Monday, August 16, 2021

A Hearts And Arrows Cut Diamond: What Is It?

All post photos courtesy of James Allen, including this Hearts and Arrows diamond.

As I researched diamond cuts for my last jewelry blog, I ran into the term hearts and arrows cut, so I thought it would be a fun topic to explore, letting you know what it is. Although gemstone browsing is a joy, I'd never seriously consider buying this cut of diamonds. Such cut stones cost a bundle, and you don't need such precision to get a nice sparkly diamond. {Now if I received one in a suite of jewelry like a royal bride from Arabian princes, I wouldn't turn it down. Hey Emir, right-hand ring!}

See the hearts and arrows yet?
A Hearts and Arrows diamond is a 57 faceted round brilliant cut. The diamonds are cut to "Ideal" proportions. In the face-up (crown) position, there is a near-perfect pattern of 8 symmetrical arrows and when looking at the stone in its tabletop (pavilion - see top image) position, there is a near-perfect pattern of 8 symmetrical hearts. The diamonds have good optical symmetry, polish, and this exacting, precision, repeating pattern. A hearts and arrows cut diamond looks bigger than non-Ideal cuts because it reflects more brilliance (i.e., white light) across the diamond.

Yes, it sparkles and dazzles like mad, but since only 1% of the world's diamonds are hearts and arrows cuts, you can guess the expense. Want to mortgage your house today to buy one? 

So what adds to the cost? The 1% rarity of the diamonds for one. More of the rough diamond is lost to produce a hearts and arrows diamond, and it takes an expert, experienced diamond cutter and polisher to cut and polish the diamond. As expected, deep pockets are going to pay for it. 

Here's why you may want to select a more common, closer to budget-friendly diamond. It takes a specially designed light-direction viewer called a Hearts and Arrows scope to see the near-perfect precision pattern of this super Ideal-cut diamond. So this might mean 2 purchases ... and what are you going to do, carry around a scope to offer people a look?😁😃😆  

Certainly, we can cherish a peek at rarity, symmetry, and skillfully cut diamonds, but when it comes to pulling out my wallet, I'll go with eye clean every time. I can enjoy stones that are not as rare or absolutely perfect because I get to keep my home, as well as, wear my sparklers with more abandon!

To me, buying jewelry and gemstones is similar to buying computers. I can only afford to pay the piper up to a certain amount and could never keep up with the latest, the greatest, the apex of quality, Great Britain's Spencer sisters, or LA's Kylie Kardashians. But I bet I love my affordable bling just as much! They don't stay in a box.

Here's an extra diamond buying tip: Be flexible on color. A rating of E, F, or G color may not be where you want to spend your money. Consider up to a "J" rating, which is still colorless, yet costs far less. Buying a HUGE diamond is where you'll notice the difference between an E and J color. Save money by sticking with eye-clean, and perhaps you will be able to afford a bigger diamond for the money. Mother Nature produces a range of beauties. Out in public, nobody notices a diamond as a J color! 

Likewise, while you need a good cut, only a bionic eye could spot a hearts and arrows pattern. But hey, whenever you have the chance to feast your eyes on the top of the heap, do! Twinkle, twinkle, little star (of the show) !!! It's free ... a JOY to behold! ... and your money stays in the bank!!
Here's the Hearts and Arrows Diamond on a hand, dream-sized! 😍

By the way, within the Hearts and Arrows diamond cut, there's an even rarer cut called the Decagon 10. It's a 111 (as opposed to 57-58) faceted diamond with 10 hearts and arrows (instead of 8) that reflects fire (color light) and flashes of white light like no other diamond cut. The Decagon 10 Hearts and Arrows diamonds are only cut in the D - G colors, VS2 clarity (flawless), and certified with triple ideal (0) stones (i.e., shimmers enough to blind you!). See what I mean by can't keep up with the latest, the greatest, the pinnacle, the most expensive? The bar always rises!
Photo: JannPaul - Hello, gorgeous!

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