Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
The cut matters!
Ideal cut diamond that has Hearts and Arrows(H&A) is the masterpiece among others, it is the flagman of diamond cutting. When choosing the right diamond for your engagement ring or a jewelry piece cut is the crucial criteria to pay attention to!
When the diamond achieves the Hearts and Arrows it's mentioned in comment section of the certificate. Commonly H&A diamonds have a slightly higher price and it's definitely worth it!
Hearts and Arrows Diamonds FAQ
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are precision-cut round diamonds that display a specific optical pattern when viewed through special tools. When viewed from the top, they reveal 8 symmetrical arrows, and when viewed from the bottom, 8 perfect heart shapes are visible. This pattern indicates superior symmetry and light performance, representing the highest standard in diamond cutting precision
Hearts and Arrows diamonds typically command a premium price due to their rarity and exceptional craftsmanship. They represent less than 1% of all cut diamonds and require significantly more skill and time to create, often taking up to three times longer to cut than standard diamonds. For those who value perfect symmetry, maximum brilliance, and the prestige of owning one of the finest cut diamonds available, the additional cost is often considered worthwhile
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are exceptionally rare, comprising less than 1% of all cut diamonds on the market. Their rarity stems from the extraordinary precision required in cutting, with every facet needing to be placed at exact angles and proportions. According to the International Gem Society, only about 1-3% of diamonds are cut to this level of perfection
While the arrows pattern may sometimes be visible to the naked eye when viewing the diamond straight-on, the hearts pattern can only be seen with special tools. Professional jewelers use devices called idealscopes, H&A loupes, or gemological microscopes to properly evaluate the pattern. The hearts are visible when the diamond is viewed face-down, which is typically not how diamonds are mounted in jewelry
The Hearts and Arrows pattern results from incredibly precise faceting. Each heart is primarily created by two pavilion main facets that are reflected twice. To achieve perfect symmetry, all 24 pavilion facets must be cut and polished with extreme precision-particularly the 16 lower girdle halves that create the characteristic V-shapes below each heart. Additionally, table and star facets help shape the "shoulders" of the hearts. The complete process requires master craftsmanship and adheres to strict proportional guidelines
The Hearts and Arrows diamond cutting technique was first developed in Japan in 1980. Japanese craftsmen created this method of diamond processing that required perfect symmetry, resulting in the distinctive pattern of hearts and arrows. The style quickly gained popularity in Japan before spreading worldwide, becoming one of the most prestigious diamond cuts on the market
While Hearts and Arrows diamonds typically receive excellent cut grades, not all excellent-cut diamonds display the Hearts and Arrows pattern. The Hearts and Arrows designation specifically refers to the optical symmetry pattern, while cut grade encompasses broader criteria including proportions and light performance. Experts recommend looking for diamonds with both ideal light performance AND Hearts and Arrows optical symmetry for the best quality
When evaluating a Hearts and Arrows diamond, verify it has a standard 57-facet round cut rather than a company-exclusive pattern. Always view videos of the diamond to ensure it sparkles well, as some gimmicky cuts may show the pattern without proper proportions. The quality of the Hearts and Arrows pattern itself varies-even among diamonds advertised as such-so consider consulting an expert to evaluate the symmetry of the pattern. Check for a reputable certificate (like GIA) and verify that all eight hearts and arrows are uniform in size and shape
