The Uniqueness of Heart Shaped Diamonds

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The heart is one of the most recognisable shapes in culture. One that has and continues to be associated with one of the important emotions and feelings: is love. Hence it is only natural that the shape of the heart, which commands strong appeal in many aspects of culture in the West, finds its adoption in the world of fine jewellery and engagement rings.

In this Education page, we will discuss the uniqueness of heart shaped diamonds. How they came to be, what distinguishes them from other diamond shapes, and why you should consider going for stones which are shaped in this fashion for a jewellery item of your choice.

The Popularisation of the Heart Shape

Before we speak about the development of the specific diamond shape itself, it is important to understand the appeal of the heart shape. A sight that is so common in virtually any medium that seeks to communicate the idea of love and romance. Two integral concepts in the world of fine jewellery and of course engagement rings.

It is not clear where or when exactly the heart shaped entered popular use, but there is some information on its growing recognition and adoption, which soon became a centrepiece in culture. The first point to consider is that the heart shape and its association with love originated in the Western world. Historical records point to a 1250’s French manuscript named the Roman de la poire which depicts a young man holding up an object that resembles a human heart.

Later depictions, again, coming from European societies carried a more religious character. Over the course of centuries, as Christianity's influence grew in Europe, the heart shape came to be associated with the divine. Among the most notable was the vision of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque of France, who in the year 1673 had a vision of Jesus’ Sacred Heart. And this tradition has endured in the Catholic world.

Over time the works of Saint Valentine and the association of his works with romantic relationships came to popularise the idea of love and the social act of gift-giving. Fast forward to modern times, the rise of the consumer economy in the West, along with the connection between romantic connections and the importance of showing it in a tangible way, led to the popularisation of the heart shape.

The Development of Heart Shaped Diamonds

Following the tradition and enduring popularity of the heart shape in culture: from chocolates, gifts, decorations, and jewellery items (metal designs) that their adoption in the world of diamonds was only a matter of time. However the origins of heart-shaped diamonds, interestingly enough, are probably old as the adoption of the heart shape in popular use.

Diamonds have been in use for a very long time. According to historians, the early use of diamonds can be traced by thousands of years to ancient India. Other sources will point to other regions. The point is diamonds have been around for a long time, and their cutting and shaping into desirable shapes have as old as the popular adoption of diamonds, technology permitting. With a heart-shaped diamond, we have a similar story.

The first or one of the first heart-shaped diamonds was recognised as a set of heart-shaped diamonds that were gifted to Queen Elizabeth by the Mary of Scotts in the mid part of the 16th century. However little is known in terms of the adoption of heart-shaped diamonds. Considering that, first, diamonds were limited in supply prior to the early part of the 20th century when the trade in these gemstones really went global.

When speaking of diamond shapes, and gemstone cuts in general the technology to produce them was not always widely available. But the point is the heart-shaped diamond had already captured the imagination of people of those times. Things started to change with the rise of the diamond mining industry. With the increasing supply of diamonds and their wide adoption by consumers around the world, the demand for new and unique shapes and cuts grew. Diamond jewellery and cutting companies introducing new designs in terms of engagement rings and other jewellery, with diamond shapes to go with them.

What Defines a Heart Shaped Diamond

The first point to consider is that heart shaped diamonds fall under the category of fancy cuts. Meaning they are diamond shapes which fall outside the traditional or better-known variants like the princess, cushion and round. Heart shaped diamonds along with other less adopted diamond styles such as emerald cuts.

Now when it comes to identifying a heart-shaped diamond there are a few points that buyers and others interested must consider. First, the shape of the diamond as a heart is a good indicator. But there is more to it. Since the cut of the stone is not the same as its shape.

However, one important point to consider before proceeding is the terminology. The heart shape of the diamonds is the outward ‘shape’ of the particular gemstone and not its cut. There is some confusion in that some online sources and even jewellery companies term the particular shape of the stone as its ‘cut’. This is not correct. Cuts in diamonds correspond to the type of faceting that they are subjected to round brilliant.

So when it comes to the diamond shape, there are certain distinguishing features, which define it: that go from the cleft at the top that divide the two sides, to the point at the bottom and the wings on the side of the stone. The diamond cutter must carefully shape the rough stone into this particular style. A process that involves great precision.

A point worth considering is that in precious stones, not all heat-shaped diamonds are made the same. Depending on the core characteristics of the diamond in question, which is a function of the 4Cs of the stone. Which affects the final character of the heart-shaped diamond.

Why Opt for Heart Shaped Diamonds?

When it comes to picking a heart shaped diamond there are a number of factors you may have to consider. Of course, if you have made up your mind about what kind of diamond shape you want, and that shape is the heart then consider these points as general guidelines.

When it comes to hearth-shaped diamonds the most standout feature is of course. There is no missing the heart-shaped stone in whatever jewellery type in question. Whilst there is greater adoption of these fancy cuts or shapes in the fashion jewellery world, heart shaped diamonds in fine jewellery are a top option for those who wish to communicate a unique style.

In fine jewellery, like engagement rings, when it comes to quality and character, the principle is always the bigger the better. However, the main factor is, of course, the cost. Diamond prices increase considerably with larger stones, particularly those which surpass 1.00-carat diamonds. With heart-shaped diamonds, there is a price, advantage in that they are around 10 – 20 per cent cheaper than the most popular round cut diamonds.

So when heart shaped diamond when combined with a decent cut diamond (quality in terms of depth and dimensions etc.) and a good colour grade (D- J) range then you have a solid option as an engagement ring stone. And given that heart-shaped diamonds are far more forgiving of the presence of inclusions, provide the diamond is larger and the inclusions are on the sides of the stones.

Picking a Heart Shaped Diamonds for Engagement Rings

If you research online there are a number of resources that provide various points and recommendations on the specific factors that you need to look out for when it comes to picking out a heart-shaped diamond: analysis that goes into the various dimensions, proportions, depth etc. From our standpoint, as a company that trades in top-class diamond jewellery, our recommendation is to start by finding the right jeweller.

So seek out a reputable source for your diamond engagement ring: which would be a company that trades in GIA-certified diamonds (or other top diamond accreditation authorities), and look for customer support that can walk you through the various stages of buying a top-quality diamond. When it comes to fancy cuts like heart-shaped diamonds there are many factors to consider and it is best to work with your jeweller directly.