A Complete Guide To Heart Shaped Diamonds

Love, they say, knows no boundaries, and what better symbol to capture this sentiment than a heart shaped diamond? The heart, a universal symbol of love, finds its perfect expression in the captivating heart shaped diamond. More than just a gemstone, it's a declaration of devotion, a promise etched in brilliance.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know from their meaning and features to how to find the perfect heart shaped engagement ring.

What is a Heart Shaped Diamond?

A heart shaped diamond is a brilliant cut diamond shaped like a stylized heart. It's modified brilliant cut, meaning it is derived from the round brilliant cut and designed to give maximum sparkle. This romantic shape is recognizable and symbolizes love and affection, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other sentimental jewelry.

This cut is categorized as a “fancy shape,” which means it’s not a traditional round cut. Creating a well-proportioned heart shaped diamond requires skilled craftsmanship. The stone should have clear, defined lobes at the top, like the curves of a heart, and a sharp, distinct point at the bottom. Getting these details right is key to making it look stunning and ensuring it sparkles beautifully.

A poorly cut heart shaped diamond can look uneven or lack sparkle. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ratios, but most people agree that a length-to-width ratio between 0.90 and 1.10 gives you a nice, balanced shape. These diamonds tend to cost more because cutting them takes serious skill and can lead to more wasted material.

History and Popularity of Heart Shaped Diamonds

The heart shaped diamond, a symbol of love, has an interesting history. Its origins go back to the 15th century. Early heart diamonds were less clear and looked more like a pear with a small dip. Over time, diamond cutters improved their work, creating the balanced shape with clear lines that we see today.

The heart shape became very popular during the Renaissance. It was often used in jewelry given by kings and nobles as a sign of love. Mary Queen of Scots once gave Queen Elizabeth I a heart shaped diamond ring in the 1500s. This connection to royalty made the heart a symbol of romance.

Heart shaped diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Their special shape is different from traditional designs and makes them stand out. Celebrities like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj wearing heart shaped diamond rings have made them even more popular.

Key Features of Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart shaped diamonds are a romantic and distinctive choice, instantly recognizable for their unique silhouette. Understanding their key features helps in selecting the perfect stone.

Shape and Symmetry

The most important part is the shape. A good heart shaped cut should have clear top curves (the lobes) and a sharp, defined point at the bottom. Both sides of the heart should look the same, like a mirror image. If the sides are uneven, it can make the diamond look less beautiful.

Brilliance and Fire

Heart shaped diamonds are all about sparkle! Like other brilliant cuts, they’re designed to catch the light and shine bright. When picking one, look for good brilliance (lots of white light reflection) and fire (those rainbow flashes). A well-cut stone makes all the difference!

Bow Tie Effect

Like marquise and pear shaped diamonds, heart shaped diamonds can sometimes show a "bow-tie" effect—a dark shadow across the center of the stone. While a little bow-tie is normal, too much can take away from the diamond's sparkle. The key is finding a well-cut stone that keeps this effect to a minimum.

By understanding these key features, you can confidently choose a heart shaped diamond that is both beautiful and reflects your style.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Heart Shaped Diamond

To ensure you get the best value for your money, consider these key factors:

Cut

• Symmetry and Polish: A heart shaped diamond that is well-cut will shine brightly and sparkle beautifully. Look for good symmetry and polish to make sure it reflects light well and has no visible flaws.

• Depth and Table: These sizes affect how the diamond looks. The right sizes make the diamond balanced and look nice.

Color

Colorless diamonds are very popular, but diamonds with a little yellow or brown can be beautiful and cost less. Pick a color that fits your budget and style.

Clarity

Look closely at the diamond with a magnifying glass to check for small flaws inside. Tiny flaws that you can’t see without magnification won’t affect how beautiful or valuable the diamond is.

Carat Weight

Carat weight affects the price a lot. Look at the price per carat to find a diamond that gives you the best size and quality for your budget.

