Heart-Shaped Lab Diamonds: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by LabGrownCarats

When it comes to diamond shopping, nothing quite compares to the beauty of a heart-shaped lab diamond. Perfect as a Valentine’s Day gift, an engagement ring, or any romantic occasion. These stunning gems can be set in numerous jewelry types and add an elegant sparkle to any collection. With their timeless appeal and excellent value, there’s no better way to make someone feel special than with a heart-shaped lab diamond.

But what should you consider when buying one? We’ll help you discover all about these beautiful stones in our complete guide to heart-shaped lab diamonds. From understanding their history, benefits, and drawbacks; learning how to choose the right one; caring for your gem; plus where and how to save when buying a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond!

So if you’re considering adding a dazzling piece of jewelry featuring a spectacular heart-shaped lab-grown diamond – keep reading!

The history of heart-shaped diamonds

The history of heart-shaped diamonds dates back to the 15th century when they were used as symbols of love and devotion. Heart-shaped diamonds have been popular throughout the centuries, with famous people like Queen Elizabeth I wearing them in her jewelry.

In the 18th century, diamond cutters began experimenting with different diamond shapes, including hearts. This allowed jewelers to create more intricate designs that could be set into rings and other jewelry pieces. As a result, heart-shaped diamonds’ popularity increased during this period as well.

During the 19th century, diamond-cutting technology improved significantly, allowing even more intricate cuts, such as marquise and pear-shaped stones. This led to a surge in demand for these types of diamonds due to their unique shape and sparkle.

Heart-shaped diamonds experienced another resurgence in popularity during the 20th century thanks to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, who wore them often on stage or in movies. Other notable figures, such as Princess Diana, also sported heart-shaped diamond rings during this era (gifted to her to celebrate their son’s birth).

Today, heart-shaped diamonds remain incredibly popular among those looking for an elegant yet romantic piece of jewelry that symbolizes love and commitment between two people. In addition, they come in all sizes and colors, so there is something out there to suit everyone’s taste. And in recent years, lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity as the lab diamond prices have decreased, making a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond affordable for all.

7 famous people wearing heart-shaped diamond jewelry

1. Marilyn Monroe
2. Princess Diana
3. Lady Gaga
4. Avril Lavigne
5. Gwen Stefani
6. Brittan Furlan Lee
7. Nicki Minaj
8. Blake Lively
9. Taylor Swift (sporting Blake Lively’s ring)

From the traditional, mined heart-shaped diamonds to modern lab-grown ones, the heart shape has been popular for centuries. Next, let’s look at the benefits of lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds and how they can help you find the perfect piece of jewelry.

Heart-shaped diamonds compared with other shapes

Heart-shaped diamonds are one of the most popular diamond shapes and have been a symbol of love for centuries.

Heart-shaped diamonds are regarded as a modified brilliant-cut shape, and while they may look similar to other diamond shapes, several key differences set them apart.

Heart-shaped diamond cut

Heart-shaped diamonds require extra precision when it comes to diamond cutting because each side must be perfectly symmetrical to create the desired shape. Round brilliant diamonds, in comparison, only need “basic” faceting techniques for their production since all sides are equal in size and length (which makes them more manageable).

This is why heart-shaped diamonds tend to cost more than other shapes, as they take longer and require more skill from the cutter. Learn how the heart-shaped diamond is cut below.

Heart shapes

The traditional heart shape features two rounded lobes with a cleft at the top and a point at the bottom, creating a unique silhouette that stands out from other cuts like round or princess-shaped diamonds. Additionally, some heart-shaped stones can feature additional facets on either side of the cleft, adding further complexity but also sparkle to its appearance.

The symbolism of the heart shape

Heart-shaped diamonds have long been associated with romance and love due to their distinctive shape – making them perfect for engagement rings, Valentine’s Day, or unique anniversary gifts!

They’re also believed by many cultures around the world to bring luck in relationships, so wearing one could be seen as an expression of commitment between two people who care deeply about each other.

Carat weight and price

Since lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds take longer time and effort to cut compared with other shapes, they usually come with higher price tags per carat weight than round or princess-cut diamonds. However, this doesn’t mean you need to break your budget if you want one; lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds can offer great value without compromising on quality!

