BEYOND THE 4CS
Eight arrows from above, eight hearts from below. A pattern that only appears in the most precisely cut round diamonds, and what it is really worth.
Hearts and arrows is an optical pattern seen in round brilliant diamonds cut with exceptional precision. Viewed from above through a special viewer, the stone shows eight evenly spaced arrows. Turned over and viewed from below, it shows eight small, symmetrical hearts.
The pattern appears only when the facets are cut and aligned almost perfectly, so that every reflection mirrors the one opposite it. Even a small deviation breaks the hearts into uneven or split shapes.
You cannot see hearts and arrows with the naked eye in everyday wear. It takes a small tube-shaped viewer, often called a hearts and arrows scope, which controls the light so the pattern shows clearly. Under normal light, what you see is the result: a balanced, even sparkle.
Hearts and arrows is not one of the grades on a standard GIA report. Some laboratories note it as a comment or offer a separate assessment, and some cutters market their stones as hearts and arrows on the strength of their own images. If it matters to you, ask to see the viewer images of the stone itself.
A diamond that shows a crisp hearts and arrows pattern is very precisely cut, and that precision is real. But an Excellent cut round without the pattern can be just as bright and beautiful to the eye. The difference is mostly in the symmetry under magnification, not in what you see across a table.
If you love the idea of a stone cut to that standard, it is a lovely thing to own. If your budget is better spent on size or colour, a round with Excellent cut, polish and symmetry is the more important target.
A round brilliant cut with such precise symmetry that a special viewer shows eight arrows from above and eight hearts from below.
No. The pattern needs a hearts and arrows viewer. In normal light you see its effect, an even and balanced sparkle.
The classic pattern belongs to the round brilliant. Some other shapes are cut to show their own symmetrical patterns, but these are not the same thing.
It is a further sign of precision within the best-cut rounds. Triple excellent is the more important baseline; hearts and arrows is a bonus.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
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