Heart cut diamonds (Heart Cut)

Are you looking for the right gift for your loved one? Or maybe a gift for your mother? The heart cut diamond is one of the most romantic and at the same time most sophisticated fancy diamond shapes. The heart-shaped diamond cut has been a symbol of love and romance for decades and is particularly often chosen for engagement rings and exclusive diamond jewelry. However, although the shape of a heart immediately catches the eye, the heart cut is considered one of the most difficult cuts of all - both to produce and to assess.

What makes the heart cut so special?

A heart-shaped diamond combines the elegance of a pear cut with the symmetry of a round cut. Its effect depends heavily on the perfect harmony of symmetry and proportions. Particularly important here are

• the point of the heart, which should be clearly recognizable and not too flat or too rounded
• the even curves on both sides
• the harmonious ratio of length to width, which should ideally be between 0.90 and 1.10

The heart shape requires precise craftsmanship and is therefore more difficult to assess than a classic round or oval cut.

Facets, brilliance and visual effect of heart-shaped diamonds in an engagement ring

A heart diamond usually has 56 to 58 facets, similar to many other brilliant cuts. Although the number of main facets, usually between 6 and 8 in the lower part, is comparable, the complexity of the shape has a much greater influence on the optical effect.

If the proportions are not ideal, a bow-tie effect , a dark shadow in the center of the diamond, can occur, as with pear or marquise cuts. High-quality stones either do not show this effect at all or only very subtly.

An optimally placed bezel facet (the central facet of the diamond, which determines how beautifully the stone sparkles), a precisely set calette (the tiny, lowest facet) and symmetrical curves also ensure a brilliant sparkle that makes the stone shine.

The creation of the heart-shaped diamond

The heart-cut diamond has a surprisingly long and royal tradition: the first written references to heart-shaped diamonds date back to the 15th century, more precisely to 1463, when the Milanese Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza mentioned a "heart-shaped diamond" in a letter. A decisive breakthrough was the invention of the scaif - a grinding wheel consisting of olive oil and diamond dust - with which the Flemish cutter Lodewyk van Bercken was able to precisely cut the first symmetrically faceted diamonds.

In the 16th century, the heart cut achieved its romantic significance: in 1562, Mary Stuart (Mary, Queen of Scots) presented Queen Elizabeth I of England with a heart-shaped diamond. Powerful personalities such as Cardinal Richelieu also owned large heart-shaped diamonds in the 17th century.

Technically, the heart cut was a great challenge - the two "lobes" at the top and the point at the bottom had to be perfectly symmetrical for the stone to sparkle properly. Modern heart diamonds often have 56 to 58 facets, which ensures a great deal of brilliance.

Famous heart diamonds include the"Centenary Diamond", for example, which was cut into a modified heart shape. Overall, the heart cut elegantly combines symbolism and technical skill in the world of jewelry: It has stood for love, passion and luxury for centuries.

Carat weight and price: What can you expect from heart-cut diamonds?

Due to their shape, heart-shaped diamonds require more raw material than many other cuts. Nevertheless, depending on demand, they can be cheaper than a brilliant of the same quality. Diamonds of 1 carat or more are particularly effective, as the heart shape becomes more clearly recognizable from around one carat.

With smaller stones, the point often appears less prominent, which is why many buyers opt for 1 carat or more to make the shape as visible as possible.

Color variants & Fancy Diamonds

Heart diamonds are not only available in classic white tones such as D-F, but also as "fancy diamonds" in unusual colors - including pink or blue diamonds. These rare shades make the stone a real statement piece and are particularly popular with collectors and for an unusual engagement ring.

Heart diamond vs. other fancy cuts

Heart-shaped diamonds belong to the so-called "fancy cuts" - these also include:

• Marquise / Marquise cut
• Pear cut
• Oval cut
• Cushion and other modified brilliant cuts

The heart cut has certain similarities to the pear or marquise cut, but requires considerably more precision to create the symmetrical, harmonious heart shape.

Advantages and disadvantages of the diamond heart

What you should look out for when buying a heart-shaped diamond

If you are looking for a heart-shaped diamond ring or a loose-cut stone, pay particular attention to:

• Symmetry & proportions: The absolute supreme discipline in heart cuts. Even small asymmetries make the stone appear less valuable.
• Clearly defined heart point: A point that is too blunt loses the characteristic heart look, a point that is too sharp can break off - especially without a protective prong setting.
• Carat size: Below 0.50 ct, the heart shape is often more difficult to recognize. Ideal: 1 carat or more.
• Color and clarity: As the shape is open and complex, inclusions or color casts are somewhat more visible than with some other cuts.
• Good cut quality: As heart diamonds are "more difficult to judge", a high-quality certificate is essential.

Conclusion: The heart-shaped diamond - more than just a gemstone

Heart-shaped diamonds are not only visually striking, but also carry a strong symbolism: they stand for eternal love, connection and romantic feelings. Choosing a heart-shaped diamond means opting for a unique diamond shape - with a brilliant appearance, high expressiveness and incomparable meaning.

If it is well proportioned, symmetrically cut and carefully set, a heart-shaped diamond becomes a piece of jewelry that will inspire for a lifetime.