60/60 Diamonds
December 24, 2024Hearts & Arrows diamonds are celebrated as the pinnacle of precision cutting, offering unmatched brilliance and optical perfection. These diamonds are carefully crafted to achieve symmetrical patterns of hearts (viewed from the pavilion) and arrows (viewed from the crown) when observed under magnification. This exceptional craftsmanship creates diamonds with superior light performance, making them a top choice for buyers seeking maximum sparkle and beauty.
What Are Hearts & Arrows Diamonds?
Hearts & Arrows diamonds are round brilliant diamonds meticulously cut to exacting standards that produce a symmetrical hearts-and-arrows pattern when viewed through a specialized scope.
- The Hearts Pattern: Viewed from the pavilion, the diamond displays eight perfectly symmetrical heart shapes.
A hearts image taken from a 1.098 ct F VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond from Whiteflash
- The Arrows Pattern: Viewed from the crown, the diamond exhibits eight sharp, evenly spaced arrows.
And here is the arrows image from the same diamond
This pattern is the result of perfect symmetry and alignment of the diamond’s facets, ensuring that light is optimally reflected and refracted to create exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Not all diamonds labeled as Hearts & Arrows meet true precision standards. Authentic Hearts & Arrows diamonds require exacting craftsmanship and adhere to strict proportions, making them a rare and highly sought-after choice among diamond buyers.
How Hearts & Arrows Diamonds Are Made
Hearts & Arrows diamonds are the result of meticulous craftsmanship and cutting standards that prioritize precision and symmetry. Achieving the distinct hearts-and-arrows pattern requires:
- Perfect Proportions: The diamond must be cut to ideal proportions for maximum light performance. These proportions ensure that light entering the diamond is reflected and refracted symmetrically.
- Symmetry and Polish: Facet alignment and polish must be executed flawlessly. Even minor deviations in symmetry can disrupt the hearts-and-arrows pattern.
- Skilled Craftsmanship: Only a small percentage of round brilliant diamonds meet the exacting standards to qualify as true Hearts & Arrows. It requires a master cutter with the skill and patience to achieve the necessary precision.
Not all diamonds marketed as Hearts & Arrows meet these standards. Authentic Hearts & Arrows diamonds are often verified through independent reports like the AGS Ideal Report from GIA or GCAL, as well as images provided voluntarily by reputable vendors, such as Whiteflash.
Benefits of Hearts & Arrows Diamonds
Hearts & Arrows diamonds offer several advantages, making them a top choice for buyers who value precision and performance:
- Superior Light Performance: Due to their ideal proportions and symmetry, Hearts & Arrows diamonds achieve maximum brilliance, fire, and scintillation. This ensures the diamond sparkles dynamically in all lighting conditions.
- Stunning Visual Appeal: The precise hearts-and-arrows pattern adds to the diamond’s beauty, offering an optical effect that enhances its allure under magnification.
- Quality Assurance: Authentic Hearts & Arrows diamonds often come with premium certifications, such as the AGS Ideal Report (now issued by GIA) or GCAL grading, verifying their superior cut quality.
- Transparency: Reputable vendors like Whiteflash often provide high-resolution images or videos of the hearts-and-arrows pattern, allowing buyers to verify the quality before purchasing. This added transparency ensures confidence in the diamond’s performance and craftsmanship.
Hearts & Arrows diamonds combine artistry with engineering, offering a diamond that is as technically impressive as it is visually stunning.
How to Identify a Hearts & Arrows Diamond
Not all diamonds marketed as Hearts & Arrows truly meet the precise standards required to produce this pattern. To ensure you’re getting an authentic Hearts & Arrows diamond, consider the following:
- Use a Hearts & Arrows Viewer: A specialized scope is used to observe the symmetrical hearts (from the pavilion) and arrows (from the crown). The pattern should be sharp, evenly spaced, and free from distortions.
- Review Certification: Look for a diamond with a cut quality grade from trusted labs such as the GIA (AGS Ideal Report) or GCAL. These certifications provide assurance of superior proportions and symmetry.
