Last Updated on 02/10/2022 by Above Diamond
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are a type of diamond cut that many buyers often seek out.
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are frequently discussed, and often, our buyers ask us, “Does that round diamond have hearts and arrows?”
Most people may not fully understand what they are, but they know that for a diamond to be beautiful and brilliant, it should ideally be a Hearts and Arrows diamond.
Hearts and Arrows (H&A) refers to a specific diamond cut that reflects light beautifully with near-perfect symmetry, something you can observe with a specialized tool made specifically for viewing this type of diamond.
Let’s dive into what Hearts and Arrows diamonds really are.
The Origin of Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
The Hearts and Arrows diamond pattern was first discovered using an old-school tool called a “Firescope,” invented by Dr. Kazumi Kuda in 1970. 
The Firescope reflects light, enabling us to see the direction and intensity of the light that emerges from a diamond. By analyzing the colors and patterns, we can assess the diamond’s symmetry—its angles, how precise they are, and how well they reflect light.
In the image above, you can see four main colors in the diamond: red, pink, black, and white.
- Red is the part of the diamond that appears brightest to your eyes.
- Pink represents the second-brightest part.
- Black shows the darker part of the diamond (dark flash), which is scintillation seen when the diamond moves.
- White is the light passing through the diamond, exiting at the bottom.
In some explanations, red may be replaced with other colors like blue, but regardless of the color, the patterns remain consistent.
When viewing a Hearts and Arrows diamond from above, you’ll see a pattern resembling arrows. When viewed from the bottom, you’ll see a heart shape—hence the name “Hearts and Arrows.”
Hearts and Arrows and Their Sentimental Value
The Hearts and Arrows pattern, observed by chance, was first patented in Japan by Kinsaku Yamashita and used as an official trademark in 1988.
Afterward, Hearts and Arrows diamonds grew in popularity, traveling from Japan to the USA in the 1990s.
Today, some diamond cutting companies prioritize producing Hearts and Arrows diamonds, sometimes even at the expense of overall cut quality to achieve a pattern that closely matches the hearts and arrows design.
The sentimental value of Hearts and Arrows diamonds lies in the symbolism they represent. The heart and arrow shape evokes imagery of Cupid’s arrow striking a heart, symbolizing love. Even though the heart pattern isn’t visible once the diamond is set into an engagement ring, its emotional resonance remains.
Real Hearts and Arrows Diamonds Are Rare
Many believe that the Hearts and Arrows pattern guarantees a high-grade cut in a round diamond. While the pattern does contribute to a diamond’s symmetry—a key factor in achieving a 3 Excellent Cut (Cut, Polish, and Symmetry)—it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the diamond will have an exceptional cut or polish.
Although a buyer may see the hearts and arrows pattern in their diamond, other crucial factors come into play, such as the precise details of the pattern, the gaps for light reflection, and the placement of the pattern. These factors significantly affect the diamond’s beauty—and most importantly—its value.
Most buyers are unaware of these subtle differences, and it takes an expert or a gemologist to analyze and appreciate them.
That said, the demand for Hearts and Arrows diamonds remains high, likely due to continued marketing efforts by large companies over the years.
In truth, diamonds with beautiful cuts are already rare, and real Hearts and Arrows diamonds are even rarer.
Based on our research, fewer than 1% of all diamonds on Earth have the perfect qualities needed to be cut into Hearts and Arrows diamonds. The process requires a 100x magnifier at every stage, and the diamond cutter must possess expertise far beyond the global standard to achieve this level of precision.
A genuine Hearts and Arrows diamond will undoubtedly command a much higher price than a typical round-cut diamond.
Conclusion: Do Not Forget the Other 4Cs
Just like diamonds graded by the 4Cs of Diamonds, Hearts and Arrows diamonds come in various grades. The beauty of any diamond depends on its proportions, and the cut is what most directly influences the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle—making it one of the most important factors to consider.
If you have any questions about “Hearts and Arrows Diamonds,” feel free to reach out to us.
Read more: What is ‘diamond fluorescence’ and is it good or bad?
