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Setting
Stone
What is a heart diamond?
A heart diamond is a diamond in the shape of a valentine’s heart, with soft lobes at the top, and a point at the bottom. Both natural and lab created diamonds are cut into heart shapes. Heart diamonds are brilliant cut, meaning that they have triangular and kite shape facets for a lot of sparkle.
Are heart shaped diamonds real?
Yes! It’s not just the Heart of the Ocean – real diamonds can be hearts too! And, real heart diamonds come in all shapes, colors, price ranges, and clarities. So, if a heart diamond is what you want, a heart diamond is what you shall get! You can see our available natural heart diamonds here, and lab created heart diamonds here!
Is a heart shaped diamond rare?
Yes. Less than 2% of all diamonds on the market today are hearts. Compare that against the classic Round, which comprises 73% of all available diamonds! Moreover, heart diamonds are most frequently compared against Pears, which make up around 4% of the market. So, your heart diamond is very special, and very rare!
What are heart shaped diamonds called?
Heart shape diamonds are called Hearts! People also call them heart cuts and heart brilliants. Heart diamonds are one of 8 “brilliant” diamond cuts known for for their sparkle. On the other side of the coin are “step” cuts (Emerald cuts and Asschers) which have more of a “sheen” than a sparkle.
What should a heart shaped diamond look like?
A heart has two soft arcs (“lobes”) at the top which curve down to a point at the bottom. Importantly, the diamond’s lobes should be even, its bottom point should be centered, and its outlining shape should feel soft and attractive. Finally, most hearts have small table facets (the large flat cut on the top), and are a bit wider than they are tall.
How to Choose the Best Heart Diamond
1. Cut
Cut is the number one most important factor in your Heart. This is because cut quality is directly related to sparkle! However, because GIA does not rate hearts for cut, it’s up to you to learn the dos and don’ts. But don’t worry – we got you covered. There are 4 major qualities you need to look for in your Heart: pleasing outline, even lobes, centered culet, and even contrast/brilliance. Check it out:
Pleasing Outline
First, make sure that your diamond’s outline is soft and romantic – no harsh angles! Hearts should feel lush and pleasing to the eye.
Even Lobes
Second, check out the two lobes at the top of your stone and imagine a dotted line between them. Are they symmetrical? Mirror images? Or, are there inconsistencies? Make sure not to choose a heart that has uneven lobes.
Third, follow the lines of your stone’s bottom facets down to the point through it’s large top facet. Is the point centered under that facet? Or, is it off to one side? Too high? Too low? You want your diamond’s culet (that point) to be centered, and not distractingly off center.
Even Contrast/Brilliance
Finally – and this important – make sure your heart has even light (brilliance) and contrast (dark) areas. Contrast in a diamond is responsible for dazzling sparkle, else all that light has nothing to bounce off of (and your stone ends up looking “dead”). So, make sure to look at all areas of your diamond for even dark/light. That means maximum sparkle!
2. Color
Hearts are brilliant cuts, so, color is an easy one! If you’re setting in white gold, choose an H+ color stone, and look for overall even tone. Make sure there are no odd color concentrations in your tips or lobes. If you’re choosing yellow or rose gold, you have some leeway with an I color (or even a really good J color).
3. Clarity
Being a brilliant cut with a small table helps Hearts hide clarity flaws – so again, you’re in luck! Choosing a VS2+ clarity Heart typically ensures you’re getting an eye clean stone. Some SI1s with great contrast can also be eye clean! In that case, look for stones with clarity flaws on the outer edges, and not under the table. Because Hearts have such great sparkle, small inclusions off to the side are well hidden in all that pizzazz! If you have any concern, just email me here – I’m happy to perform an eye clean check for you.
Pro tip: Contrast comes in handy here, too! Contrast helps to hide color any clarity issues!
4. Carat Weight
Because Hearts have such a unique outline, we recommend choosing a .90ct+ stone. This is because smaller diamonds often do not face up large enough for the viewer to easily see its special shape. If you were want a smaller diamond, another way to ensure the shape shows up is to set your heart in a custom halo that follows your diamond’s unique outline (and makes it look larger)! Finally, if your size is limited due to budget, check out lab diamonds vs natural diamonds. They are visually identical – same exact sparkle! – they’re just a fraction of the price!
Hearts vs Other Cuts
Heart vs Pear vs Trillion
People most frequently compare Hearts against Pears and Trillions. Pears have a point at the top and a curve at the bottom, whereas Trillions are a soft triangle shape. All three stone cuts are beautiful and sparkle equally! Hearts are the most romantic of the shapes. However, if you like the idea of a Heart, but aren’t sure you want something quite so unique, a plump Pear can be a great alternative.
How can you tell if a diamond is heart-shaped?
If your diamond has a point at the bottom, and two separate lobes at the top, it is a heart shape. If your stone has only one rounded arc at the top, it is a pear! There is some confusion online as some cutters claim plump pears to be “hearts” – but a true heart shape will have a cleft between two separate lobes. You can also check a diamond’s certificate, which will list if the stone is a heart or pear cut.
Are heart shaped diamonds tacky?
No, hearts are not tacky – they’re passionate! Nothing exudes storybook romance like a Heart. That said, hearts tend to be a love-hate kind of stone. Those that love them really love them. And those that don’t really don’t. So, odds are, if your partner wants a heart, you’ve heard of it. And, if your partner hasn’t mentioned wanting a heart, it’s probably best to choose another shape.
Do heart shaped diamonds look smaller?
Heart cuts do not necessarily look smaller than rounds of a similar carat weight, but their unique shape does not show up well on small diamonds. So, when looking for a heart shape, it is important to look for diamonds that are around .90ct and up. Stones much smaller than that will not showcase the diamonds’ lobes, and it may end up looking more like a trillion from a distance.
Are heart shaped diamonds more expensive?
No. Heart shape diamonds are less expensive than comparable rounds! This is because the demand for heart shapes is lower than many other cuts, due to that rare romanticism. In addition, because Hearts are brilliant cut, you can typically get away with H+ color and VS2+ clarity, instead of needing a colorless, more flawless stone. So, when choosing a Heart shape, you’re also getting a great value!
Heart Engagement Rings
Are heart shaped engagement rings popular?
As heart diamonds are so rare, heart engagement rings are rare, too! So, while they’re not “popular”, they are definitely worth consideration. Especially for such a romantic piece! Celebrity heart shape engagement rings include those worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Lady Gaga.
What is the proper way to wear a heart shaped ring?
Heart engagement rings should be worn on the left hand ring finger, with the point facing you. This tradition dates back to Irish Claddagh rings, which are worn point out to symbolize your heart is open to others, whereas the point facing in means your heart is taken!
Custom Heart Claddagh Ring
Can you help me find the perfect heart?
I’d be delighted to. I love heart shapes – I have a stunning Heart in my collection! – and I’d be tickled pink to help you find The One. Send me a note here, or email me at care@doamore.com! Let me know what you’re thinking, and I’ll custom curate a gorgeous selection of heart diamonds for you.
