Hearts and Arrows Diamond: Is it Worth it?
Although cut for perfect symmetry and top performance, is a Hearts and Arrows diamond worth the high price? Learn more and decide what’s best for your ring.
5 Minute Read
Here's what you need to know about Hearts and Arrows diamonds.
at CustomMade
What is a Hearts and Arrows Diamond?
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are precision-cut round diamonds. Because of their exact angles and symmetry, they show a hearts-and-arrows pattern when viewed through a special tool. Arrows are visible from the top of the diamond, and hearts are visible when the diamond is face-down.
The arrows in a well-cut diamond can be seen even without using a special tool. However, you have to see the diamond spot-on to see this pattern, and it's difficult to capture in images after the diamond is set in jewelry.
It's important to keep in mind that ideal diamond cuts won't always exhibit hearts and arrows. Some diamonds with excellent cut grades have imperfect symmetry and lack this pattern, but that doesn't mean they lack beauty.
Compare this True Hearts™ diamond to a fantastic "Excellent" cut. Both diamonds perform well in spite of differences in their symmetry.
Furthermore, some gimmicky cuts will show hearts and arrows even without proper proportions. Make sure your diamond has a standard, 57-facet round cut, not a company-exclusive cut pattern. Always view a video of the diamond before buying it online to be sure that it sparkles well.
Super Ideal-Cut Diamond Price
Because it costs more to cut a stone to exacting Hearts and Arrows standards, these diamonds come with a price premium. How much of a premium depends on where you're buying.
James Allen's True Hearts™ and Blue Nile's Astor Ideal diamonds cost about 10-30% more than an excellent-cut diamond. Whiteflash and Brian Gavin give their premium diamonds a slightly higher price point, about 20-35% higher than the average round excellent-cut diamond.
Some brands may charge even more for their diamonds. For example, a simple solitaire ring at Hearts on Fire, set with a 1.0-ct, G-H VS-SI1 diamond would cost $11,600. A similar ring with a James Allen True Hearts™ cut diamond would cost $6,190 with an H color SI1, or $9,850 for a G color VS1. Ultimately, this means a premium of 50% or more compared to an excellent-cut diamond without the hearts-and-arrows pattern.
If you're searching for a super ideal-cut diamond, compare costs between companies. There's no reason to pay thousands of dollars more for the same product!
Performance of Super Ideal-Cut Diamonds
If you're paying a premium, you're probably wondering if the ideal cut makes a noticeable difference. In some cases, it can.
However, you should compare for yourself. For each vendor, take a look at closeup videos of the Hearts and Arrows diamonds and compare them to regular ideal-cut diamonds at large retailers like Blue Nile and James Allen. If you can't see the difference, it's probably not worth the premium.
Video explanation of Hearts and Arrows cut by Lab Diamonds Review including how to have the cut verified by an Ideal Scope.
Should I Buy a Hearts and Arrows Diamond?
Ultimately, if you're not set on a Hearts and Arrows diamond, you should focus your search on diamonds with excellent performance. This will let you put your budget toward a bigger diamond or an elaborate proposal!
However, if you want a Hearts and Arrows diamond, you should buy it. These diamonds have an attractive symmetry and almost always have excellent performance. The Cupid symbolism only adds to their appeal.
Hearts and Arrows Lab Created Diamonds
Should I Buy a Hearts and Arrows Lab Created Diamond?
Deciding whether to buy a Hearts and Arrows lab created diamond requires careful consideration of several factors.
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are known for their exceptional cut, which results in a mesmerizing optical pattern of hearts and arrows when viewed under a special scope. Opting for a lab created diamond can offer ethical and environmental benefits as they are grown in controlled laboratory conditions, reducing the need for mining.
Additionally, they come at a more affordable price compared to their natural counterparts, allowing you to get a larger and higher-quality stone for your budget. If you prioritize a visually stunning and well-cut diamond while also being conscious of environmental and ethical concerns, a Hearts and Arrows lab created diamond could be a fantastic option for you.
