The two most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings today are the round brilliant and the oval — and choosing between them is one of the first decisions most couples face. Both are beautiful; the right choice depends on your aesthetic, hand shape, and how you want the ring to wear.
Round Brilliant: The Classic
The round brilliant has 57–58 facets mathematically optimized to maximize light return — more fire, more brilliance, more sparkle than any other shape. It's timeless, universally flattering, and the most requested setting at PAIJE.
Best for: those who want maximum sparkle and a ring that will never feel dated.
Oval: The Modern Elongated Look
The oval has surged in popularity and is now the second most requested shape globally. It shares the same faceting pattern as a round brilliant, so sparkle is similar — but the elongated silhouette creates a distinctive look and has a finger-lengthening effect. Ovals also appear 10–15% larger face-up than rounds of the same carat weight.
Best for: those who want a modern, fashion-forward look or a larger-appearing stone.
The "Bow Tie" Effect
Some oval diamonds show a dark bow-tie shadow across the center. The severity varies by stone. Always check a video of the specific stone — our team reviews every stone and will flag bow-tie severity before purchase.
Price Difference
Oval diamonds typically cost 10–20% less per carat than round brilliants of comparable quality. In lab-grown where prices are already 60–80% below mined, this makes ovals exceptional value.
Which Setting?
- East-West setting: The East-West trend was practically made for ovals.
- Halo: Round halos frame an oval center stone particularly well.
- Solitaire: Both cuts work beautifully — round is classic, oval is modern.
Browse our ring collection to see both cuts in multiple settings.
