Round vs Oval Diamond: Which Is Better for You?

Round diamonds offer unmatched brilliance and timeless appeal. Oval diamonds appear larger and cost less per carat. Choosing between them depends on your priorities, sparkle vs size, classic vs modern. Here’s a clear, no-fluff breakdown to help you decide with confidence.

Let’s be real, choosing between a round or oval diamond isn’t as straightforward as some jewelers would have you believe. 

It’s not just a shape thing. It’s about how the diamond plays with light, how it sits on the hand, how big it feels, and yes, how much it costs.

Round vs Oval Diamond:

• Want max sparkle? Round wins.
• Want it to look bigger for the same carat? Go oval.
• Need the most classic style? Round, hands down.
• On a budget but don’t want to sacrifice wow factor? Oval is your secret weapon.
• Worried about bowtie shadows in ovals? We’ll show you how to avoid them.
• Thinking long-term value or resale? Round is the safer bet.

At Mikado Diamonds, we specialize in custom rings built around your values, not trends. Whether you're leaning round, oval, or still totally undecided, our virtual consults are where the magic happens. We’ll compare shapes side-by-side, break down what matters (and what doesn’t), and help you visualize exactly how it’ll look on your hand.

If you're the type who wants to know, not guess, before you spend thousands on a ring, keep reading. The difference between these two shapes is more than just geometry.

Round vs Oval Diamond at a Glance

If you’re short on time (or patience), here’s how the two stack up:

No one shape is “better”, but one might be better for you.

Sparkle: Who Shines Harder?

This is the question we get most often: which diamond shape sparkles more?

Round diamonds are the undisputed champions of sparkle. With 58 precisely calculated facets, the round brilliant cut is designed to bounce light in every direction. And since GIA grades round diamonds for cut, it's easy to shop by brilliance.

Ovals can be gorgeous too, but not all ovals are created equal. Because they lack a standardized cut grade, their brilliance depends on proportions and light symmetry. Some give you a soft, romantic shimmer. Others can look dull or shadowy if not cut properly.

And yes, there’s that bowtie. Almost every oval has some dark shadow across the center, called the “bowtie effect.” The trick isn’t avoiding it entirely (you can’t), but minimizing it. That’s why we always show 360° videos at Mikado before recommending an oval.

Visual Size: Does Oval Really Look Bigger?

In short: yes.

A 2-carat oval looks bigger than a 2-carat round. That’s not marketing fluff, it’s math. Because of its elongated shape and shallow depth, an oval has a larger surface area. It covers more finger, which creates the illusion of a larger diamond.

This is why so many of our clients choose ovals when size perception matters more than exact specs. We call it the “optical upgrade.” Same budget, bigger wow.

Rings with oval centers also create more presence in photos, which, let’s face it, matters in an Instagram world.

Budget: Which Shape Gives More for Your Money?

Oval diamonds almost always cost less per carat than rounds, especially in the lab-grown category. That’s because ovals waste less rough during cutting, which reduces the final price without sacrificing visual impact.

Many people ask: Are oval diamonds cheaper because they’re lower quality? No. The price difference isn’t about quality, it’s about shape efficiency and supply.

If you’re aiming for a larger look on a tighter budget, oval is a smart play. But remember: lower price doesn’t mean lower care. Ovals still require expert selection to avoid bowtie shadows and hidden tint.

That’s why at Mikado, we handpick oval diamonds based on how they actually perform in real light, not just what the lab report says.

Style & Trends: Classic or Contemporary?

Round diamonds are iconic for a reason. They’ve dominated the engagement ring market for generations. Their symmetry, sparkle, and universal appeal make them the go-to shape for tradition-lovers, minimalists, and anyone who doesn’t want to overthink it.

But we’ve seen a shift.

Oval diamonds are quickly becoming the shape of choice for modern couples, especially in hidden halo or yellow gold settings. They bring just enough uniqueness without veering too trendy. At Mikado, ovals are one of our most requested center stones in 3+ carats, a size that was once considered over-the-top. Not anymore.

