Round vs Oval Cut Diamonds: Which Shape Is Right for You?
Round and oval cut diamonds are currently the two most popular shapes for engagement rings in Australia, and for good reason. Both are brilliant cut stones, designed to maximise sparkle, but they have distinct personalities. The choice usually comes down to the look you're after and how each sits on the hand.
The round brilliant
The round brilliant is the classic: the most researched, most refined diamond cut in existence. It has 58 facets arranged to return the maximum amount of light, producing extraordinary brightness and fire. It's symmetrical in all directions, so it reads the same from every angle.
Round diamonds tend to look slightly smaller face-up for their carat weight than ovals, but they're unmatched on brilliance. They're also the easiest cut to buy confidently, because the standardised cut grades give you a reliable indication of quality.
If you want a ring that won't feel dated, the round brilliant is a safe choice.
The oval cut
Oval cut diamonds have surged in popularity over the past several years, driven partly by high-profile celebrity engagements and partly by real visual advantages. An oval appears larger face-up than a round of the same carat weight, often 10 to 15% larger, because its elongated shape covers more surface area.
That shape also creates a lengthening effect on the finger. For someone who wants a ring that feels substantial without going up significantly in carat, and cost, an oval is a strong choice.
The trade-off: oval diamonds can show a bow-tie effect, a dark shadow across the centre of the stone, when the faceting isn't optimal. Selecting a well-cut oval means looking at the actual stone, or good photographs, rather than relying on grades alone.
Which should you choose?
Choose round if you value maximum brilliance, a classic look and easy quality comparison. Choose oval if you want a larger face-up appearance, a more distinctive silhouette, and something with current fashion momentum.
Explore our oval cut engagement rings and the full range to compare them side by side.
Explore Oval-Cut Rings at Una Diamond
If this article has convinced you to try oval, here's where to start:
- The Georgina, an oval-cut lab-grown diamond solitaire in 18K gold or platinum
- Browse all oval-cut rings