- Request Images or Videos: Reputable vendors, such as Whiteflash, often provide high-resolution images or videos showing the hearts-and-arrows pattern. This transparency allows you to verify the diamond’s precision before purchase.
- Check Proportions: Hearts & Arrows diamonds should adhere to ideal proportions, including table, depth, and crown angles. Ensure the diamond’s grading report aligns with these optimal specifications.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the Hearts & Arrows diamond you’re considering meets the highest standards for precision and performance.
Who Should Consider Hearts & Arrows Diamonds?
Hearts & Arrows diamonds are an ideal choice for buyers who:
- Seek Maximum Sparkle: With unparalleled brilliance, fire, and scintillation, these diamonds are perfect for those who prioritize exceptional light performance.
- Appreciate Precision Craftsmanship: The meticulous cutting and symmetry required for Hearts & Arrows diamonds make them appealing to buyers who value attention to detail and artistry.
- Want a Premium Diamond: Hearts & Arrows diamonds represent the pinnacle of diamond cutting, making them a great option for milestone purchases such as engagement rings.
- Value Transparency and Assurance: Reputable vendors offering Hearts & Arrows diamonds, like Whiteflash, James Allen (may provide them on a limited selection), and Brilliant Earth (on request with some diamonds), provide certifications and detailed visuals, ensuring peace of mind.
While Hearts & Arrows diamonds come at a premium, they deliver unmatched performance and beauty, making them worth the investment for those seeking the best in diamond quality.
Where to Buy Hearts & Arrows Diamonds
If you’re in the market for Hearts & Arrows diamonds, choosing a reputable retailer is critical. Three of the most recognized vendors offering Hearts & Arrows diamonds are Whiteflash, James Allen, and Blue Nile, but they are not all created equal.
- Whiteflash A Cut Above® (ACA): Whiteflash offers the highest standard in Hearts & Arrows diamonds. Their A Cut Above® diamonds undergo a rigorous internal quality control process, surpassing even the strictest industry standards. Each diamond is verified for superior optical symmetry, precision craftsmanship, and light performance. Whiteflash also provides comprehensive AGS Ideal Reports (now issued by GIA) or GCAL certifications, along with high-resolution images and videos to verify the hearts-and-arrows pattern. For those seeking the best of the best, Whiteflash ACA diamonds are unmatched.
- James Allen True Hearts: James Allen offers a wide selection of Hearts & Arrows diamonds under their True Hearts brand. While their quality standards are strong, they are not as stringent as Whiteflash. However, James Allen provides exceptional 360° HD videos, allowing you to closely inspect each diamond before purchasing.
- Blue Nile Astor: Blue Nile’s Astor by Blue Nile line includes Hearts & Arrows diamonds, but the brand is less consistent in quality compared to Whiteflash or James Allen. While they provide decent options, Astor diamonds may not always achieve the same level of precision or light performance.
For buyers who want the absolute best in Hearts & Arrows diamonds, Whiteflash ACA is the gold standard. Their stricter quality control process and dedication to perfection make them the top choice for discerning customers.
Conclusion
Hearts & Arrows diamonds represent the pinnacle of diamond cutting, offering unmatched brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Their symmetrical patterns are a testament to precision craftsmanship and make them a perfect choice for those seeking ultimate sparkle and beauty.
Investing in a Hearts & Arrows diamond ensures that you’re getting a stone with unparalleled light performance and aesthetic appeal. With careful consideration and the right retailer, you can find a diamond that is as brilliant as your special occasion.
Jasmine, together with Benjamin (Ben), is the passionate force behind The Diamond Genie. Their journey into the world of diamonds began with their own engagement ring experience, sparking a deep fascination with gemology and the diamond trade. This personal adventure turned into a mission to empower others in their diamond buying decisions. Jasmine’s expertise, honed from extensive study and immersion in the field, drives The Diamond Genie’s commitment to helping customers find the best diamonds for the best value. With a keen eye for quality and value, and a desire to share knowledge with others who might feel overwhelmed by the diamond selection process, Jasmine has made The Diamond Genie a trusted ally for anyone navigating the complexities of diamond purchasing.
