The Popularity of the Heart-Shaped Engagement Ring Cut

Traditionally not a popular engagement ring cut, the heart-shaped cut tended to be given on less formal occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. However, this special cut, with its unique and unmistakable symbol of love, has been experiencing increasing popularity in engagement ring design.

The heart-shaped diamond is simply a pear-cut diamond with a cleft at the top, but don’t make the mistake of thinking a heart-shaped diamond is anything less than ideal. A heart-shaped engagement ring cut is one of the most sought after shapes and also one of the most challenging to create. It takes a very skilled cutter to create a flawless heart-shaped diamond, as even the slightest error could ruin the shape or the shine. The ideal heart diamond is cut at a 1:1 ratio, making it as tall as it is wide, and it should also be symmetrical on both sides, with fifty-nine carefully sculpted facets. One the most popular aspects of this heart-shape is that the diamond does not have to be perfect with no inclusions, as small inclusions in this beautiful cut can be easily hidden to the naked eye.

You shouldn’t be misled into thinking that this engagement ring cut is a modern cut, as it actually has a very long history. It was first mentioned in the correspondence between the infamous Duke of Milan, Galeazzo Maria Sforza, and Nicodemo in 1463; similarly, the wealthy and powerful Cardinal de Richelieu was known to own a celebrated heart-shaped diamond, weighing twenty carats, back in the 17th century. There is also the mention of a 36 carat heart-shaped diamond called the ‘Heart Diamond’ in a book written in 1655 by the French merchant-traveller, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who famously brought home the Hope Diamond. Perhaps the most interesting historical fact of all is that these specifically designed diamonds were often exchanged between royalty as a symbol of good will and friendship. Mary Queen of Scots sent a heart-shaped diamond ring to Queen Elizabeth, but unfortunately in this case it didn’t seem to have the desired effect. As this cut was an extraordinarily difficult one, especially given the tools the craftsmen used back then, these diamonds were often cherished and valued over all other gems.

Heart shaped diamonds could be said to be popular because of the classically romantic appeal. Both diamonds and hearts have long been a symbol of love and eternity, and what could be better that incorporating both of these together in order to magnify that powerful symbolism? No other engagement ring cut could be more perfect when it comes to choosing that special ring that will represent the rest of your life with that one person.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From the best engagement ring cut to precious metals and coloured stones, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.