A heart shaped diamond is a type of diamond that has been cut in the shape of a heart. It is often called a “sweetheart” due to its association with romantic love.
The idea for this style began with Edward, the Prince of Wales who wanted his new wife Princess Alexandra to have something very special on her wedding day.
For this reason, he commissioned Cartier to create an engagement ring that was set with two diamonds that were shaped like hearts.
- The History Of Heart Shaped Diamonds
- What Are The Characteristics Of Heart-Shaped Diamonds?
- The Different Heart Shaped Diamond Settings
- What To Look For When Purchasing A Heart Shaped Diamond?
- What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Heart Shaped Diamond?
- Should You Buy A Heart Shaped Diamond?
- Where Should You Purchase A Heart Shaped Diamond?
- The Importance of Certification
- Conclusion
The History Of Heart Shaped Diamonds
Diamonds have been associated with love and romance for centuries. In the Victorian era, they became a symbol of eternal love due to their association in popular culture with betrothal rings given by men to women as a sign of marriage or engagement. One such ring was commissioned in 1901 from Cartier jewelers by Edward, the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.
The Prince gave this ring to Princess Alexandra of Denmark when she accepted his proposal, and the two diamonds in it were shaped like hearts – a traditional symbol of love that’s been used since early medieval times. Cartier set these precious stones into a platinum crescent-shaped pendant which was suspended from an 18-inch long, single row of diamonds.
The ring was later loaned to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC and now resides there to be admired by future generations.
The Blue Heart Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world with a heart shape. It is among the oldest diamonds known to man. The diamond was initially a 100.23-carat blue diamond, but was cut into a heart shape reducing it to 30 carats.
What Are The Characteristics Of Heart-Shaped Diamonds?
The shape of the diamond is not always heart shaped. It typically only has a heart shaped appearance when viewed face on, but it can be square or round as well. This also means that you cannot tell the cut by viewing it from different angles because all shapes will look like hearts at some point in their rotation. This is why cut grading must be done based on measurements from the table facet to the center of a diamond.
The shape can also range in-depth, but most are between 55-57% shapes (the total surface area of all four sides). heart shaped diamonds have a height ranging from 58-62%. There is no specific weight for heart shaped diamonds, but they range from 0.75-0.90 carats and measure between 11 to 12 millimeters in length. The best way to define a heart shaped diamond is by the cut grade or shape of its top surface when viewed face on.
The Different Heart Shaped Diamond Settings
There are many ways to set a heart shaped diamond including prong setting, bezel setting, or pave diamonds and channel setting. The most common way to set the stone is with four small prongs that rest on its corners.
Prong setting
This is the most popular heart shaped diamond setting. This is done by first pronging each corner of the gemstone and then pressing them against a metal base plate with holes, into which they are set. The stone should be held securely in place because it has no other contact points to keep it from falling out or being knocked loose. Prong settings are usually set in rows that create a matrix-like pattern.
The prongs themselves can be thin or thick, depending on the gemstone’s size and shape. The thickness of each prong is important because it determines how securely they hold the stone against its metal base plate.
Bezel Setting
A bezel-set diamond sits flush against the surface of another piece of metal. This setting can include a wide variety of metals, although they are most commonly gold or platinum; some even have diamonds embedded in them for an exceptionally extravagant look.
Pave setting
Pave diamonds are set in rows or a pattern on the surface of another piece of metal. They can be used to create patterns, circles, and other designs with the metal that surrounds them.
Detail setting
A detailed diamond sits atop an open-backed band or frame without any prongs holding it down against the surface.
Navette-cut setting
The navette-cut diamond is typically a square or rectangular shape that sits on its flat surface and has evenly spaced prongs to keep it in place.
Pear cut setting
A pear-shaped diamond, also known as the teardrop-shaped stone, will have four pointed facets at one end of the gemstone that meets at a point
Channel Setting
A channel setting is one of the more common settings and consists of a narrow strip that wraps around the top and sides to hold diamonds in place. This type of setting often includes designs for prongs or other accents, which can either be attached by soldering with metal at each end or simply glued into place.
What To Look For When Purchasing A Heart Shaped Diamond?
Cut
The cut of the diamond is also important. Many people will choose a heart shaped diamond that has been graded as VS (Very Slightly Included) or better to make sure they get top quality for their money and can wear the stone without having any inclusions on it at all.
Cost
Another factor to consider is the cost. The heart shaped diamonds range in price depending on where you will purchase them from. It is important to make sure you set a budget before deciding on what type of diamond to buy for yourself or someone else as a gift.
Grading
Additionally, it is important to make sure you get a heart shaped diamond that has been graded as VS (Very Slightly Included) or better. The grading system for diamonds will also help determine what type of quality your heart shaped diamond is and how much value you are getting from the purchase.
Carat Weight
Just like any other diamond, it is important to pay attention to the carat weight. The heart shape diamonds range in size from one-quarter of a carat up to two and a half carats for those looking at something more noticeable.
Shape
The shape of the heart can be either rounded or sharp and pointed. The pointier edge is usually more expensive because it has a sharper appearance, but you will also pay for any wear on the diamond from daily use.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Heart Shaped Diamond?
Pros
- A heart shaped diamond is an excellent symbol of love and commitment.
- The shape can also be a subtle way to make someone feel special without being too flashy with the ring on their finger, as it’s more understated.
Cons
If you are looking for some bling or something that looks like the shape of a traditional engagement ring, then a heart shaped diamond might not be the right choice.
Should You Buy A Heart Shaped Diamond?
The shape of the diamond can be a great way to make someone feel special. While round diamonds are often used for engagement rings, they’re also worn as earrings or other pieces such as a necklace pendant. The heart shaped diamond is just an alternative option that may fit your preferences better if you don’t want something too flashy with a round shape.
Where Should You Purchase A Heart Shaped Diamond?
When it comes to diamonds, there are a lot of options. You can purchase your diamond from a jewelry store or online so you have more variety in shapes and sizes. To find the best price for your budget, try shopping around to compare prices before purchasing anything.
Some diamonds come with certificates that guarantee their authenticity as well as providing information on the diamond’s cut, clarity, and carat weight. If you purchase a heart shaped diamond from an online retailer, it is important to take steps to ensure the authenticity of your diamonds before making a final decision on which one to buy.
The Importance of Certification
Certification is necessary for many reasons. Heart shaped diamonds are no exception to this rule, and your diamond will never be worth as much if it does not have the proper certification behind it. When you buy a heart shaped diamond from an online retailer without checking its certificate first, there is no telling what type of quality or cut grade that diamond will have.
Furthermore, without the original paperwork to back up your diamond’s certificate, it could be difficult or even impossible for you to sell the stone later on because many buyers want documentation before making a purchase.
Certification is not just something that protects consumers; it also protects jewelers who are purchasing diamonds from third parties and reselling. A reputable jeweler or cutters needs to be able to verify that the diamond they’re buying is what it says and of a high enough quality for resale.
Conclusion
A heart shaped diamond is an exceptionally beautiful gem that can be worn as jewelry or for other purposes such as engraving, but you must know about its quality before making the purchase.
The problem with these gems is that they often come with a high price tag, and some people have been known to purchase them without understanding what they are purchasing. The buyer must understand how much quality they will be getting for their money before making this type of purchase.