Are Oval Cut Diamonds More Expensive?

Selecting the perfect diamond is an individual journey, reflecting your distinct style and preferences. Among the initial critical decisions is choosing the right diamond shape. The debate often comes down to a choice between the classic round cut and the elegant oval cut. While the round cut is renowned for its timeless popularity, this very popularity often results in a higher cost. On the other hand, if you're seeking a diamond that delivers outstanding brilliance but is more budget-friendly, then the oval cut emerges as a compelling choice.

This guide aims to compare the oval cut with both traditional and more modern diamond cuts. When considering an oval shaped diamond, it's important to understand how it stacks up in terms of cost and appearance. Generally, oval cut diamonds are less expensive than their round counterparts, offering a more affordable alternative without compromising on the sparkle and allure.

Moreover, we will explore how the oval cut fares against other fancy shapes like the pear cut and the marquise cut. These cuts also offer unique aesthetic appeals but differ in price and brilliance aspects. By understanding these nuances, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with both your personal taste and budget considerations. Keep in mind that while cut diamonds are less expensive in some shapes, it doesn't diminish their beauty or worth as a cherished gem.

 

What Is an Oval Cut Diamond?

With its gracefully elongated shape, the oval cut diamond marries the brilliance of a round cut, ensuring that light reflects optimally and the stone displays fire and brilliance, with a distinctive and elegant silhouette. Crafted with 58 facets, oval diamonds boast a remarkable sparkle, often outshining many other fancy-shaped cuts. 

In recent years, oval cuts have grown in popularity due to their affordability and the fact that the larger surface area creates the illusion of a bigger diamond, regardless of its actual carat weight. 

Consider an oval cut pink diamond for something even more unique:

 

Oval Diamond and The 4Cs

No two diamonds are identical, and their overall quality is determined by the renowned 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat.

Cut

When searching for a quality oval diamond, the ideal depth is 58-63%, with a table of 53-63%. Symmetry plays a pivotal role; avoid stones with an egg-like or pointed shape, ensuring a balanced and pleasing appearance.

Diamonds with elongated shapes, including ovals, marquises, and pears, have what's known as the bowtie effect. Light blockage causes this bowtie effect, which appears as two darker triangles in the center of the stone, forming the shape of a bowtie. Some people consider the bowtie undesirable, while others embrace it.

Clarity

The high brilliance of oval cuts can mask imperfections, making them less noticeable to the naked eye. Aim for a clarity grade of SI1, VS2, or higher to ensure the diamond maintains its dazzling appearance while minimizing visible flaws.

Thishighly desirable Clarity Grade of VVS2 Diamond:

 

Color

Oval cuts may reveal yellowish tones more prominently than round diamond cuts. Selecting a stone with a color grade of H or better is advisable to mitigate the visibility of any yellow hues. The hue is more apparent in larger stones, so when selecting one that is 2 carats or larger, prioritize higher color grades such as F or G for a pristine and colorless appearance.

Carat

One of the standout advantages of an oval diamond is its ability to appear larger than its actual carat weight. This illusion stems from the larger surface area of the stone, creating the perception of a diamond approximately 10% bigger than its actual carat weight. Additionally, the elongated shape of the oval diamond, when set on the finger, enhances the appearance of size, making it an attractive choice.

 

Are Oval Cut Diamonds More Expensive?

Oval diamonds are surprisingly affordable in the realm of fancy shapes. Oval diamonds can be 10-30% cheaper than a round cut diamond of similar quality. This affordability stems from a combination of factors. Oval cuts are less popular than round cuts, contributing to their lower market demand. They also lose less 'rough diamond' in the cutting process, making them less expensive. This leads to the beauty of the oval cut: you can spend less money on the carats but still get a stone that looks bigger than its weight.

 

Engagement Ring: Ideal Settings for Oval Cut Diamonds

Selecting the right setting for your oval cut diamond is as crucial as choosing the diamond itself. The setting serves as the stage, enhancing the diamond's beauty and complementing your style. Some popular settings for oval cut diamond engagement rings include:

Halo Settings: Smaller diamonds encircle the center stone in a halo setting, amplifying its size and adding an extra layer of sparkle. This setting not only enhances the overall appearance of the diamond but also adds a touch of glamor.

ThisHalo Diamond Ring features a stunning Fancy Brown Diamond:

Solitaire Settings: A timeless choice, solitaire settings allow the oval diamond to take center stage. With minimalistic elegance, this setting showcases the diamond's beauty without distractions, making it a sophisticated option.

Three Stone Settings: In this setting, the oval diamond is flanked by two other stones, often diamonds or gemstones. This arrangement is rich in symbolism, with some individuals interpreting the three stones as representing the past, present, and future. The three stone setting provides versatility and an opportunity to personalize your ring with contrasting or complementary stones on either side of the oval diamond.

