Valentines Day Luxury Buyer’s Guide: Heart-Shaped Diamonds

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Heart-shaped diamonds are a timeless symbol of love and devotion, celebrated for their unique design and rich heritage. Whether you’re purchasing an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or a showstopping piece for your collection, a heart diamond makes a romantic statement like no other. The Luxury Wanderings guide provides everything you need to know about what to consider when purchasing a heart-shaped diamond, from its fascinating history to expert buying tips, so you can invest in a piece as exceptional as your love story.

The History of the Heart-Shaped Diamond

The heart-shaped diamond dates back to the Renaissance, where it was a cherished symbol of love and exclusivity. The first recorded appearance of a heart-shaped diamond cut was in 1463, exchanged between Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan, and his confidant Nicodemo. By the 16th century, this exquisite shape had gained favor with European royalty. Mary Queen of Scots famously sent a heart-shaped diamond ring to Queen Elizabeth I in 1562 as a gesture of goodwill, while Cardinal de Richelieu owned a 20-carat heart-shaped diamond during the Baroque period.

One of the most famous modern examples is the Graff Venus, a flawless 118.78-carat heart-shaped diamond, celebrated as the largest and most perfect of its kind. Another is the Heart of Eternity, a 27.64-carat fancy vivid blue diamond unveiled by De Beers in 2000. These remarkable gems reflect the enduring allure of the heart shape, a design that continues to captivate jewelry lovers worldwide.

Understanding the 4 Cs for Heart-Shaped Diamonds

Heart-shaped diamonds are among the most challenging to cut and require exceptional craftsmanship to achieve optimal symmetry, brilliance, and visual impact. When purchasing a heart-shaped diamond ring, consider the following:

1. Cut

The cut defines the diamond’s brilliance and shape. A perfectly cut heart diamond will have a symmetrical cleft (the inward point at the top) and evenly rounded lobes. Experts recommend a 1:1 length-to-width ratio to ensure the stone’s proportions create a true heart shape.

2. Carat

Due to their unique silhouette, heart-shaped diamonds often appear smaller than other cuts of the same carat weight. For the shape to stand out, a diamond of at least 3 carats is recommended, with larger stones offering a more dramatic effect.

3. Clarity

With a larger table (the top surface), inclusions are more visible in heart-shaped diamonds. Look for stones with VS1 clarity or higher to ensure a clean, brilliant appearance.

4. Color

The unique shape makes color more noticeable. Opt for a near-colorless grade (H or better) to ensure a pure and radiant diamond, especially in larger carat weights.

Type I and Type II Diamonds

Diamonds fall into two primary categories: Type I and Type II. While 95% of diamonds are Type I and contain trace nitrogen, Type II diamonds are much rarer and purer.

Type IIa Diamonds: These are the rarest, with no measurable nitrogen or boron impurities, resulting in exceptional clarity and brilliance. Examples include rare colorless diamonds as well as pink, brown, and blue varieties.
Type IIb Diamonds: Even rarer, these contain boron, giving them a blue or gray hue and the ability to conduct electricity. The famous Hope Diamond is a Type IIb.

Type II diamonds often command premium prices due to their rarity and unparalleled beauty.

Fancy Colored Heart-Shaped Diamonds

For a distinctive and bold statement, consider a fancy-colored heart-shaped diamond. Pink, blue, and yellow are among the most sought-after colors, with fancy vivid grades offering unmatched vibrancy.

Graff Diamonds unveiled its true masterpiece in 2016: Adding to its allure, the Graff Venus is certified as a top D color diamond and a rare Type IIa, renowned for its exceptional purity. With excellent symmetry and polish, this diamond is a triumph of both nature and craftsmanship, solidifying its status as one of the most extraordinary jewels ever created.

In 2007 Hong Kong, the extraordinary 59.60-carat Pink Star diamond shattered records, selling for an astonishing $71.2 million (65.1 million euros). This historic sale underscored the soaring demand for rare and exquisite colored diamonds, particularly in shades of pink and blue, which continue to captivate collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

In 2017, a spectacular 92-carat D Flawless heart-shaped diamond named La Légende set a world auction record for a heart-shaped diamond, selling for $14.9 million at Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale. Created by the high jewelry house Boehmer et Bassenge—launched in honor of famed 18th-century Parisian jewelers Charles Boehmer and Paul Bassenge—the piece embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and rarity. The diamond exceeded its $14 million low estimate, solidifying its place as one of the most extraordinary heart-shaped jewels ever to grace the auction block.

