The heart is the universal symbol of love. Whether you relate it to self-love or your adoration for others, it’s still love! And so, we wouldn’t be wrong in saying that a heart diamond is a fusion of that symbol with a sparkly twist that captures the hearts of thousands—a beautiful blend of romance and the dazzling brilliance of diamonds.
We’ve created this guide to help you discover what makes heart-shaped diamonds special and a unique choice for your collection. We’ll talk about everything there is to know, from the exciting history of heart-shaped jewelry to some of the best heart-shaped diamond settings. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
What Is a Heart-Shaped Diamond?
The heart-cut diamond features a modified brilliant cut in the shape of a heart symbol. It has 56 to 58 triangular and kite-shaped facets that give the stone its exceptional fire, brilliance and sparkle, similar to that of the princess cut or round brilliant. This unique diamond shape starts off as a pear shape but has a cleft at the rounded end. Heart-shaped diamonds have become increasingly popular, especially among couples, because they symbolize romance, love, passion and commitment.
History of Heart-Shaped Diamonds
The heart-shaped diamond cut was first mentioned during a private correspondence between the Duke of Milan (Galeazzo Maria Sforza) and his confidante, Nicodemo, in 1463. Sforza described Cosimo de Medici’s command of his literary quests as similar to a heart-shaped diamond. Not long after, everyone who could afford it desired this uniquely shaped diamond. It made another historical appearance in the 16th century when Mary Queen of Scots gave Queen Elizabeth a heart-shaped diamond ring as a gift of friendship.
Pros and Cons of Heart-Shaped Diamonds
Here are the pros and cons you need to consider when opting for a heart diamond shape.
Pros
- The symbolism of heart-shaped diamonds makes them a great and popular choice for engagement rings.
- Heart-shaped diamonds are rare due to their complex shape, which requires skill and precision to cut.
- Because heart-shaped diamonds are rare, their value could increase over time.
- Heart-shaped diamonds are 15% to 20% cheaper than round diamonds and some fancy-shaped diamonds.
- The unique shape of the heart diamond makes the stone appear larger than it actually is.
Cons
- Because heart-shaped diamonds are rare, they could be more expensive than other fancy shapes of similar carat weight, especially when the diamond is of the best quality. However, you can always opt for lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds which are much cheaper than natural ones.
- Each heart-shaped diamond of the same carat weight may look different, depending on its symmetry. For instance, the cleft might be too shallow, the lobes might be overly pointed or too round and so on.
- A heart-shaped diamond needs to be perfectly cut to maintain its unique shape.
- To have a heart-shaped diamond with incredible brilliance and fire, you need to get a diamond of higher color and clarity grades.
Best Settings for Heart Diamonds
Heart-shaped diamonds can be set in different ways, but some of the best settings that enhance the unique shape of the heart-cut diamond include solitaire and halo:
1. Solitaire Setting
This setting features just one stone and is usually the best choice if you want your gem to stand out in all its beauty and brilliance. If you’re opting for this setting, you can go with a prong, preferably a six-prong, or bezel which will protect the stone from chipping.
2. Halo Setting
A halo setting features smaller diamonds surrounding the heart diamond. This adds more sparkle, enhancing the overall appearance of the piece. It also gives the illusion of a bigger center stone.
Heart vs. Other Shapes
The heart diamond shape is not just physically different from other shapes, there are other ways it stands out as well. Here are some comparisons to other popular shapes/cuts.
1. Heart vs. Round Brilliant
The heart shape is a modified brilliant cut, and although it has just as many facets as the round brilliant diamond, it doesn’t sparkle as brightly. The round brilliant diamond is known for its extraordinary sparkle and brilliance. However, heart diamonds tend to appear bigger in size than round brilliant diamonds of similar carat weight.
2. Heart vs. Oval
The oval-shaped diamond has a shallow depth and elongated silhouette that make it appear larger than a heart-shaped diamond of the same weight. It’s also more symmetrical and refined than the heart-shaped diamond which is more striking.
3. Heart vs. Pear
The heart and pear diamond shapes are very similar except for the cleft, which gives the heart shape its unique look. However, the pear shape is more elongated and can give the illusion of longer fingers when worn in rings. It can also be worn in any direction, as it does not have a top and bottom like the heart shape.
Top 5 Heart-Shaped Diamond Rings to Step Up Your Style
Whether you need heart-shaped jewelry for yourself or you’re looking for the right piece for your partner, here are some gorgeous heart diamond rings, a stunning band and a bracelet for you to explore.
1. Bezel-Set Heart-Shaped Diamond Ribbed Ring
Simple and elegant, this stunning bezel-set solitaire ribbed ring is perfect for the lady with a minimalist aesthetic. It’ll give your look just the sparkle it needs to get you noticed.
2. Heart Diamond Halo Curb Link Chain Bracelet
Elevate your wrist with this dazzling halo bracelet that’ll add more sparkle to your fit. The curb link chain adds an edgy appeal which will give your look a modern twist.
3. Heart-Shaped Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Are you thinking of popping the question? This breathtaking diamond engagement ring will steal her heart for sure. The three stones symbolize the past, present and future of a relationship, celebrating the eternal bond and love you share with your partner.
4. Heart Diamond Twin Layered Halo Cocktail Ring
Twice the halo, double the sparkle! Get ready to be in the spotlight with this striking cocktail ring. It’s a piece that’ll easily get the compliments rolling at every occasion.
5. East-West Heart-Shaped Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring
Time to say ‘I do?’ Do it the right way with this eternity wedding ring. It’s a symbol of the endless love you have for each other, and therefore, makes the perfect choice to begin your happily ever after with.
Looking for budget-friendly heart-shaped ring options? We’ve got you covered. You can browse our collection of heart lab-grown diamond rings. Lab diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds, but are much cheaper, making them a great choice.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the best carat weight for heart-shaped diamonds?
A smaller stone of 1 carat is best if you want something minimal. But for larger stones, you can opt for 2 carats and above – the choice is completely up to you.
Q2. Is the cost high for heart-shaped diamonds?
Heart-shaped diamonds are rare and can be more expensive than some fancy shapes, but they’re generally 15-20% cheaper than round diamonds.
Q3. Which color grade should I pick for a heart-shaped diamond?
Opt for anything between D and G, depending on your budget. Diamonds with a color grade lower than G tend to have a color concentration at the tip and cleft.