This unique take on a three stone ring features a 3.74 carat blue tanzanite with two shield cut diamonds:

 

Pros and cons: Buy an Oval Cut Diamond

When choosing a unique and modern engagement ring, an oval cut diamond is a standout option. Originating in the 1960s, these popular diamonds blend classic style with a distinctive twist. Before deciding on an oval diamond ring, it's essential to weigh its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

1. Affordability: Compared to round brilliant cut diamonds, oval cuts are more budget-friendly. You can get a bigger stone for the same price, and due to its shape, an oval diamond appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat.

2. Enhanced Sparkle: Oval diamonds are known for their intense sparkle. The cut grade of these diamonds ensures brilliant light reflection, making them a dazzling choice.

3. Flattering Design: The elongated shape of oval diamonds can make fingers look slimmer. It's a perfect oval shape that adds elegance to any hand.

4. Practicality: The absence of sharp edges in oval cuts reduces the risk of snagging and damage in daily wear, making them a practical option for everyday use.

5. Variety in Settings: Oval diamonds offer versatility in settings, from the less obtrusive four-prong to the more secure six-prong or a full bezel setting.

Cons:

1. Bow Tie Effect: The main downside is the potential 'bow tie effect,' where a shadow in the diamond's center can occur due to its cut. This varies in visibility across different stones.

2. Highlighting Flaws: Oval cuts can make inclusions more visible. Choosing a diamond with higher clarity (VS1 or above) and color grade (G or above) is essential for a quality oval diamond ring.

 

Best settings for Oval Cut Diamond Ring

Oval cut diamonds, known for their elegance and affordability, are a splendid choice for engagement rings. Their unique oval shape and cut quality make them less expensive than traditional round diamonds, offering a brilliant alternative. When selecting an oval engagement ring, consider how the diamond cutter has shaped the stone to maximize its brilliance and visual appeal.

The solitaire setting is a popular choice, showcasing the oval cut on a shiny or pavé-set band, emphasizing the diamond's beauty. For those seeking extra sparkle, a halo setting with smaller diamonds surrounding the oval cut is ideal, paired with a simple or pavé-set band. These settings not only accentuate the elongated shape of the diamond but also its brilliance.

In diamond buying, especially for oval engagement rings, the choice of metal plays a significant role. For diamonds lower on the color scale, like I and J grades, opt for warmer metals such as yellow or rose gold to mask any yellowish tint. Conversely, for near-colorless stones (E-G grades), white metals like platinum or white gold highlight the diamond's crisp whiteness.

When pairing an oval cut engagement ring with a wedding band, consider the shape and setting style. A curved cluster wedding band complements the oval shape well. Different diamond shapes can also add intrigue and dimension to the ensemble.

In conclusion, finding an oval cut diamond that you like involves considering the cut quality, setting style, and metal choice. These elements ensure that your oval engagement ring stands out for its brilliance and timeless elegance.

 

Round Diamond

Round diamonds have long been a symbol of timeless elegance and style. With their 58 facets offering exceptional brilliance, these round brilliants are a testament to nearly a century of advanced light behavior theories and meticulous mathematical calculations. The result is a diamond that maximizes both fire and brilliance, making it a beloved choice for those seeking to make a statement of commitment.

Interestingly, approximately 66% of all diamonds purchased are round cuts, highlighting their enduring popularity. Their classic, symmetrical shape not only exudes a timeless appeal but also enhances the diamond's overall appearance, making color and inclusions less noticeable compared to other shapes. This is why round diamonds also tend to be a popular choice for engagement rings, embodying both tradition and elegance.

In terms of versatility, round cuts offer a wide array of setting styles, allowing for a high degree of personalization. Whether it's a simple solitaire setting or a more intricate design, round diamonds adapt beautifully to various styles, ensuring that each piece is as unique as the person wearing it.

While round diamonds are indeed sought after, it’s worth exploring options like oval and round diamonds. Oval cut and round cut diamonds share many similarities, yet the elongated shape of the oval can make the diamond appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This can be a significant advantage for those desiring a bigger appearance without the higher cost typically associated with larger diamonds.

However, it's important to note that oval cut diamonds can sometimes be less expensive than round ones, offering a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on the allure and brilliance of the stone. In fact, when comparing diamonds of similar quality, oval diamonds can provide a perception of being bigger than a round diamond, making them an attractive choice for many.

Ultimately, whether you choose a brilliant round or an elegant oval, the beauty of these gems lies in their ability to capture light and reflect it in a dazzling display of brilliance. It's always recommended to see the diamond in person to truly appreciate its unique characteristics and ensure it meets your expectations. Whether it’s for an engagement ring or a special piece of jewelry, the choice between a cut and round cut diamond will always come down to personal preference and style.

 

Final Verdict: Oval vs. Round Cut Diamonds

Choosing between oval and round cut diamonds often hinges on personal taste, style preferences, and budget considerations. Both shapes exude classic and versatile appeal, making them favorites among diamond enthusiasts. For those seeking to maximize sparkle and make a statement without breaking the bank, the oval cut diamond is a perfect choice.