Are lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds different from mined ones?

Lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds are a unique and beautiful alternative to mined diamonds. They offer the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds but with greater control over size, shape, and color. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology, replicating the conditions deep within the earth’s crust.

What makes lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds unique?

The most apparent difference between lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds and mined ones is their origin. While both types of diamonds have identical physical characteristics, lab-grown diamonds are grown in an environment that allows for greater control over size, shape, and color than what can be achieved with mined stones. This means that you can find exactly what you’re looking for in your perfect diamond engagement ring or other jewelry pieces without having to settle for something less than ideal due to limited availability or budget constraints.

In Summary: Lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds offer a unique and beautiful alternative to mined diamonds, with greater control over size, shape, and color. They are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology that replicates the conditions found deep within the earth’s crust. As a result, they are both an ethically and environmentally better alternative to mined diamonds – and 60-80% cheaper!

How a heart-shaped diamond is cut

When it comes to diamond shapes, the heart-shaped diamond is one of the most romantic and timeless choices. It’s a symbol of love that has been popular for centuries. But how exactly is a heart-shaped diamond cut?

Heart-shaped diamonds are thought to be the most difficult to cut, and the success of the process depends on the diamond cutter’s expertise.

Heart-shaped diamonds differ from other shapes because they require more precision and skill during their creation process due to their unique design elements, particularly the “cleft”, the V-shaped cut in the middle of the diamond.

Hearts also often contain more facets than other shapes, making them sparkle even brighter! Lastly, they must be perfectly symmetrical and adhere to the ideal size of a perfect square (1:1 ratio).

All the above challenges make the heart-shaped diamond one of the most difficult to cut. That’s why heart-shaped diamonds are rarer and more expensive than many other lab diamond shapes.

Benefits of heart-shaped lab diamonds

Heart-shaped diamonds offer many benefits that make them an ideal choice for purchasing a unique piece of jewelry, a Valentine’s Day gift, or an engagement ring.

Symbolism

The heart is the universal symbol of love, so it’s no surprise that heart-shaped diamonds are often chosen as symbols of commitment and devotion in engagements and wedding rings.

Whether you’re buying a diamond gift for someone special or selecting your own engagement ring, choosing a heart-shaped diamond will show your loved one just how much they mean to you. No other diamond shape expresses as much romantic appeal and love as a heart-shaped diamond. 

Unique shape

The unique and distinctive shape of heart-shaped diamonds makes them stand out from other diamond shapes, such as the round, oval, and princess diamond shapes. So you’ll be sure to stand out with a heart-shaped lab diamond jewelry piece. 

Affordability

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a lab-grown diamond is its affordability compared to mined stones.

Lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds cost up to 60-80% less than their mined counterparts, making them more accessible for budget-conscious shoppers who still want quality pieces in their jewelry boxes.

Environmental Impact

Unlike traditional mining practices, which require large amounts of energy and resources, lab-grown diamonds do not cause any harm or disruption to the environment during production. This makes them much more sustainable than mined diamonds, allowing buyers peace of mind when purchasing these beautiful stones without sacrificing quality or style.

Ethical Sourcing

Lab-grown diamonds avoid the unethical problems frequently connected to diamond mining, such as violence and human rights violations.

In Summary: Lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds are an attractive option for many shoppers due to their romantic symbolism and uniqueness, while heart-shaped diamonds made in the lab allow added benefits such as 60-80% lower cost than mined stones, an environmentally more friendly production process, and ethical sourcing.

Now that you know about the benefits and drawbacks of lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds, let’s explore how to choose the right one for you.

Drawbacks of heart-shaped lab diamonds

When it comes to lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds, a few drawbacks should be considered before making a purchase. While these stones offer many benefits and can be beautiful additions to any jewelry collection, they have some limitations.

Chipping

Any non-circular diamond shape is more prone to chipping. For example, heart-shaped diamonds have more areas that can be chipped, especially the bottom, pointy end of the diamond. However, the issue is far from as bad as other diamond shapes, such as the lab-grown diamond princess cut.