Worried that ovals are just a trend? They’ve been around since the 1960s and have steadily gained ground. What you’re seeing now isn’t a fad, it’s a new classic in the making.

The Bowtie Effect: What It Is and How to Avoid It

Let’s talk about the most misunderstood feature of oval diamonds: the bowtie.

This dark shadow across the center of the stone shows up when light isn’t evenly distributed. Some bowties are faint and elegant. Others are deep, distracting, and impossible to unsee.

Do all ovals have a bowtie? Yes. But not all bowties are bad.

The key is viewing the stone, not just relying on specs. Two ovals with the same carat and color can look totally different in real life. That’s why we always offer 360° video before recommending an oval to our clients.

If sparkle is your top priority, round might be the safer bet. But if you're open to a slightly softer glow in exchange for more visual size, an oval can still deliver when selected carefully.

Customization & Setting Compatibility

Ovals give you more to play with. You can stretch them longer, go wider, or tweak the curve depending on the vibe you want. That makes them especially fun for custom designs.

They also work beautifully in:

• Hidden halos.
• East-west settings.
• Three-stone layouts with pears or rounds.
• Thin pavé bands for finger coverage.

Rounds, by contrast, shine brightest in classic solitaire or bezel settings. If you want your center stone to be the design, round does the job. If you want your ring to feel personal, playful, or a little different, oval opens more creative doors.

At Mikado, our clients often come in unsure and leave with a fully customized setting that fits their hand, style, and story perfectly.

Resale Value & Long-Term Confidence

We don’t lead with resale value when talking about engagement rings. You’re buying a symbol, not a stock.

But for those who do think long-term: round diamonds hold value better. They’re more in demand, easier to grade, and more recognizable to buyers.

Oval diamonds can be harder to resell, especially if the proportions are too niche or the bowtie too strong. That’s why quality selection matters even more up front.

Still, most of our clients aren’t buying with resale in mind. They’re choosing what makes their partner’s face light up. And in that category, ovals win more often than you’d think.

How to Actually Choose: A 5-Step Decision Guide

Here’s how we walk clients through the round vs oval decision every day:

1. Define Your Priorities: Sparkle? Size? Budget? Style? Be honest.
2. See Side-by-Side Videos: Don’t rely on stock photos, diamonds are visual.
3. Talk to Someone Who Knows: Not a chatbot. A human. Preferably us.
4. Consider Your Setting: Some shapes suit certain designs better.
5. Trust the One That Makes You Smile: If it feels right, it probably is.

If you're still stuck after this, we get it. That’s why we offer one-on-one virtual consults. We’ll walk you through real diamond options that match your goals, and explain everything in plain English.

The Mikado Difference: Why It’s Not Just About the Shape

Choosing between round and oval isn’t about following rules. It’s about choosing what fits your story, and that’s where we come in.

At Mikado Diamonds, we don’t just show you a grid of inventory and leave you guessing. We walk you through the process personally. We’ve helped hundreds of clients compare oval vs round diamonds in real time, pointing out what you can’t see on a certificate: sparkle pattern, tint, bowtie depth, finger coverage, setting balance.

We also work almost exclusively with lab-grown diamonds, which means more flexibility in size, shape, and budget. Many of our clients start by saying “I think I want a round,” and walk away with an oval, because when you see it on your hand, the decision becomes obvious.

Round or oval, your diamond should feel like you. Not like a sales pitch.

Thinking About Going Custom?

We’ve seen how powerful a custom ring can be, especially when you're choosing a shape like oval that opens the door to more personal expression.

Want a longer, leaner oval? We’ll source it.

Want a hidden halo that lifts the diamond without overwhelming it? We’ve done dozens.

Not sure whether your center stone will feel balanced in a certain band style? We’ll mock it up.

Whether it’s a minimal round solitaire or a bold oval with a twist, our job is to make sure it reflects you, not a trend, not a template, and definitely not someone else’s idea of what’s “right.”

Book a free virtual consultation with Mikado Diamonds today. We’ll compare actual stones side by side, walk you through cut differences, explain bowties in plain language, and help you figure out what truly feels right for you.