them to appear white to the naked eye.
On the one hand, round diamonds can hide color well due to their innate brilliance. Due to this, a lower color grade will still appear quite white.
- Imperfections
The brilliant appearance of round and oval diamonds makes them ideal for concealing blemishes or inclusions.
The faceting of the oval cut makes it effective at hiding certain imperfections. However, ensure that the blemishes or inclusions aren’t near the girdle since this increases the chances for the diamond to chip away over time.
The bow tie effect is a distinctive characteristic of oval-cut diamonds thatโs also present in other elongated shapes. If you closely scrutinize the stone, thereโs a visible shadow spanning the center width of the diamond. A prominent bow tie is something to avoid since it produces a darkening effect in the middle due to its inability to reflect light.
The bow-tie effect can be visible in most cases if the stone has a lower color grade. With this in mind, it’s best to choose a near-colorless option.
- Price
When it comes to the price tag, expect round diamonds to be slightly more expensive than the other shapes. The reason is the high demand on the market and the number of rough diamonds that go to waste during the cutting process. However, the capability of the cut to conceal inclusions and color imperfections makes it easier to find a good-quality round diamond at an affordable price range.
An oval diamond may be a suitable option for an engagement ring for those with budget constraints. Most are less expensive than round diamonds of the same carat weight since more rough diamonds are held during the cutting process. Additionally, the elongated form makes them look bigger than round diamonds with the same carat weight.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a round and an oval diamond for an engagement ring depends on various factors, especially your preferences, style, and budget. Both shapes showcase an array of stunning features, so carefully weigh each one’s pros and cons to find the perfect diamond for your engagement ring. But whichever shape you choose, an engagement ring remains as a symbol of love and commitment.
