If you have ever been in the market for diamonds of any kind, you may have found yourself asking the question, what are Hearts and Arrows diamonds? As with nearly all diamonds, each cut gives the gem a certain reflective pattern, which can say a lot about its quality and brilliance.
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are precision cut round diamonds, known for their distinct reflective pattern that features exact angles and symmetry often referred to as “optical precision”. This is done by the cutter aligning the facets precisely in three dimensions, which maximizes the light handling potential of the facet arrangement. When diamonds are cut to these proper proportions and crafted with a high degree of precision, a Hearts and Arrows diamond will exhibit a sharp pattern of eight arrows in the face-up view, and eight small hearts from pavilion-view. But, what makes these diamonds so unique, and what are the benefits of Hearts and Arrows diamonds over other cuts?
Benefits of Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
Initially introduced by Japanese diamond merchants and gemologists, Hearts and Arrows diamonds are one of the world’s most in-demand diamond cuts, and their popularity has soared in recent years. Some of the main benefits of Hearts and Arrows diamonds include:
- Symmetry – The patterns of a Hearts and Arrows diamond appear in brilliant cut stones that feature exceptional symmetry and parallelism. The eight heart shapes viewed from the pavilion are a result of the reflection of sixteen lower girdle facets situated in the table of the stone. All of the main facets of an H&A diamond must be aligned accurately at 180 degrees opposite each other for this effect to take place. As a result, only the most professional cutters can create these diamonds, because if any of the facets are not the exact same shape or size, the pattern will be misaligned or distorted.

- Craftsmanship– While a great number of cutters hope to achieve the accuracy of a Hearts and Arrows diamond, the craftsmanship calls for more time, skill, and material. For this reason, H&A diamonds are more expensive to produce, and require the most elite cutters in the industry.
- Light performance – Because of the precise facet alignment found in a Hearts and Arrows diamond, it forms a series of tiny mirrors that refract and reflect light back to your eyes. This adds to the overall brilliance of the cut.
- Value – For the most part, Hearts and Arrows diamonds are superbly cut and perform very well with brilliance. While they are more expensive to produce, their value and impact is exceptional, and they almost always have excellent performance.
Are Hearts And Arrows Diamonds Worth It?
Despite the unique cut and brilliance of a Hearts and Arrows diamond, many in the market for a similar stone may question if they are worth the investment. Buyers often consider the argument between Hearts and Arrows vs. Brilliant Cut diamonds, and if the former offers a truly superior design than the latter. While brilliant cut diamonds are unique and should have perfect symmetry, this is not always the case. However, the exact Hearts and Arrows pattern is derived from a perfect symmetry, and if the stone is not 100% symmetrical, it usually isn’t considered a Hearts and Arrows diamond. Gemologists and diamond merchants alike will usually express how essential it is for proper research when considering an H&A diamond. The very distinct specifications of the cut, as well as proper evaluation of the stone, must be researched before considering a Hearts and Arrows purchase. But, if everything looks the part, these diamonds are very much worth it.
Grunberger Diamonds
Grunberger Diamonds is among the leading diamond manufacturers and suppliers ready to provide ultimate quality and precision to business owners in the jewelry industry. Along with Hearts and Arrows diamonds, Grunberger Precision Cut diamonds are available in more than 40 qualities. Learn more about our exceptional services, or contact us today to learn more or to request a quote.