Symmetry and cutting

Because of their unique shape, heart-shaped diamonds are much more challenging to cut and polish to achieve optimal symmetry, brilliance, and overall aesthetic appeal.

Availability

Heart-shaped diamonds are not as commonly found in nature as other diamond shapes, which may be harder to find in specific sizes and qualities. 

Price

Since heart-shaped diamonds are both rare, more difficult to cut, and very popular, they are more expensive than other diamond shapes.

Versatility

Heart-shaped diamonds don’t have as many design options as other shapes, such as the round brilliant. In addition, the unique shape of a heart-shaped lab diamond is more complex for a jeweler to work with and can’t be paired with as many jewelry pieces as other more practical shapes.

In Summary: Lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds are harder to cut, rarer, more expensive, and can be set in fewer jewelry designs than most other diamond shapes. But they are also uniquely gorgeous and romantic and worth the additional cost. So buy a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond, and you’ll save a fortune!

But don’t despair. There are many opportunities for heart-shaped diamond jewelry, which we’ll suggest later in our guide.

And although heart-shaped lab diamonds may have some drawbacks, the benefits outweigh them greatly. The heart-shaped lab diamond’s distinct, beautiful and romantic shape is unparalleled! And if you opt for a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond, you can save 60-80% over a mined equivalent of precisely the same quality.

How to choose the right lab-grown heart-shaped diamond

Selecting the right lab-grown heart-shaped diamond is an important decision. To ensure you get the best quality and value for your money, there are several factors to consider when selecting a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond.

Carat weight of heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds

The carat weight of a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond refers to its weight and, thereby, size and is measured in carats (ct). A carat is 0.2 grams or 0.007 ounces. Generally speaking, larger diamonds tend to be more expensive than smaller ones.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that two diamonds of equal carat weight can have different prices depending on their other characteristics, such as clarity grade or cut grade.

In addition, the diamond cut also determines the surface-to-depth ratio, meaning that a deeper heart-shaped cut can appear smaller. Lastly, a high-quality diamond, especially one with a perfect cut and brilliance, will appear bigger than a poorer-cut but larger heart-shaped lab diamond.

Clarity grades of heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds

Diamond clarity grades measure the presence of internal flaws or “inclusions” within a diamond and are graded on a scale from the best, Flawless (FL), to the worst, Included (I3). A higher clarity grade indicates fewer visible inclusions under 10x magnification and, therefore, greater rarity, which often translates into higher price points.

However, inclusions and blemishes can also limit the brilliance of the diamonds. Make sure that the diamond is “eye-clean”, meaning that they are not clearly visible under magnification. If you want to be safe, opt for a Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1 or VVS1). If you find an Included grade that is eye-clean, you may be able to make a great deal.

Cut grades of heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds

Diamond cut grades assess how well a diamond has been proportioned and polished to reflect light properly, resulting in maximum sparkle and brilliance. Diamonds with better cut grades will appear brighter and more sparkly, while those with lower grades may appear duller due to improper light reflection through the stone’s facets.

Especially for heart-shaped diamonds, you will want to pay attention to and prioritize the cut grade, as this is the most crucial facet of a heart-shaped lab diamond. Always aim for the highest grade (ideal for IGI-certified lab diamonds or excellent for GIA-certified diamonds).

Color grades of heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds

Diamond color grading evaluates the amount of color present within a diamond ranging from D (colorless) down to Z (light yellowish/brownish hue). Lab-grown diamonds typically range between D – J on this scale, with rarer colors like blue or pink priced at premium levels compared to more common colors like white or yellow.

There is no reason to overpay for colorless diamonds since they are prohibitively rare and thus expensive, even when created in the laboratory. And a slight hue will not be noticeable. The metal setting will also impact the color appearance, so if the heart-shaped lab diamond is set in gold, then go for a lower color grade, such as I or J.

Lab-grown heart-shaped diamond certification

When purchasing any diamond shape, especially one as valuable as a lab-grown heart-shaped diamond, it is essential that you obtain certification from an independent gemological laboratory such as GIA, IGI, or AGS, confirming its authenticity and quality standards before making your purchase decision.

