Is Oval Diamond Cheaper Than Round?

Round diamonds are the most popular diamond shape, cut for maximum sparkle and everlasting elegance. However, there is another design that combines the traditional feel of a round with a more unique, modern twist: the oval diamond. While they may appear to be only slightly different, there is a lot to learn about how these two compare. In our ultimate oval vs. round diamond comparison, we're breaking down the important elements.

A diamond's sparkle is the undeniable flash of fire, brilliance, and scintillation that emanates from the stone with every movement. Because of its faceting structure and focused shape, the round cut diamond offers the highest brilliance of any diamond shape or cut.

Round and oval diamonds are both examples of brilliant cut diamonds. Brilliant cut diamonds are so named because they are cut in such a way that the diamond's brightness is maximised. Round diamonds, with their 58 facets, provide excellent white light reflection. Oval diamonds, which are commonly cut with 57-58 facets, have the potential to sparkle just as brilliantly as round diamonds.

In truth, because each oval is unique, assigning a 'light return' grade to it is quite difficult. The light-return profile of long and slender ovals must be substantially different from that of a short and spherical oval. Labs may be able to determine the light performance of a diamond based on its dimensions by introducing the length to width ratio as a new factor to consider. Until then, comparing the brilliance of oval shape diamonds based on dimensions remains tricky, and the best way to judge cut is to examine numerous diamonds and choose the one that looks best to you.

Diamond laboratories, such as the GIA, have developed a grading system to grade the brilliance of a diamond in order to describe this concept of brilliance. A diamond's cut is graded on a scale of Excellent to Poor using a rigorous formula that considers the numerous parameters of a diamond (table & depth percentage, crown & pavilion angles). To put it another way, there is a theoretical range of dimensions that allow outstanding light return. In addition to having superb symmetry, an ideally proportioned diamond should not be cut too flat or too deep; the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.

The brilliance of both the oval and round cut diamonds makes them ideal for concealing flaws and defects. Because of its faceting, each does an excellent job of concealing defects and blemishes around the sides of the stone, particularly ovals. You merely want to make sure the inclusions aren't too close to the girdle, as this increases the diamond's susceptibility to chipping with ongoing use.

While you can never completely prevent the bow-tie effect with ovals, we chose the ones that look nice with the least amount of bow-tie, and the end result is always a lovely design. Our advise to clients is to avoid oval diamonds with evident bow ties, but not to become overly fixated on this aspect. Finally, a lovely oval will create a lovely ring.

An oval diamond, on the other hand, can come in a range of shapes and sizes based on its length to width ratio. The length-to-width ratio of oval diamonds can range from 1.28 to 1.70. An extended oval will appear thin and long, with a length to width ratio greater than 1.5. A more rounded oval will appear wider and fuller, and will be more similar to the 1.3 ratio. The majority of oval diamonds have a 1.34 to 1.42 ratio.

Round diamonds are the most common diamond cut, and for good reason. They are classic and make the most magnificent, gleaming engagement rings. There will always be more round cut diamonds available in a variety of quality levels.

Because of the decreasing demand, oval diamonds are substantially less common. As a result, they are more rare than round cut diamonds. However, because ovals vary so much in shape and round cut diamonds do not, it may be much more difficult to find an oval cut diamond that meets your exact needs.

Round cut diamonds are often 10% to 30% more expensive than oval diamonds in a side-by-side exact quality comparison due to their great demand. This price disparity is primarily due to the significantly higher demand for round diamonds. However, the manner in which the two shapes are cut also has a role. When a diamond is cut into a precisely round form, up to 40% of the diamond rough is squandered. As a result, round cut diamonds are more expensive to create.

Round diamonds face a lot of competition as well, because every dealer has the majority of their stock in round, resulting in razor-thin margins. Rounds are also commoditized, owing to the fact that they are graded on cut.

Ovals have a little higher market inefficiency because they can't be easily compared based on the lab report alone, and the highest quality cut stones will be priced higher. Finally, comparing prices between the two shapes is complicated and unlikely to be fruitful. Our advise is to go with the shape that appeals to you the most and not be swayed by pricing.