In 2020, Sotheby’s auctioned two notable fancy heart-shaped diamond rings:

A 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue heart diamond set in platinum, which sold for $10.5 million.
A 4.49-carat fancy vivid pink heart diamond, mounted on 18-karat white gold, which fetched $8.1 million.

Fancy-colored heart-shaped diamonds are rare treasures, making them an excellent choice for collectors and those seeking something extraordinary.

Celebrity Heart-Shaped Diamond Rings

Celebrities have long favored heart-shaped diamonds for their romantic symbolism and stand out allure:

Elizabeth Taylor received a historic heart-shaped diamond from Richard Burton, known as the “Taj Mahal Diamond,” for her 40th birthday.

Lady Gaga was proposed to with a bespoke 6-carat heart-shaped diamond ring from jeweler Lorraine Schwartz.

Nicki Minaj owns a yellow heart-shaped diamond ring, gifted by Meek Mill.

Avril Lavigne received a 5-carat heart-shaped diamond ring from Mod Sun in 2022

Paris Hilton has often been spotted wearing heart-shaped diamond jewelry, including rings and necklaces, as part of her iconic, luxurious style.

These high-profile designs reflect the timeless appeal of heart-shaped diamonds among the world’s elite.

Why Choose Heart-Shaped Diamond’s?

A heart-shaped diamond is more than a piece of jewelry—it’s a symbol of love, individuality, and enduring elegance. Whether you opt for a dazzling white diamond, a fancy-colored masterpiece, or a vintage-inspired design, a heart-shaped diamond ring is a timeless investment that will captivate for generations to come.

Explore Luxury Wanderings curated collection to begin your journey toward owning a truly exceptional piece of jewelry.

The world of luxury jewelry is adorned with brands renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, timeless designs, and rich histories. Here are some of the most prestigious jewelers globally:

Boodles: Boodles is a family-owned British luxury jeweler founded in 1798. Boodles specializes in high-end, handcrafted jewelry, including engagement rings, diamond pieces, and bespoke designs. Known for its iconic pink boxes, exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. The brand also creates exclusive collections featuring rare gemstones. Boodles is recognized as one of the UK’s premier fine jewelry houses.
Tiffany & Co.: Founded in New York City in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with elegance and quality. Known for its iconic blue boxes, the brand has been a symbol of luxury for over a century.
Bulgari: Established in Rome in 1884, Bulgari is renowned for its vibrant gemstones and bold designs that blend classical and contemporary styles. The brand’s Italian heritage is evident in its distinctive creations.
Van Cleef & Arpels: Founded in Paris in 1896, this brand is famed for its whimsical designs featuring flowers, animals, and fairies. Their innovative “Mystery Set” technique showcases their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
Harry Winston: Known as the “King of Diamonds,” Harry Winston has been a premier destination for exquisite diamonds and gemstones since its establishment in New York City in 1932. The brand’s pieces have graced numerous red carpets and royal events.
Chopard: Founded in Switzerland in 1860, Chopard is celebrated for its high-end jewelry and timepieces. The brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, often incorporating ethical materials.
Graff: Established in London in 1960, Graff is renowned for its exceptional diamonds and exquisite craftsmanship. The brand has handled some of the world’s most famous and valuable gemstones, creating stunning pieces that epitomize luxury and sophistication.
Boucheron: Founded in Paris in 1858, Boucheron is one of the oldest French luxury jewelry houses. Known for its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship, the brand has created some of the most exquisite and iconic pieces in jewelry history.
Samer Halimeh: Established in 1999, the brand serves elite clients, including celebrities and royalty. Halimeh is known for exceptional craftsmanship, including the renowned Ocean Blue diamond. With flagship stores in New York and London, his brand is synonymous with exclusivity and high-end design.
Mouawad: A family-owned international company of Lebanese origin, Mouawad creates and sells jewelry and luxury watches. The brand is known for its exceptional pieces, including several Guinness World Record-holding creations.

These iconic brands represent the pinnacle of luxury jewelry, each with a unique heritage and commitment to excellence that has solidified their status in the world of haute joaillerie.