This documentation should include details about each characteristic, including carat weight, cut grade, clarity grade, color grade, etc., allowing you peace of mind knowing exactly what you are buying before committing.

Once you have determined the size and grades of your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond, you can confidently choose a design that will suit your individual style. Let’s explore the best uses of heart-shaped lab diamonds in jewelry next.

In Summary: When purchasing a lab-grown heart-shaped lab diamond, it is essential to consider carat weight, clarity grade, cut grade, and color grade. Additionally, make sure you get certification from an independent gemological laboratory such as GIA, IGI, or AGS for authenticity and quality assurance before committing financially.

How to use heart-shaped lab diamonds in jewelry

As noted above, the unique heart shape imposes some limitations on what jewelry pieces the lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds can be set in. However, there are still many options available. See the inspiration below on how to use heart-shaped lab diamonds in jewelry.

Engagement Rings

Heart-shaped lab diamonds make beautiful and unique engagement rings. They are great for those who want to stand out from the crowd with an eye-catching, romantic design. In addition, the shape of the diamond creates a timeless look that is sure to be admired by all. Heart-shaped lab diamonds can be set in various metals such as white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum and can also be paired with other gemstones like sapphires or rubies for added sparkle and color. In addition, heart-shaped diamonds are often adorned with accent stones, such as in a halo setting.

Earrings

Lab-grown heart-shaped earrings are perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. They come in many different sizes, so you can find the right pair to fit your style perfectly. Whether you prefer studs, drops, or even hoops, there’s something for everyone when it comes to these stunning pieces of jewelry. Pair them with matching necklaces and bracelets for an utterly romantic look that will turn heads wherever you go.

Pendants

Lab-grown heart-shaped pendants are ideal diamond gifts for any occasion because they show someone how much they mean to you without being too over-the-top. Pendants come in many styles, including solitaire designs, three-stone settings, and more intricate designs featuring smaller accent stones around the main diamond. For example, a solitaire pendant will draw focus to the heart-shaped diamond itself, while a halo setting surrounding it will accentuate the shape.

Bracelets

Lab-grown heart-shaped bracelets add an extra touch of romance to any outfit, whether it’s casual daywear or formal evening attire. You can choose between delicate chain link styles featuring single hearts along each link or opt for bolder cuffs featuring multiple stones set into intricate patterns – whatever suits your taste best.

From necklaces to earrings, heart-shaped lab diamonds are an excellent choice for jewelry pieces that will make an impact. With proper care and maintenance, these sparkling stones can remain beautiful for years to come. So let’s look at tips for caring for your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond.

In Summary: Lab-grown heart diamonds are an excellent choice for romantic jewelry such as engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. They come in many different styles and can be set in various metals to suit any budget or style preference.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Lab-Grown Heart-Shaped Diamonds

When caring for your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond, you should keep a few key things in mind. First and foremost, avoid contact with harsh chemicals or abrasive surfaces, which could damage the diamonds’ surface.

This includes cleaning agents like bleach, ammonia, other strong detergents, and materials such as sandpaper and steel wool. Additionally, try to limit exposure to extreme temperatures, which can cause thermal shock that may lead to the cracking of the diamond’s surface.

To maintain its sparkle and brilliance over time, regularly clean your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond using warm soapy water and a soft brush (like an old toothbrush). Be sure not to use too much pressure when brushing the stone.

Instead, use gentle strokes along the facets of the diamond while avoiding direct contact with any prongs or settings on jewelry pieces containing diamonds. After cleaning, be sure to rinse off all soap residue from both sides of the gemstone before drying thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is also crucial that you store your lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds separately from other gems and metals to prevent scratches caused by friction between different materials.

When storing multiple diamonds together, ensure they are placed face up so that their surfaces don’t come into contact with each other directly. This will help ensure their beauty remains intact for years to come.

Finally, if you plan on traveling with your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond, be sure they are securely wrapped in soft fabric such as velvet before placing them in luggage where they won’t get jostled around during transit.

