Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings

About the Heart Shape

Heart Diamond

The heart is a fancy diamond shape involving several planes and cuts to create the symmetrical pair of lobes and characteristic point. Because the cut contains both convex and concave angles as well as a more elongated shape, it frequently exhibits a deep “bow tie” shadow effect, similar to a marquise cut, though it is minimal in high-quality stones.

According to gemologists, the ideal proportions for the heart shape are a 1:1 length to width ratio, though stones can be found both thinner and thicker and the ultimate choice depends on the couple’s preference as well as the bride-to-be’s finger shape. In terms of carat size, few heart shaped diamond engagement rings are made with less than a one-third carat stone, because smaller stones do not show the point and matching indentation as clearly as stones with a larger surface area; very small heart stones may appear to be poorly distorted round cuts instead of fancy shapes.

Judging Heart Cut Quality

When examining a heart shaped diamond, there are several characteristics to consider about the stone’s quality:

• Are the lobes symmetrically balanced? An unbalanced cut will look lopsided or distorted.
• Is the point centered with respect to the lobes? Even with symmetrical lobes, a misaligned point can create the illusion of distortion.
• Is the point rounded or sharp? A rounded tip indicates a poor quality cut.
• How visible is the bow tie shadow? The size of the shadow indicates the overall quality of the cut.
• Are the lobes and point clearly visible to accentuate the shape? Too small a stone or indistinct shaping will appear to be distorted or poor quality.
• Is the color acceptable? Low-quality color may be visible at the corners of the cut.

Once the couple is satisfied with the diamond itself, they can consider the different styles of rings available with heart shaped gems.

Styles of Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings

Heart shaped art deco gemstone ring.

The romance of a heart shaped diamond or gemstone can be set into a variety of different engagement ring designs, including:

• Solitaires: Prong or tiffany settings are the most popular solitaire style, but heart shaped gems require five prongs: four to secure the body of the stone and an additional prong to safeguard the pointed tip.
• Three Stone Rings: Setting three hearts together is a romantic way to represent a couple’s past, present, and future – each one filled with love.
• Accented Rings: Heart shapes pair well with round, emerald, or oval accent stones, though using too many fancy shapes can overwhelm the center stone. Channel settings are preferred for accents because they are more subtle and let the heart become the undisputed focal point of the ring.
• Art Deco Rings: The art deco period utilized bold shapes and unusual styles, and hearts were a favorite romantic option.
• Inset Rings: Heart shaped stones are frequently inset into clusters or other unusual settings that encircle the unique shape with smaller accents. This highlights the rare shape and adds a layer of protection for the cut.
• Claddagh Rings: Many ring designers use a heart shaped diamond, emerald, or ruby for the heart in the Claddagh design, not only to complete the ring but also to serve as emphasis that love is central to the relationship.

Alternatives to Heart Shaped Gems

Heart shaped diamond engagement rings can be difficult to find: many jewelers use the nostalgic shape for gemstone rings or promise rings instead. Couples who wish to include the heart shape in their engagement ring may opt for one of those designs, or they can consider alternatives that incorporate hearts in other ways, such as:

Heart filigree design.

• Filigree rings that use heart-shaped scrollwork or carvings along the ring’s band or beneath the setting.
• Engravings of hearts on the interior of the ring’s band for intimacy as well as romance.
• Cluster settings that use small diamonds to create a heart shape without a central stone.
• Metalwork that creates heart shapes in the setting itself, perhaps with gems or diamonds set into the center of interlocking or layered hearts.

Heart Shapes in Other Jewelry

Heart shaped diamonds and gemstones are found in other types of jewelry far more frequently than in engagement rings. Earrings and pendants are the most common pieces that use heart shapes, and they are perfect engagement or anniversary gifts.

Is a Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring Right for Me?

Before choosing a heart shape, couples must consider whether it is appropriate for their relationship. While there is no denying that the heart’s romance perfectly symbolizes the impending union, many people consider the flagrant use of the shape far too bold and cliché. Particularly if the ring will use a gemstone rather than a diamond, it may be mistaken for a promise or friendship ring rather than an engagement ring. Heart shapes may also not be the best choice for a woman with delicate, slender fingers because the shape is bulkier than other options.

Heart shaped diamond engagement rings are beautiful, nostalgic options for couples interested in a symbolic ring that is more unique than classic diamond shapes. By choosing a quality stone and investigating different designs, it is possible to choose a heart shaped ring that is timeless, elegant, and cherished.