Is Oval Diamond Cheaper Than Round? A Comprehensive Guide to Diamond Selection

Introduction

Can true luxury also be truly ethical? With the rise of ethical consumerism, more individuals are considering the impact of their purchases, especially when it comes to significant investments like engagement rings. As we seek a unique piece of jewellery that reflects our values and style, the choice of diamond shape becomes paramount.

In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of diamond shapes, focusing particularly on the comparison between oval and round diamonds. Are oval diamonds cheaper than their round counterparts? How do they differ in appearance, price, and symbolism?

At DiamondsByUK, we are committed to redefining luxury by making sustainable, conflict-free diamond jewellery accessible to all. Our mission is to lead a shift in the jewellery industry towards more responsible, customer-centered practices. We believe that ethical luxury can be beautifully crafted, and our bespoke jewellery designs reflect this ethos.

We invite you to join us on this journey as we explore the intricacies of diamond shapes, the benefits of lab-grown diamonds, and how our customization-first approach allows you to create a piece that is as unique as your story. Let’s discover together whether an oval diamond is indeed cheaper than a round diamond, and what this means for your jewellery choices.

Understanding Diamond Shapes: Oval vs. Round

When it comes to selecting a diamond, the shape is one of the most significant factors to consider. Each diamond shape has its unique characteristics, beauty, and appeal. Here’s a closer look at the two popular shapes: oval and round.

The Elegance of Round Diamonds

Round diamonds are the most popular and widely recognized diamond shape. Characterized by their symmetrical shape and brilliant facets, round diamonds are designed to maximize sparkle and brilliance. Here are a few key points about round diamonds:

• Brilliance: Round diamonds are renowned for their exceptional sparkle due to their cut. They typically contain 58 facets, allowing light to reflect and refract beautifully.
• Value: Round diamonds often carry a higher price tag due to their popularity and the amount of rough diamond that is lost during the cutting process—up to 40%. This makes them one of the most expensive diamond shapes on the market.
• Versatility: The classic round shape works well in various settings, from solitaire to halo, making it a timeless choice.

The Allure of Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds, on the other hand, offer an elegant and sophisticated alternative. Their elongated shape provides a unique appeal and several advantages:

• Size Appearance: Oval diamonds often appear larger than their actual carat weight due to their elongated shape, covering more surface area on the finger. For example, a 1.5-carat oval diamond can look as large as a 2-carat round diamond.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, oval diamonds are more affordable than round diamonds of the same specifications. This price difference can be attributed to the efficiency of the cutting process, which results in less rough diamond wastage.
• Customization Options: The shape of an oval diamond can vary significantly, allowing for customization in terms of length-to-width ratio. This flexibility enables you to choose a style that complements your personal taste.

Price Comparison: Are Oval Diamonds Cheaper?

When comparing the prices of oval and round diamonds, the general consensus is that oval diamonds are usually cheaper than round diamonds. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that contribute to this price difference:

• Market Demand: Round diamonds are more in demand, leading to higher prices. The classic appeal of the round shape often results in a premium.
• Cut Efficiency: The cutting process for oval diamonds is more efficient, as it results in less material waste. This efficiency can lead to lower prices for consumers.
• Rarity: While round diamonds are ubiquitous, oval diamonds offer a unique alternative that is often less sought after, contributing to their lower price point.

At DiamondsByUK, we specialize in IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, which offer a sustainable and ethical choice without compromising on beauty or quality. Our oval diamond collection is a testament to our commitment to making ethical luxury accessible.

Explore our stunning oval diamond collection today and discover the perfect piece that aligns with your values and style.

The 4Cs of Diamonds: A Deeper Understanding

When purchasing a diamond, understanding the 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight—is essential. These factors significantly influence the diamond's appearance, quality, and price.

1. Cut

The cut of a diamond determines how well it reflects light, contributing to its brilliance and sparkle. While round diamonds have a standardized cut that maximizes their brilliance, oval diamonds can vary in cut quality.

• Oval Cut Quality: For oval diamonds, the cut is crucial in determining how light interacts with the gem. A well-cut oval diamond will maintain its brilliance and minimize the appearance of inclusions.

2. Color

Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Generally, round diamonds can conceal color better than oval diamonds due to their shape.

• Color Considerations: For oval diamonds, it’s advisable to choose a higher color grade to ensure that the diamond appears bright and clear.

3. Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external flaws in a diamond. Round diamonds tend to hide inclusions better than oval diamonds, which may be more prone to displaying flaws.

• Choosing Clarity: When selecting an oval diamond, consider its clarity grade carefully to ensure that any inclusions do not detract from its beauty.

4. Carat Weight

Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. While oval diamonds often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight, the actual weight can affect pricing.

• Balancing Size and Budget: If you’re on a budget, opting for an oval diamond with a slightly lower carat weight can provide the illusion of a larger stone at a more affordable price.

By understanding the 4Cs, you can make informed choices when selecting a diamond that fits both your aesthetic and budgetary needs.

Contact us to create your unique piece—almost any design is fully customizable, often with delivery in just 1–2 weeks.

Customization: Making Your Diamond Unique

One of the significant advantages of shopping with DiamondsByUK is our focus on customization. Our bespoke design service allows you to create a unique piece that tells your story.

Why Choose Custom Design?

1. Personal Expression: Custom design enables you to incorporate personal elements that reflect your individuality and preferences.
2. Unique Settings: You can choose from a variety of settings that enhance the beauty of your chosen diamond shape, whether it’s an oval or round diamond.
3. Ethical Choices: Our commitment to sustainability means you can create a custom piece knowing that your diamond is conflict-free and ethically sourced.
4. Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your vision is realized.

Creating a bespoke engagement ring or piece of fine jewellery with DiamondsByUK is not just about acquiring a beautiful item; it’s about crafting a meaningful symbol of love and commitment.

Design Your Bespoke Jewellery with DiamondsByUK and let us help you create something truly special.

Conclusion

The debate between oval and round diamonds often boils down to personal preference, budget, and the significance of the piece. While oval diamonds typically offer a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing beauty, round diamonds maintain their status as the classic choice.

As we’ve explored, oval diamonds not only tend to be cheaper but they also provide a unique flair that can enhance the overall appearance of your jewellery. With their ability to appear larger than their actual size and their beautiful elongated shape, they are an excellent alternative for those seeking something distinctive.

At DiamondsByUK, our mission is to redefine luxury by providing sustainable, conflict-free diamond jewellery that can be customized to fit your unique style. We invite you to explore our stunning oval diamond collection and take the first step towards creating your dream piece.

Discover the perfect piece in our curated oval collection and let us help you create a beautiful expression of your love.

FAQ

1. Are oval diamonds cheaper than round diamonds?
Yes, oval diamonds are generally cheaper than round diamonds of the same specifications due to lower demand and more efficient cutting processes.

2. Do oval diamonds look larger than round diamonds?
Yes, oval diamonds tend to appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight because their elongated shape covers more surface area.

3. What factors should I consider when choosing a diamond shape?
Consider your personal style, budget, and the diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

4. Can I customize my diamond ring at DiamondsByUK?
Absolutely! We offer full customization options, allowing you to create a unique piece that reflects your personal style.

5. How long does it take to receive a custom-designed piece?
Typically, we can deliver your bespoke jewellery within 1–2 weeks.

Explore our stunning oval diamond collection today and let us help you create a beautiful piece of jewellery that is as unique as your story.