The
length to width ratio of a heart shape diamond
is important to its value. Popular diamond quality
reports from GIA and other gemological laboratories
do not provide length to width ratios. However,
they do provide length, width, and depth
measurements. Length to width ratios are determined
by dividing the length measurement by the width
measurement. Measurements are always calculated
to the one-hundred of a millimeter. (Example)
Heart length equals 6 millimeters. Heart width
equals 6 millimeters; 6 millimeters divided by
6 millimeters equals a length to width ratio of
1 to 1.
The best heart
shape diamonds will have a length to width ratios
between .9 to 1 and 1.2 to 1. Length to width
ratios within these ranges are considered by GIA
as very fine to ideal. Ideal length to width ratio
is 1 to 1. Diamonds are rarely cut to perfect
1 to 1 ratio and are rarely found. A heart shape
diamond's length to width ratio is largely determined
by the original size of the rough diamond crystal.
When a rare fine quality diamond is cut by an
experienced diamond cutter, the weight and value
will never be sacrificed simply to make a diamonds
length to width ratio 1 to 1. If the diamond is
within the range of .9 to 1 and 1.2 to 1, extra
weight is usually not removed. Heart diamonds
always look longer after the diamond has been
set in the proper setting. Take this time to return
to our list of certified diamond and choose the
perfect heart shaped diamond that is as affordable
and beautifully shaped. |