Forget the Myth of Hearts and Arrows! Learn About the Highest Quality Cut Diamonds from ALUXE

When purchasing a diamond, “hearts and arrows” is probably the most popular and well-known characteristic aside from the 4Cs of diamonds. Whenever the phrase Hearts and Arrows is heard, most people imagine a sparkling diamond of the highest quality. However, did you know that a Hearts and Arrows diamond isn’t actually a top grade diamond? Today, ALUXE will dispel the myth of “Hearts and Arrows”

What is Hearts and Arrows?

Hearts and Arrows is a type of cut also known as the “Cupid Cut”. Diamonds with excellent symmetry will feature the shape of eight arrows when viewed from the top; when viewed from the bottom, the view of eight symmetrical hearts appears. Together, they are known as Hearts and Arrows.

Are Hearts and Arrows the Top Graded Cut Diamond?

Generally speaking, if a diamond possesses the three characteristics of excellent cut proportion, symmetry, and polish, the Hearts and Arrows can be seen through an H&A viewer; however, not all patterns are perfectly symmetrical. Cuts are graded differently even if the effect of Hearts and Arrows is achieved. It’s worth noting that GIA Grading Reports do not include a specific grading for Hearts and Arrows.

Hearts and Arrows is Not the Perfect Cut?

While being a relatively ideal cut, Hearts and Arrows is simply an optical phenomenon when the cut grading of a standard round diamond achieves a certain standard. The world’s most perfect cut is the Tolkowsky Cut, invented by an Antwerp diamond cutter in 1919. Optical calculations were used to cut a round diamond into 58 facets including the table, kite, star, girdle, cutlet, and others; a diamond smaller than 25 points will only include 57 facets due to the lack of a cutlet. As the Tolkowsky Cut perfectly refracts incoming light, it is known as the world’s most brilliant cut.

What’s Considered a Top Graded Cut?

In order to achieve a top graded cut, a clearly visible Hearts and Arrows must be intact, symmetrical, uniform in size, and be combined with the “ideal cut”. Diamonds with ideal cuts emphasize the proportions of every cutting angle as cuts that are too deep or shallow will cause light leakage. Once the perfect angle ratio is achieved, a diamond is capable of 100% reflection. Due to the factor of symmetry, not all ideal cut diamonds feature Hearts and Arrows; as such, a diamond capable of achieving both the “ideal cut” and “Cupid Cut” will result in an excellent and beautifully cut diamond.

Dispel the Myth, Finding the Most Perfect Hearts and Arrows

Having learned this information, has it dispelled the myth you have regarding Hearts and Arrows? Who knew there were different levels of Hearts and Arrows! However, Hearts and Arrows is not a grading criteria in the GIA Grading Report so when you see the letters H&A, it doesn’t mean you’re looking at a Hearts and Arrows diamond. If you’re looking to buy a perfect Heart and Arrows diamond, we recommend verifying with a H&A viewer.

ALUXE offers a convenient query displaying GIA 0.3-1 carat diamond prices that provides a transparent understanding of diamond pricing. We also offer comprehensive services such as a wide selection of diamond engagement rings(proposal rings) as well as diamond ring rental services.