By following the simple care and maintenance tips outlined above, you can ensure that your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond stays looking beautiful for years to come. Now let’s look at where to buy these stunning lab-grown diamonds.

In Summary: To keep your lab-grown heart-shaped diamond looking its best, avoid contact with harsh chemicals or abrasive surfaces, clean regularly using warm soapy water and a soft brush, store separately from other gems and metals to prevent scratches, and securely wrap before traveling.

Where to Buy Lab-Grown Heart Shaped Diamonds

When shopping for lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds, you must consider the retailer you are purchasing from. The best places to buy lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds offer a wide selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry at competitive prices.

They also provide detailed information about each piece and diamond so that customers can make an informed decision before purchasing. Additionally, they have customer service teams available to answer shoppers’ questions or concerns.

You should always compare prices between different retailers before purchasing. Pricing can vary significantly depending on where you shop and what type of diamond you choose (i.e., cut grade, color grade, clarity grade).

By doing this research ahead of time, you’ll get the best deal possible on your heart-shaped lab diamond while still ensuring you get the quality stone that meets your expectations in terms of size and beauty. Also, look for retailers with good return policies and post-purchase customer service.

The 6 best places for buying heart-shaped lab diamonds

• Ritani (read our Ritani lab-grown diamond review)
• With Clarity (read our With Clarity review)
• James Allen (read our James Allen lab-grown diamond review)
• Clean Origin (read our Clean Origin diamond review)
• Grown Brilliance (read our Grown Brilliance review)
• Brilliant Earth (read our Brilliant Earth lab-grown diamond review)

In Summary: When shopping for heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds, it is important to consider only reputable diamond jewelers, such as our best-rated places to buy lab-grown diamonds. Also, compare prices between different retailers, and look into return policies and post-purchase services offered.

With so many options available, you can find the perfect lab-grown heart-shaped diamond to suit your budget and style. Now let’s look at how to save on heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds.

How to save on heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds

Saving on heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds is possible if you know where and what to look for. Here are some tips that can help you get the best deal when shopping for these unique diamonds:

Compare Prices

The first step in saving money on a lab-grown diamond is to compare prices from different retailers. Before making your decision, look at the diamond’s quality and any additional features, such as cut or clarity. One retailer may offer a better price than another, so it pays to shop around.

Consider Quality Over Quantity

When buying a lab-grown diamond, it’s essential to consider quality over quantity. A higher-quality stone will display the sparkle and brilliance unique to diamonds, while a low-quality stone will disappoint. For example, an ideal-cut heart-shaped diamond will appear larger and endlessly more spectacular than a dull, very good cut-graded diamond.

Buy Online

Buying online can often save you money compared with purchasing from physical stores due to reduced overhead costs associated with running an online business. Many websites also offer free shipping and better return policies. In addition, the inventory of heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds will be vastly larger, and it’s much easier to compare and assess each diamond.

Shop at the best lab-grown diamond jewelers

Prices online and in physical stores vary greatly, as do the buying experience, customer support, and lab-grown diamond inventory. These are things we evaluate when we carry out in-depth lab-grown diamond jeweler reviews. Buy from one of our recommended best places for lab-grown diamonds or best-rated jewelers for lab-grown diamond engagement rings.

This way, you’ll be sure to end up with the perfect heart-shaped diamond and the lowest possible price.

Check for sales, discount codes & coupons

Many online diamond jewelers have discount codes or sales that can provide significant savings when shopping for heart-shaped lab-grown diamonds – check out our list of lab-grown diamond deals, discounts, and sales (see also our list of engagement ring sales and Valentine’s Day sales).

In Summary: The key takeaway is that you can save money on lab-grown heart-shaped diamonds by comparing prices, considering quality over quantity, buying online, and checking for discount codes and coupons.

Heart-Shaped Lab Diamond FAQs

Conclusion

Heart-shaped lab diamonds are the perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of romance and sentimentality to their jewelry collection. These stunning stones offer all the beauty and brilliance of a lab-grown diamond. Many benefits make them an excellent choice for diamond jewelry, not least their uniqueness and romantic appeal.