Hearts and Arrows Diamonds

When a diamond cut is perfectly proportioned and precisely aligned the facets of the diamond produces a fascinating and unique pattern in the shape of Hearts and Arrows.

The name Hearts and Arrows refers to the way light reflects off the facets of the diamond and will show a pattern of eight perfectly-aligned hearts when looking up through the pavilion of the diamond and a pattern of eight perfectly-aligned arrows when looking down through the table of the diamond.

The Hearts and Arrows diamond is considered a perfect choice for an engagement ring or eternity ring, as it evokes the idea of Cupid shooting his arrows into hearts to make people fall in love.

The Hearts and Arrows Pattern

A perfect Hearts and Arrows pattern distinguishes a truly spectacular diamond from a less perfect or mass produced stone. It is possible, however, to purchase a high quality Ideal cut diamond without it achieving the enviable Hearts and Arrows status. Cutting a diamond to a true Hearts and Arrows pattern is extremely difficult and requires a remarkable level of skill and precision. Each facet of the diamond must be alighted at a perfect 180˚ to the opposite facet or the pattern will be distorted or misaligned.

Less than 1% of all diamonds are Ideal cut and even fewer of these are Super Ideal cut. The beauty of the Hearts and Arrows cut diamond is immediately obvious to the naked eye in the sheer brilliance of the stone. A perfectly crafted Hearts and Arrows diamond will reflect and refract 99% of light, resulting in more visible sparkle and fire.

True Hearts and Arrows diamonds

A true Hearts and Arrows diamond is a work of exquisite beauty. When purchasing one of these prized stones, it is worth bearing in mind that many diamond merchants call any above average diamond an Ideal cut stone.

Of course, this can be misleading. Therefore, it’s always worthwhile purchasing a diamond that has been certified by the GIA, who apply the most stringent standards to their grading criteria.

The GIA provides a report to jewellers giving a professional assessment of the quality of an individual stone and its characteristics, including the cut. This report can provide assurance, accurately detailing the quality of the stone.

It is also worth noting that the GIA do not operate a grading system for Hearts and Arrows diamonds, and will only note it on the diamond certificate if it has been laser inscribed on the diamond girdle.

For further information on how the cut of a diamond affects its value or if you require help choosing the perfect diamond, please call us to speak to one of Steven Stone’ experts on 0161 233 9977 or send us an email with your query.