The Most Romantic Diamond Shape
The heart shape diamond is exactly what it sounds like — a diamond cut into the universal symbol of love. It is the most emotionally charged diamond shape available, carrying instant romantic significance that no other shape can match. If you want a diamond that literally says I love you in its very shape, this is your diamond.
What Is a Heart Shape Diamond
- Design: A modified brilliant cut shaped into a heart silhouette — two rounded lobes at the top separated by a cleft, tapering to a single point at the bottom
- Facets: Typically 56-58 brilliant-cut facets, producing sparkle comparable to a round brilliant. The faceting is optimized for the heart shape to maximize light return
- Cutting challenge: Heart shapes are among the most difficult diamonds to cut well. Achieving perfect symmetry between the two lobes while maintaining excellent light performance requires exceptional skill
What to Look For
- Symmetry: The most critical factor for heart shape diamonds. Both lobes must be identical mirror images. The cleft should be centered and clearly defined. The point should be sharp and centered directly below the cleft
- Length-to-width ratio: 0.90-1.10 is the ideal range. 1.00 is considered the most classically proportioned heart. Below 0.85 looks too wide and squat. Above 1.15 looks too tall and narrow
- The cleft: The indentation between the two lobes should be clearly visible and well-defined. Too shallow and the diamond looks more like a round. Too deep and the lobes look separated
- Minimum size: Heart shapes below 0.50 ct are difficult to appreciate as hearts because the shape details become too small to see clearly. For the heart shape to be recognizable, 0.75 ct or above is recommended
- Color: G-H is recommended. The point can concentrate body color slightly
- Clarity: VS2 is typically eye-clean thanks to the brilliant faceting
Settings for Heart Shapes
- Prong solitaire: Three to five prongs that follow the heart's outline — prongs at the top of each lobe, the sides, and a V-prong at the point. The setting should protect the point and the cleft
- Bezel: A metal rim following the heart shape. Maximum protection and a clean, defined heart outline
- Halo: A halo of small diamonds following the heart shape amplifies the size and adds definition to the heart silhouette
When to Give a Heart Shape
- Engagement: The most romantic possible proposal diamond. The shape itself is the message
- Anniversary: A heart shape diamond pendant or ring for an anniversary carries unmistakable meaning
- Pendant: Heart shape diamonds are exceptionally popular as pendants. A heart diamond hanging at the neckline is a visible, permanent symbol of love
The Emotional Impact
No other diamond shape carries inherent emotional symbolism. Round is classic. Oval is elegant. Emerald is sophisticated. But heart is LOVE — literally, unmistakably, universally. That emotional dimension adds a layer of meaning that transcends the diamond's physical properties.