Oval vs Round Engagement Rings: How to Choose
Round and oval are the two most popular engagement ring shapes, and they are closer than they look: an oval is a round brilliant stretched into a longer outline. The choice comes down to how much sparkle you want, how the ring sits on the hand and the look you are after. Here is how they compare.
The round brilliant
The round brilliant is cut for the most sparkle of any shape. Its facets are arranged symmetrically around the center, so it returns light evenly from every angle. Moissanite's refractive index of 2.65 makes that sparkle stronger still. A round looks the same however the ring turns on the finger, and it is the easiest shape to pair with wedding bands.
The oval
An oval keeps the brilliant faceting of a round in an elongated outline. It shows more top surface than a round stone of similar weight, so it often looks larger on the hand, and its length draws the eye along the finger. Our ovals run from classic proportions such as 7 x 9 mm to long, slim stones such as 7 x 12 mm.
Side by side
| Round | Oval | |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle | The most of any shape | Close to round |
| Look on the hand | Classic, symmetrical | Elongating, a little softer |
| Apparent size | True to its weight | Often looks larger |
| Wedding bands | Pairs with almost any band | Pairs well with straight and curved bands |
| Settings | Solitaire, halo, three stone, pavé | The same, plus east-west |
How each looks on the hand
Set north to south, an oval lengthens the finger, which flatters shorter fingers and wider hands. A round sits neatly on any hand and reads timeless rather than trend-led. If the ring will be worn with other rings, a round's symmetry makes stacking simple.
An oval can also turn sideways in an east-west setting, where it lies across the finger for a modern, low look. A round has no east-west version, since it looks the same from every direction.
Which settings suit each
Both shapes work in every main setting. A round solitaire is the most classic engagement ring there is. An oval solitaire on a pavé band pairs a simple center with extra shine along the band. Halos suit both: they make a round look rounder and fuller, and they trace an oval's outline. Three stone designs work with either, and an oval center between two smaller stones makes a long, elegant line. See our guide to engagement ring settings for more.
Which should you choose?
- Choose round for maximum sparkle, a timeless look and the easiest match with any band.
- Choose oval for a stone that looks larger, a finger-lengthening outline and a slightly softer, more modern feel.
- Still torn? Look at the rings they already wear. Someone who wears simple, classic pieces usually loves a round. Someone drawn to vintage or slightly unexpected jewelry often prefers an oval.
Browse our round moissanite rings and oval moissanite rings, or compare all nine shapes in our guide to engagement ring shapes.
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