Round vs. Oval Engagement Ring: Which Is Right for You?

You’ve been narrowing down engagement ring options and it’s time to commit to the shape of the stone. Straight lines were eliminated straight away. But even after you avoided those sharp corners, that still left a dazzling array of pleasing curves on the table. While you understand the appeal of pear-shaped rings and the charms of the cushion cut rings, you keep circling back to the round and oval ring selections. And that’s where you’ve been stuck. 

If you are looking for a tiebreaker to nudge you one way or another, maybe Modern Gents can help. Whether you are weighing in on the ring that is going to be sitting on your own finger or shopping for your future fiancé, the following are some factors to consider.

You Can’t Go Wrong with Either

If the choice is causing you anxiety, take comfort in knowing that you will end up with a lovely stone no matter what direction you take. Both round engagement rings and oval cut engagement rings are classics that remain trendy for good reason. On account of their enduring popularity, we have invested in them as a society, which translates to technical mastery for ring makers and abundant information for ring buyers. 

Even though jewelers have been crafting them for hundreds of years, both cuts received a modern upgrade in the twentieth century. Marcel Tolkowsky reimagined round diamonds in 1919, while Lazare Kaplan’s 1957 innovations put ovals in their current orbit. So, even if you feel like you don’t know enough to make an educated decision, you will still likely walk away with a well-crafted piece of jewelry. 

However, we’re confident we can help you make that educated decision! Here’s one easy way to stack them up against each other. Both cuts can do a lot with a little, but, as a general principle, round stones maximize sparkle and ovals maximize size. 

‘The One and Only’ engagement ring in yellow gold

Round Stones Get the Most Out of Their Sparkle

If you are wondering why round gems have been far and away the most popular shape for so long, just reflect on their shiny disposition that sets them apart from even the scintillating company they keep. Simply put, there is no better shape than a round stone in terms of sparkle. The perfect symmetry of a round stone perfectly distributes the light. 

That perfect distribution is so valuable that jewelers will often sacrifice extra material for the concentrated dazzle of a smaller, rounder stone. Not only does that brilliance catch the eye, it holds the gaze away from discolorations and interior imperfections. So, maximizing sparkle means minimizing the flaws. 

‘The Elena’ engagement ring in rose gold

Oval Stones Get the Most Out of Their Size

A round gem might outshine an oval stone, but the oval stone will appear about ten percent larger. What causes this optical illusion? The oval is simply spread out over a larger surface area. The elongation doesn’t just make the stone look bigger; it also pulls off the magic trick of complementing long, slender fingers while slimming shorter, thicker ones. So if size (whether it applies to finger or stone) is your main concern, an oval cut might be the way to go. 

Other Factors to Consider

Of course, the shape of the stone isn’t the only way to play up its sparkle or size, so that doesn’t have to be the only variable determining your decision. If you were drawn to round and oval stones because you were worried about catching the ring on something, remember that the oval ring is usually shallower, but takes up more real estate on the finger. 

Or maybe you have questions about the traditional meaning of each respective shape? Like the circular ring band, the round cut is a classic way to symbolize the neverending nature of love. Oval cuts are sometimes favored by those who want a little more variation on that classic symbol. 

If the choice still remains difficult for you, the good news is that Modern Gents offers a hassle-free return and exchange policy. So, you can still loop back around again, even after you make a purchase.