When it comes to a diamond purchase, the choice isn’t only about the size or clarity. The shape of the diamond also makes a significant difference in the way the diamond reflects the light upon it, and what appears to be the size of the diamond and how well it fits into your style choice. In the following round (comparison of shape) vs (comparison of shape) oval, (comparison of shape) emerald cut, two popular diamond cuts will be compared based on these factors.
Whether you’re buying an engagement ring, everyday jewelry or even an heirloom piece, it’s important to understand how these different shapes affect each other’s performance in order to make an educated and confident purchase.
Round vs Oval vs Emerald Cut: Diamond Shape Comparison
The shape of a diamond will create a very different appearance based on its cut. This round vs oval vs emerald cut diamond comparison focuses on the three most important attributes for many buyers when selecting a diamond: brilliance, proportion and overall appearance.
It is important to remember that no shape of diamond is better than any other; the right diamond cut will be determined by your individual preference. If you want a diamond that sparkles, is large in appearance or is architecturally elegant, a diamond cut that is right for you may not be the best choice for another buyer.
Classic Round Cut Diamond: Brilliance.
The round cut is the most studied diamond shape due to the precision engineering of its fifty-eight facets, which maximise the diamond's light return, allowing for unmatched brilliance.
In a comparison of the round cut and oval cut diamond, usually the round cut will provide more sparkle because it has a symmetrical shape reflecting the light evenly throughout the diamond, making it a great option for anyone who likes very bright jewels. Additionally, the versatile round cut will work very well in all settings; as a solitaire, halo or as a stackable style. Although round diamonds are the most commonly purchased type of lab-grown diamond, they not only have a traditional style but also provide a greater variety than round diamonds alone. Round diamonds are especially great for:
- Maximum Brilliance.
- Traditional/Timeless Design Styles
- Engagement rings, which will remain fashionable forever
Oval Cut Diamonds: Sophisticated & Elongated
An oval cut diamond is a softer and newer style of lab-grown diamond that allows for huge amounts of brilliance. The elongated shape of an oval diamond allows it to appear larger than both a round-cut diamond and an emerald-cut diamond.
The elongated shape of an oval diamond creates a more flattering look on the wearer's finger, compared to a round-cut diamond. Many buyers prefer oval-cut diamonds due to their ability to appear bigger than they actually are, combined with the "sparkle" they produce.
As well, oval-shaped diamonds are currently trending in trend-driven/contemporary style, so they are often used in modern, minimalistic engagement rings or bold statement jewellery, such as lab-grown diamond bracelets, which allow for elegance combined with everyday wear.
Oval cut diamonds may be ideal for:
- Larger visual presence.
- Sophisticated Contemporary Style
- Brilliance and Unique Silhouette
Emerald Cut Diamonds: Sophisticatedly Understated
Emerald cut diamonds differ significantly from round and oval cut diamonds. Instead of highlighting the amount of brilliance, emerald cut diamonds emphasise the clarity, symmetry and clean lines of the diamond. Emerald cut diamonds would be among the top contenders in any discussion comparing round or oval-shaped diamonds.
Emerald cut diamonds generally look quieter than round cut diamonds, exhibiting a reflective surface similar to that of a mirror, while round cut diamonds exhibit highly apparent colour reflections. Emerald-Cut diamonds come in unique designs with a unique cutting process.
Each of these diamond shapes has its own design and cutting process that weigh their importance and aesthetic appeal, creating a unique experience for the wearer. If you are looking into purchasing a diamond for yourself (as an engagement ring) or gifting it to someone else, there is a wide variety of designs to select from.
The definition of diamond is subjective based on what you want when you purchase a diamond. The shape most often associated with sparkle or "fire" is a Round-Cut diamond. The Oval-Cut diamond has the largest visual representation of the size of any diamond. The Emerald-Cut diamond is just as large and offers a great deal of space, but because its appearance is understated compared to an Oval-Cut diamond, it will not deliver the same effect that an Oval-Cut diamond does.
Round Cuts are classified as "traditional" diamonds and have been established as classic in style. Round Cuts represent elegance and are made for a gentle or soft look, while Oval Cuts offer a more contemporary or modern look for women who appreciate the softness of the Oval. If you appreciate a bold, structured look and a more refined overall design, then the emerald-cut may be the best fit for you.
The decision on which diamond shape is best for you will frequently depend on your personality style and how you intend to style or wear the diamond (e.g., statement piece, daily wear, or special event).
Frequently Asked Questions
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What shape of diamond offers the most sparkle?
The round shape of a diamond has the largest number of facets produced for sparkle. Round diamonds also offer the most brilliance because they are set with the largest number of facets available. After round-cut diamonds, the oval-cut diamond has the second greatest amount of brilliance. The emerald-cut diamond focuses on clarity and should be your best choice for maximum elegance.
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Which engagement ring shape is preferred: round or oval?
In the battle for superiority over one another, the oval-cut diamond loosely offers the most extensive visual appearance for the size of the diamond, while Round-Cut diamonds produce the highest levels of sparkle. It will always come down to personal preference.
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Is an emerald-cut diamond smaller than a round-cut diamond?
The emerald-cut diamond has fewer sparkling facets than the round diamond and typically presents a more elegant and enhanced overall appearance when placed upon the hand. The Emerald-Cut diamond creates an entirely different overall effect and creates a perceived more significant illusion of elegance at the expense of the loss of brilliance compared to round-cut diamonds.
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What shape of diamond is more likely to show impurities?
The emerald shape is considered the "step-cut" shape, which makes it easier to see the diamonds displayed under a flow of impurities. This is the primary difference between the oval and emerald cut for the sake of the purity of your diamond.
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Are diamonds grown in labs available in these shapes?
All three shapes - round, oval, and emerald - are typically available in both lab-grown and pre-engineered sources and offer you the exact visual characteristics of each shape, but with more modern sourcing methods.
The comparison between the round shape, oval shape, and emerald (or tapered) shape will be only one factor in your decision on what will be the best choice for you; your final determination will also require testing for how you will incorporate it into your life, personal taste, and what you want from the diamond.