This article has mentions of products from one or more companies, and I may receive compensation if you purchase those products following reading my recommendations.
Many people shopping or planning to buy diamonds have probably at one time or another heard the term “Hearts and Arrows”. However, what most don’t understand is that this is an industry generic term used to describe the optical symmetry of a diamond and has nothing to with a specific diamond shape or diamond brand.
For instance, when a round diamond’s facets are in perfect alignment to one another, the resulting effect is a “heart” pattern that shows through the pavilion of the diamond and an “arrows” pattern as seen through the crown of the diamond.
Hearts and Arrows happen to be one of the world’s most in-demand diamond cuts, and command a premium that few other cutting methods can even think of!
Benefits of Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
The term Hearts and Arrows (H&A) is now known by a lot of diamond shoppers. Initially introduced by Japanese diamond merchants and gemologists, H&A diamonds have rapidly growing in popularity worldwide.
Craftsmanship
An increasing number of diamond cutters are hoping to achieve H&A accuracy today than ever before. Since the craftsmanship of H&A calls for more time, skill, and rough material, Hearts and Arrows diamonds are more expensive to produce and thus command a premium in the market.
Symmetry
The phenomenal pattern of an H&A diamond appears in brilliant cut stones that have very good symmetry and parallelism. When viewed from the crown, a series of 8 arrowheads are seen, which are the 8 pavilion main facets.
The 8 heart shapes can be seen when viewed through the pavilion and are the result of the reflection of 16 lower girdle facets situated in the table of the stone.
Only a real professional cutter can create H&A diamonds. H&A diamond star, bezel, lower girdle, upper girdle and pavilion main facets must be aligned accurately at 180 degrees opposite each other for this effect to take place.
In addition to that, all the facets must be the exact shape and size; otherwise, the pattern will be misaligned, incomplete, faded or distorted in appearance.
Value for Money
It is pretty safe to say that there is a strong relationship between a diamond that demonstrates H&A and a diamond that performs well in brilliance. While this may not always be true, in general Hearts and Arrows diamonds are superbly cut and are very brilliant, which make the diamonds a worthwhile investment.
Not every diamond with an exceptional cut rating (GIA) or perfect cut rating (AGS) will necessarily qualify it as an H&A diamond. Theoretically speaking, the creation of an accurate Hearts and Arrows patterning is owing to extreme care that is taken when polishing every facet to precise proportions and angles. This level of accuracy goes farther than the criteria required to achieve an “excellent” symmetry rating.
Take caution! A lot of sub-standard gemstones are normally sold off as the real deal. Below is an example taken from Whiteflash. In Figure A, the heart is well-defined, the gap between the chevrons is distinct, and the split at A3 is minimal, as indicated by parts A1 (chevron), A2 (separation), and A3. On the other hand, Figure F does not meet these criteria.
Moreover, note that GIA does not recognize H&A as a component of the cut grade. This is somewhat based on the fact that the pattern’s presence is not a warranty of cut. You will occasionally see a Hearts and Arrows symbolization on a GIA diamond certificate.
However, this is merely GIA noting that an H&A label is available on the diamond’s girdle. This is given only as information, not as verification of the quality or presence of any H&A in the diamond itself.
If you're looking to purchase a hearts and arrows diamond of the highest quality then Whiteflash is the best place to shop - take a look at their A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds for the best cut quality. I would also recommend looking at James Allen and Hearts on Fire.