HEART SHAPE DIAMOND ANATOMY
About The Heart Shape
Although the heart shape diamond has been popular for many years, especially set in ladies pendants and necklaces, their appeal has widened.
We have recently seen much greater demand for heart shape diamond engagement rings - both natural mined and lab created.
And with 57 facets, the brilliant heart cut diamond radiates just as much sparkling brilliance as a round brilliant cut.
Key Anatomy Of A Heart Diamond
Symmetry, Proportions & Setting
Although the heart shape diamond starts off as a pear shaped stone, there is considerable skill and expertise required to create the required transformation.
As with the marquise cut, symmetry is very important in a heart shape diamond. The two curved uppermost aspects of the heart (the "lobes") should closely align with each other.
They should also be of similar curvature and display gentle tapering in to the cleft, rather than a very shallow or materially acute convergence.
It is therefore advisable to opt for a heart diamond with very good - but ideally excellent - symmetry.
There is no official perfect "length to width" ratio of the heart shape diamond. This ratio is essentially a matter of personal choice.
Nevertheless, a ratio between 0.91 and 1.09 is considered ideal, such that the overall shape is neither too wide nor too elongated.
A heart diamond is typically set with five prongs to protect the two outermost lobes, the wings and the point.
This ensures a robust a durable setting of the stone and and mitigates against chipping of the narrower extremities.
Length Almost Equal To Overall Width
Expressed As A Length To Width Ratio
Table, Depth & Culet Proportions
Table %
Excellent 53 - 63
Very Good/Fair 51 - 52 or 64 - 69
Poor < 51 or > 69
Depth %
Excellent 53 - 61
Very Good/Fair 51 - 53 or 62 - 69
Poor < 51 or > 69
L/W Ratio
Excellent 0.91 - 1.09
Very Good/Fair 0.80 - 0.90 or 1.10 - 1.25
Poor <0.80 or > 1.25
Carat Weight, Colour & Clarity
In the case of the heart diamond, carat weight plays a role in the definition of it's shape.
The definition of the heart in a diamond of less than one carat will be difficult to discern by the naked eye.
The shape in larger carat weight hearts will be more obvious, especially when set in an engagement ring.
It may therefore be worth sacrificing a degree or two in colour and clarity in return for greater carat weight.
Heart Diamond In Halo Setting
You may also opt for a diamond halo surround which will make the centre diamond appear larger.
Be mindful that the larger the carat weight the greater the importance of the symmetry and general proportions.
We therefore suggest a clarity grade in the range of VS1/VS2/Si1 for heart shape diamonds of one carat and over.
In terms of colour, aim for F/G or H.
Fancy Coloured Heart Shape Diamonds
High grade larger carat weight coloured heart diamonds, especially in pink tones, are rare and commensurately expensive.
Alternatively, fancy coloured lab grown diamonds display the same physical and aesthetic qualities, while being significantly more affordable.
For example, if you were lucky enough to find a one carat natural vivid pink heart shape diamond, expect to pay upwards of £300,000.
That's more than one hundred the times the value of an equivalent lab created stone.