Two shapes dominate Australian engagement ring searches right now: oval and emerald cut. Both are elongated and elegant. But they're very different in character — and the right choice depends on personality, lifestyle, and what you want the ring to say.
The oval cut
The oval diamond has been Australia's most popular engagement ring shape for years. The elongated silhouette creates the illusion of a larger stone face-up — a 1ct oval typically appears larger than a 1ct round brilliant — and it's extraordinarily flattering on the finger. Oval cuts also hide inclusions well, which means you can often choose a slightly lower clarity grade without affecting visible appearance.
Watch out for the "bow-tie" effect — a shadow across the centre caused by light leakage. A well-cut oval minimises this significantly. At Una Diamond, the Georgina is our signature oval solitaire — clean, confident, and timeless.
The emerald cut
The emerald cut is architectural where the oval is romantic. Its step facets create a deep, glassy "hall of mirrors" effect — completely different from the sparkle of a brilliant cut. It's a more understated, sophisticated look that has been growing strongly in Australia through 2024–25.
Emerald cuts are less forgiving on clarity — the open table makes inclusions more visible. We recommend VS2 or better for emerald cuts. Explore our emerald-cut collection, including the Celina east-west setting.
Price comparison
Both shapes generally cost less per carat than round brilliants. Emerald cuts typically run slightly less than ovals per carat, though the clarity premium can offset this. As lab-grown diamonds, both represent exceptional value.
Which should you choose?
Choose oval if your partner loves romantic, flattering aesthetics and wants maximum visual impact. Choose emerald if they gravitate towards clean lines, geometric style, and quiet sophistication. Not sure? Book a free styling consult and we'll help you decide.
Related reading
Comparing shapes is only part of the decision. See what carat actually means to understand stone size, and save our guide on how to clean your engagement ring at home for after your ring arrives.