Length-to-Width Ratio

The length-to-width ratio shows the shape of a heart. A ratio of 1.00 means the heart is even. Ratios above 1.00 make the heart look longer, and ratios below 1.00 make it look shorter and wider.

By thinking about these things and working with a trusted jeweler, you can choose a heart shaped diamond that is both beautiful and a smart choice.

Popular Settings for Heart Shaped Diamonds

Picking the right setting doesn’t just make your diamond look stunning—it also keeps it safe. Here are a few popular choices:

Prong Setting

This simple design uses thin metal prongs to hold the diamond in place. A 3 prong setting is popular for heart shaped diamonds, with two prongs at the top curves and one at the tip. This design lets in more light to make the diamond shine brightly.

Bezel Setting

A bezel setting holds the diamond with a thin metal edge. This keeps the diamond secure and gives it a clean, modern look. It might not sparkle as much as a prong setting, but it’s a great choice for people with busy, active lives.

Halo Setting

Halo setting design surrounds the heart shaped diamond with smaller diamonds, creating a bright and shiny halo. It makes the center diamond look bigger and adds extra sparkle.

Three Stone Setting

The three stone settings ring has a big heart shaped diamond in the center with two smaller stones on each side, usually shaped like pears or trapezoids. It looks beautiful and can represent the past, present, and future of a relationship.

Pros and Cons of Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart shaped diamonds are a romantic and unique choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Here's a look at their advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• Symbolism: The heart shape is the ultimate symbol of love, making it a super romantic choice for an engagement ring. 

• Unique and Eye Catching: Heart shaped diamonds stand out from the usual round or princess cuts. Their quirky, fun shape adds so much personality! 

• Modern and Trendy: Heart shaped diamonds are back in style, with their modern, playful vibe winning hearts all over again.

Cons

• Price: Heart shaped diamonds often cost more than round ones of the same size and quality because they take extra skill and craftsmanship to get just right. 

• Limited Availability: Heart shaped diamonds aren’t as common as round ones, so you might have fewer options to choose from. 

• Inclusions: The pointed tip on heart shaped diamonds can sometimes make tiny flaws, or inclusions, easier to spot.

Caring for Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart shaped diamonds are a symbol of enduring love, and with proper care, they can maintain their brilliance for generations to come. Here are a few essential tips:

1. Regular Cleaning

• Soap and Water: The easiest way to keep your diamond sparkling is with warm water and a bit of mild, unscented dish soap. Just grab a soft toothbrush, give it a gentle scrub, and rinse it off well.

• Professional Help: If your ring needs a little extra TLC, take it to a jeweler for a professional clean. They’ve got the tools to tackle any stubborn dirt or grime!

2. Storage

• Keep it Separate: Don’t toss your diamond ring in with other jewelry, especially sharp-edged pieces like necklaces or bracelets—they can scratch the delicate surface. 

• Use a Soft Spot: Store your ring in a soft pouch or a jewelry box with cushy fabric. It’ll keep it safe from dust, scratches, and those accidental bumps.

3. Insurance

• Full Protection: Make sure your diamond ring is covered for its full replacement value. That way, you can relax knowing you're protected against loss, theft, or damage.

4. Routine Inspections

• Keep an Eye on Loose Stones: Take a quick look at your ring now and then to check for loose stones or any signs of wear, like bent prongs. 

• Visit Your Jeweler: Swing by your jeweler once a year for a professional check-up to make sure your diamond is secure and catch any issues early.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your heart shaped diamond retains its sparkle and beauty for years to come, serving as a constant reminder of your enduring love.

Conclusion

Heart shaped diamonds aren’t just a cut they’re the ultimate symbol of love and devotion. Perfect for engagement rings or any special piece that needs a little extra charm and sparkle, they’re as romantic as it gets. Thinking about getting one for yourself or someone special? A little know-how can help you find the perfect fit. 

Ready to fall in love with the perfect heart shaped engagement ring? Check out our collection and explore gorgeous designs with this unique and romantic diamond cut!