Heart Diamond

The heart shape is the ultimate symbol of romance in diamond form, a modified brilliant cut with a distinctive cleft at the top and a point at the bottom. It's one of the most technically demanding shapes to cut well, requiring exceptional symmetry to achieve its recognizable outline.

Is a heart diamond a good choice?

Heart diamonds are known for high brilliance with 59 facets. They're popular for romantic gifts and pendants. Here are the trade-offs.

Why people love it

+The most romantic and symbolic of all diamond shapes
+Good brilliance as a modified brilliant cut
+20-30% less expensive than comparable round brilliants
+Unique and immediately recognizable. Makes a powerful personal statement
+The brilliant faceting hides inclusions reasonably well

Things to know

−Extremely difficult to cut well. Symmetry issues are common and highly visible
−The pointed tip is vulnerable to chipping and requires a protective setting
−The heart outline becomes indistinct below 0.75 carats
−Very limited inventory of well-cut stones. Finding the right one takes patience

How big is a heart diamond? (MM to carat)

A 1-carat heart diamond measures approximately 6.5 x 6.5 mm. Here are the most common sizes from 0.25 ct to 5 ct.

Carat Weight	Size (mm)
0.25 ct	3.8 x 3.8 mm
0.33 ct	4.2 x 4.2 mm
0.5 ct	5.0 x 5.0 mm
0.75 ct	5.8 x 5.8 mm
1 ct	6.5 x 6.5 mm
1.25 ct	6.9 x 6.9 mm
1.5 ct	7.4 x 7.4 mm
2 ct	8.1 x 8.1 mm
2.5 ct	8.6 x 8.6 mm
3 ct	9.2 x 9.2 mm
4 ct	10.0 x 10.0 mm
5 ct	10.8 x 10.8 mm

View full heart size chart → with all sizes from melee to 5+ carats.

How to buy a heart diamond

•Go for 1 carat or above. The heart shape is difficult to distinguish in smaller stones
•Symmetry is the single most important factor: both lobes must match, and the cleft must be centered
•Protect the pointed tip with a V-prong or bezel. This is the most fragile part of the stone
•Request video or multiple images from different angles to thoroughly evaluate symmetry
•The cleft should be distinct and well-defined, not shallow or rounded over
•SI1 clarity is usually eye-clean in hearts due to the brilliant facet pattern
•For pendant use, orient the point downward with the lobes at the top for the most natural look
•Consider a thin bezel frame for stones under 0.75ct to visually reinforce the heart outline

What makes a heart diamond unique?

The heart-shaped diamond is essentially a pear shape with a cleft (notch) cut into the rounded end, creating the two symmetrical lobes that form the top of the heart. This modification makes it one of the most technically difficult shapes to execute, as the cutter must achieve perfect bilateral symmetry while maintaining optimal faceting for light performance. Even slight asymmetry (one lobe larger than the other, or the cleft not centered) is immediately apparent to the naked eye. Due to the cutting complexity, heart shapes represent a very small percentage of the market (under 2%), and truly well-cut examples are relatively rare. The shape works best at larger carat weights, generally 1 carat and above, because the distinctive heart outline becomes difficult to discern in smaller stones, where it can resemble a round or shapeless blob. Below 0.50 carats, the heart shape is generally not recommended unless set in a bezel that defines the outline. Pricing for heart shapes typically falls 20-30% below round brilliants, reflecting lower demand rather than any inherent quality issue. In the trade, hearts are most commonly purchased as gifts with sentimental significance: Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or as symbols of deep personal connection. While they may not be the mainstream choice for engagement rings, buyers who choose hearts tend to be the most emotionally invested in their purchase, making the selling experience particularly rewarding for jewelers who understand how to present them.

How much does a heart diamond cost?

Heart diamonds are priced at 20-30% less than round brilliant. Price depends on carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality. For a personalized estimate, use our diamond price estimator.

Estimate heart diamond price →

Technical Specifications

Facets: 59
Brilliance: high
L:W Ratio: 0.90:1 to 1.10:1 (near-square proportions), with 1.00:1 most desirable

Diamond Buying Guide·All Diamond Shapes·Price Estimator·Heart Size Chart

Last updated: 2026-08-12

At a Glance

Price vs Round: 20-30% less than round brilliant
Popularity: Niche (under 2% of engagement ring sales, popular for romantic occasions)
Sparkle: high

Best For

romantic giftspendantsengagement ringsanniversary jewelrysentimental pieces

Setting Ideas

Solitaire with a V-prong at the tip. Lets the heart shape take center stage
Bezel setting that defines the heart outline clearly, especially useful for smaller stones
Three-prong setting with one prong at the tip and one at each lobe
Pendant (the most classic use for heart-shaped diamonds)
Halo that follows the heart contour, adding perceived size and defining the shape
Five-prong setting for maximum security with prongs at the tip, lobes, and cleft

Related Shapes

Frequently asked questions

Is a heart shaped diamond a good choice?

Yes, if sentiment and symbolism matter more than mainstream appeal. Heart shapes are the most romantic diamond cut and cost 20 to 30% less per carat than rounds. They require exceptional symmetry to look right and work best at 1 carat and above, where the outline is clearly distinguishable.

How big is a 1-carat heart shaped diamond?

A 1-carat heart shaped diamond measures approximately 6.5 x 6.5 mm. At 1 carat the heart outline becomes clearly recognizable, which is why most jewelers recommend this as the minimum size for the shape.

How much does a heart shaped diamond cost?

Heart shaped diamonds typically cost 20 to 30% less per carat than comparable round brilliants. Lower demand rather than cutting difficulty drives the discount, though truly well-cut examples with perfect symmetry can be harder to find.

What is the best setting for a heart shaped diamond?

A solitaire with a V-prong at the pointed tip lets the heart shape take center stage while protecting the most fragile area. A bezel defines the heart outline clearly, which is especially useful for smaller stones, and a five-prong setting secures the tip, lobes, and cleft.

What carat size is best for heart shaped diamond?

One carat and above is ideal. The distinctive heart outline becomes difficult to discern below 0.75 carats, where the stone can resemble a round or shapeless blob. For stones under 0.75 carats, a thin bezel frame helps visually reinforce the heart shape.