Engagement rings are one of the most expensive purchases we ever make. In fact, around twenty percent of couples splurge on a ring that costs over ten thousand dollars.

That's why it's so important to pick a ring that your future partner will love. Oval and round engagement rings are both popular right now - but which is right for your loved one?

Let's go through the differences between round vs oval engagement rings.

What Are Round Engagement Rings?

Obviously, round engagement rings feature a round stone, while oval rings feature an oval stone. But there are so many other differences you'll need to consider.

Because round engagement rings are well, round, the stone on the ring will be evenly shaped. Some people may prefer more symmetrical rings.

However, it's important to note that round engagement rings tend to be a lot more expensive than oval engagement rings. In fact, they're more expensive than any other stone type. 

If you're looking for something more creative, however, you'll probably want to stay away from round engagement rings. They're the most popular ring type, so odds are that you know someone with a similar ring. 

If you're trying to find the right engagement ring, make sure you sit down with your future fiancé and ask them what they're looking for in an engagement ring. After all, with any luck, they'll have the ring on their finger for the rest of their life.

People who have nice hands with long fingers may want to consider a round-cut ring. They don't have to worry about downplaying any insecurities they might have about their hands.

What Are Oval Engagement Rings?

Because oval stones are not evenly shaped, they come with different design options than round rings. Long vertical stones, can give an engagement ring a more dramatic look, but they can also cause problems for people who work with their hands a lot. You'll have to consider the utility of the ring a lot more carefully when choosing from oval engagement rings.

Oval stones also offer a lot of variety in terms of the stone itself. You might be interested in thinner, longer stones, or shorter, wider ones. Both are available when you're shopping for oval-stone engagement rings. 

One unique feature of oval engagement rings is the bowtie effect. This is where you'll see a shaded area reflected inside the stone that looks like a bowtie. The bowtie effect isn't only seen in oval-cut diamonds, but it is most visible in these rings.

If your future partner is bothered by the bowtie effect, you'll probably want to choose a round stone shape - or another cut that isn't affected by the bowtie effect. On the other hand, some people love the look of the bowtie effect and want it incorporated into their rings.

Oval stones hide imperfections better than round stones, so if you're looking at lower-clarity options an oval cut might just be the ticket. However, you can get away with lower-quality colors when you're choosing round stones, so there is some leeway there. 

When you're choosing an oval engagement ring, it's important to pay very careful attention to the quality of the cut. This stands out a lot more with oval rings than with round ones. 

One perk of oval engagement rings is that they tend to look bigger than they actually are, so if you're looking to impress with the size of your ring you should definitely consider choosing an oval stone. 

You can also consider an east-west setting for an oval engagement ring, one where it sits on its side. These are a great choice if you're looking for something that's not commonly seen in an engagement ring.

Similarities Between Oval and Round Engagement Rings

Oval and round engagement rings do have a lot of similarities. They're both very classic ring cuts, found in a wide array of different style options.

If you're looking for sparkly stones, round and oval cut diamonds are your two best bets when it comes to radiance. However, the cut, clarity, color, and size of the stone you choose will also affect the ring's radiance, so don't choose one of these cuts sight unseen. 

Oval and round engagement rings both suit a wide variety of settings. Like more stones, they can work in a solitaire or three-stone ring setting. But they can work in more unusual setting options too!

Oval and round cut stones can also complement other stones in other cuts on a ring. They can even be used together, such as on an infinity band with a repeating pattern.

Choosing an Engagement Ring

Oval and round engagement rings are clearly both versatile choices. Before you commit to one, ask your fiance what their preference is. Once you have an idea of what ring cut they want, you can dig more into the specifics.

You'll want to figure out what type of metal your fiance usually wears. They might have an allergy to a certain metal. And, you'll want to ensure that the ring you choose meshes well with the rest of their jewelry.

Round vs Oval Engagement Ring: Now You Know

Hopefully, you now understand the difference between a round vs oval engagement ring, and you can decide what's right for your loved one.

Do you need more help planning your proposal? We're here to help. You can find a wide array of articles on this blog that can give you the advice you need.