Loose Heart Cut Diamonds

A perfectly proportioned heart shaped diamond exhibits clear symmetry with evenly rounded lobes and a well-defined cleft. The ideal length-to-width ratio ranges from 0.90 to 1.10, creating balanced visual appeal. Look for the presence of a distinct point opposite the cleft and smooth, continuous curves throughout. High-quality heart cuts avoid the “bow-tie” effect (dark areas across the center) through proper depth proportions, ensuring maximum brilliance in these rare, conflict-free precious stones.

Larger heart cut diamonds (over 1 carat) are significantly more desirable because the distinctive heart shape becomes more pronounced and visually recognizable with increased size. In smaller stones, the intricate details of the heart silhouette can appear compressed or indistinct. Additionally, cutting a precise heart shape requires sacrificing more of the original rough diamond, making larger examples particularly rare and valuable. For these reasons, the price per carat increases substantially with size, reflecting both aesthetic appeal and natural scarcity.

When purchasing a heart shaped diamond, prioritize excellent symmetry—the two halves should mirror each other perfectly with a well-defined cleft and point. Examine the stone for the “bow-tie” effect (dark areas across the center), which should be minimal or absent in quality cuts. Choose higher color grades (H or better) as the broader surface area can intensify any tint. For the best value, consider slightly larger stones (0.90-0.99 carats) just below standard carat weights, offering visual impact at a lower cost per carat.

Heart cut diamonds typically display slightly different light performance compared to round brilliants, with concentrated brilliance in the center and more varied patterns in the lobes. Their modified brilliant faceting pattern creates distinctive flashes rather than the even sparkle of round diamonds. The best heart cuts achieve approximately 90-95% of the light return of ideal round brilliants while offering a unique, romantic aesthetic. When evaluating light performance, look for consistent sparkle throughout the stone with minimal dark or dull areas, indicating high-quality cutting.