Here are two identical Hearts and Arrows diamonds from James Allen, one natural and one lab grown for you to price compare.
at James Allen
at James Allen
How to Buy a Hearts and Arrows Lab Created Diamond
Buying a Hearts and Arrows lab grown diamond involves several essential steps to ensure you make an informed and satisfactory purchase.
Firstly, educate yourself about lab created diamonds, their properties, and the Hearts and Arrows cut pattern. Research reputable jewelers or online retailers that specialize in selling lab grown diamonds and read customer reviews to gauge their credibility.
Then set a budget and decide on the diamond's specifications, including carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality. Look for certification from recognized gemological laboratories to verify the diamond's authenticity and quality.
When inspecting the diamond, pay particular attention to the Hearts and Arrows pattern, as it signifies superior cut craftsmanship. Finally, ensure that the jeweler provides a clear return policy and warranty to protect your investment.
By following these steps, you can confidently buy a Hearts and Arrows that is perfect for you. Here are a couple of examples of round Hearts and Arrows diamonds from James Allen to get you started.
at James Allen
at James Allen
Judging Quality in a Hearts and Arrows Diamond
Even among precision-cut diamonds, there are higher and lower-quality cuts. If you're looking for the top Hearts and Arrows diamonds, you'll need to look very closely. Just because you can see the pattern doesn't mean it has perfect symmetry.
It's difficult to judge these images without expertise, patience, and a good eye for detail. We recommend leaving it to the experts.
Where Should I Buy a Hearts and Arrows Diamond?
If you're concerned about getting a top-quality Hearts and Arrows diamond, check out Brian Gavin and Whiteflash. These retailers are known for their precision cutting and stunning performance.
If you'd rather pay a little less and still have the Hearts and Arrows designation, shop at James Allen. Their True Hearts™ collection features diamonds with excellent performance and lower prices. Especially at one carat and above, James Allen diamonds will have a significant discount compared to those from Brian Gavin and Whiteflash.
If you'd rather not stress about the details, consider using CustomMade. Their jewelry experts will work with you to find a stunning Hearts and Arrows diamond and create a unique ring, perfect for your engagement.
FAQs
1. What does hearts and arrows mean in a diamond?
Hearts and arrows diamonds are the most optically precise round brilliant cut diamonds, making up the top 1% of round cut diamonds. This pattern shows eight "arrows" when the diamond is face up and eight hearts when the diamond is face down, representing both the gems' superior symmetry and stunning Cupid symbolism.
2. Are hearts and arrow diamonds more expensive?
Hearts and arrows diamonds are significantly more expensive than other round brilliant cut diamonds, even those of excellent cut. Only diamonds with the most precise cuts will exhibit the hearts and arrows optical properties, which require far more rough and can take up to three times as long to cut. It is up to you to determine if this cut is worth the premium or if you would prefer a larger but less brilliant diamond for the same price.
3. Are hearts and arrows diamonds rare?
Hearts and arrows diamonds are exceptionally rare in the diamond market, making up less than 1% of cut diamonds. In order to achieve the precise cut of a hearts and arrows diamond, gem cutters must cut the gem into near-perfect angles, making them a real rarity.
4. What percentage of diamonds are hearts and arrows?
Less than 1% of diamonds are considered to be hearts and arrows, making these gems the best of the best-cut diamonds.
5. What should I look for in a hearts and arrows diamond?
Even within Hearts and Arrows diamonds, there can be variations in the quality of the cut. Some Hearts and Arrows diamonds don't display perfect symmetry, but it can be very difficult to see with the naked, untrained eye. We recommend consulting with an expert before purchasing your Hearts and Arrows diamond if you want to ensure that it is of the highest quality.
Addison Rice
A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison’s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth’s geological processes began in her elementary school’s environmental club. When she isn’t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.
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