Tips and Tricks

What You Need to Know About Heart Shaped Diamonds

Heart Shaped Diamond Facts

Rian here - Let's get right to the gist of what makes heart cut diamonds special and what you should look for when buying a heart shape diamond.

  • Hearts are extremely hard to make. If you really want one, make sure you find a good diamond cutter.
  • If you want to see the actual heart shape, your diamond needs to be big enough.
  • Heart cut diamonds are very good at holding their color. I suggest you don’t go below a G color diamond if you don’t like warm tones.
  • You might think heart cut diamonds hide inclusions well, like the other fancy cut diamonds. In this case they don't. In fact some inclusions could even be more visible. I suggest you don’t go below a VS2 clarity diamond.
  • For grading reports, it’s probably safer to stick with a GIA report.

Heart-Cut Diamond FAQs

What makes a heart-cut diamond special compared to other fancy shapes?

A heart-cut diamond stands out because of its symbolic shape and the skill required to make it. The article notes that “hearts are extremely hard to make” and that if you truly want that pristine heart silhouette, you’ll want to ensure the diamond has been cut by a quality cutter.

How large should a heart-cut diamond be if I want the “heart” shape to be clearly visible?

The article points out you’ll need a sufficiently large stone for the heart shape to “read” well. In other words, with smaller carat weights, the heart outline may appear less distinct, so if you want that distinctive shape to shine, size and proportion become important.

What grade should I aim for in color and clarity when buying a heart-cut diamond?

Because of how heart cuts showcase both color and inclusions, the article recommends not going below a “G” color if you dislike warm tones and avoiding clarity grades below “VS2”, since inclusions are more visible in a heart cut.

Is a heart-cut diamond a practical choice for everyday wear, or are there special considerations?

While the heart cut certainly has emotional appeal, the article implies you should pay extra attention to the setting and craftsmanship—because the shape and cutting complexity mean flaws or poor symmetry can be more noticeable. So yes, it can be worn daily, but you’ll want it set securely and examined carefully.
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Dr. Rian Mulcahy
Dr. Rian Mulcahy
Rian is officially a Diamond PhD - just ping us if you’d like to read her fascinating 200-page thesis, titled Facets of Value: An Investigation into the Formation of Worth in the Diamond Market. She has consulted various firms all along the pipeline, from the rough diamond market to the recycled diamond industry. She holds an MA in Globalisation and Development from University College Cork and a PhD in the Sociology of Diamond Valuation from the London School of Economics.