The round diamond held its ground for decades. It was the default, the safe pick, the shape everyone assumed they wanted until they tried something else on. That assumption is fading. In 2022, round cuts dominated at 59% of engagement ring purchases while ovals sat at 21.5%. By 2025, according to the Queensmith 2026 Engagement Ring Trends Report, rounds dropped to 36% and ovals climbed to 33%. The gap is nearly closed. Couples are choosing differently now, and the reasons behind that choice are practical, aesthetic, and financial.

Why Oval Engagement Rings Are the Ultimate Choice in 2026

Photo by Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer

The Numbers Behind the Preference

Oval diamonds cost less than rounds of comparable size. Info Diamond reports the difference ranges from 15 to 25% lower pricing. Petra Gems places the discount between 2 and 10%. Blue Nile data from Gem Society shows a 1-carat round averaging $2,275 while a 1-carat oval averages $1,709. That is $566 in savings for the same carat weight.

The price gap exists because of how diamonds are cut from rough stone. Ovals retain more carat weight during the cutting process. PriceScope confirms this efficiency makes them more cost-effective per carat. For couples working within a budget, that efficiency translates directly into either savings or the ability to purchase a larger stone.

How Shape Affects the Look of Your Hand

The way a diamond sits on your finger changes how your hand appears in photographs and in person. Pear cuts draw the eye toward the fingertip. Marquise stones stretch horizontally or vertically, depending on orientation. Emerald cuts add a geometric quality that suits angular hands. Among these options, oval shaped rings produce a lengthening effect that balances shorter or wider fingers without overwhelming the hand. Taylor & Hart notes this elongated silhouette flatters a range of proportions, which partly explains why ovals now account for 15% of their sales.

Photo by Micah & Sammie Chaffin

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