With their elongated round shape and unique look, ‘fancy’ oval cut diamonds are trending more than ever. This alluring shape is all about romantic elegance and a sleek modern appearance, making it a stunning choice, especially for engagement rings.
But how well can it hold up when compared to other popular diamond shapes, and is it right for you? Keep reading to find out.
Oval vs. Round Diamonds
Both timeless and classic, round is perhaps the most coveted of all diamond shapes. Round-cut diamond’s brilliant faceting (usually 58) ensures that your stone delivers maximum sparkle, brilliance, and fire. And while oval diamonds may not be a classic, they are still a timeless choice, when compared to a round-cut engagement ring. Since the oval cut is a combination of the round brilliant and pear shape cutting styles, you can also expect your diamond to light up a room with just as much envy-inducing fire and sparkle. However, for absolute maximum sparkle, a round-cut diamond is recommended.
Additionally, oval-cut diamonds tend to appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight and make the fingers appear slimmer. Finally, when it comes to an oval engagement ring vs a round-cut engagement ring, oval diamonds are cheaper than round diamonds.
Oval vs. Emerald-Cut Diamonds
Although originally designed only for emeralds to intensify their lush hue, today, the emerald cut is one of the most popular shapes for diamonds. This elegant cut defines the diamond in an elongated, rectangular shape and features chiseled step cuts with straight linear facets.
Both emerald-cut and oval-shaped diamonds are elongated and give the wearer’s fingers a slender look. However, the emerald-cut isn’t as brilliant as the oval-cut and will show the imperfections and inclusions present within the diamond more clearly than an oval-shaped stone.
While both these cuts are great in their own ways, if maximum sparkle is your goal, we suggest you opt for oval-shaped diamonds. However, if you’re looking for a classy and charming look, then emerald-cut would be the ideal diamond shape for you.
Oval vs. Cushion Diamonds
Cushion diamonds can be either rectangular or square in shape but have subtle rounded curves around the edges – just like a pillow. This shape is typically known for its large facets and can easily rival the brilliance and fire of a round-cut diamond. Although oval-shaped diamonds are intensely brilliant, they still are less sparkly when compared to cushion-cut diamonds.
But oval diamonds win over cushion-cut diamonds in terms of size, and typically they will appear to be larger simply because of their elongated length. However, since cushion cuts are squarish, they will produce a fuller effect on the finger than an oval cut due to its width.
Oval vs. Pear Shaped Diamonds
Also known as teardrop diamonds, pear-shaped diamonds feature an enlarged rounded bottom with a smaller pointed top. While the two shapes look seemingly different from each other, they actually have a lot in common. For instance, both of them produce a slimming effect on the finger due to their elongated shape. Also, they are both cut in a brilliant style and wow with oodles of sparkle and radiance.
Although it’s pertinent to note that since the pear-shaped diamonds have a pointed tip, they can chip easily if you are not careful. So, if you are opting for this shape, we’d recommend a protective setting like a bezel setting.
On the whole, when it comes to choosing between these two diamond shapes, it’s best to choose one based on your preference. If you’re looking for a bold and trendy shape to complement your outgoing personality then pear would be an ideal pick. However, if you’d rather keep it romantic and elegant, then we say choose the oval shape.
Oval vs. Princess Diamonds
After round-cut diamonds, princess-cut diamonds are the second most sought-after diamond shape. While this one easily catches the eye thanks to its dazzling square shape and contemporary appeal, what makes it truly special is the way it radiates the colour of the diamond; not just through the centre but in each of the corners as well. If you prefer your gem to be on the rectangular side, you’ll be happy to know that you will easily find rectangular variants of this cut too.
Just like oval-shaped diamonds, princess-cut diamonds are brilliantly cut too. However, one of the important things to remember while buying a princess-cut diamond is that since they have pointed edges, they are more vulnerable to chipping and are more likely to snag onto clothes. So, with this shape, you’ll have to be more mindful and may have to get your prongs retipped when they start to snag. On the other hand, the oval-shaped diamond, with their rounded edges are less likely to. So, if you’re someone with an active lifestyle then an oval shape would be apt for you. Lastly, in terms of cost, oval-shaped diamonds cost about 20% less than princess-cut diamonds.
Oval vs. Marquise Diamonds
Marquise diamonds look similar to oval diamonds in shape, but they’re pointed and look leaner as the ends are stretched out. They’re also referred to as ‘navette cut’, French for a little boat, as their shape mimics that of a small ship.
Both oval and marquise diamonds offer an elongated shape and have a slimming effect on the wearer’s finger. Additionally, they’re both brilliantly cut and tend to be more sparkly than other diamond shapes.
However, the oval-cut tends to feel more classic and timeless. The marquise, on the contrary, exudes a modern and flamboyant look. Also, since they’re pointed at the edges, they are more likely to chip or snag onto clothing. So, if you’re someone who’s on the go or has a rough usage, we’d say oval-cut diamonds would be a better match for you.
All in all, between the two, select the shape that helps you flaunt your personality while keeping your lifestyle in mind.
