Heart Diamond

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.