Hearts Collide: A History of Heart Shape Diamonds and Gemstones
With so many different diamond cuts to choose from, opting for a heart shape signifies a next-level dedication to romance. This heartwarming shape can hold a lot of meaning, while providing an exciting focal point in your jewellery design. With a history that dates back centuries, these unique gemstones have caused hearts to flutter around the world. Let’s explore the origins of the heart shape, its rise in popularity, and the celebrities who have taken to its emotive embrace.
The Origins of the Heart Shaped Diamond
The history of heart shaped diamonds can be traced back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries. One of the earliest known references comes from a letter written in 1463 by the Duke of Milan, Galeazzo Maria Sforza, who mentioned a “heart shape diamond” gifted to him. At the time, such gemstones were considered extraordinary due to the skill and precision that it takes to cut them. Bellissimo.
The design gained even more popularity in the 16th century when Mary, Queen of Scots, is reported to have sent a heart shaped diamond ring to Queen Elizabeth I as a symbol of friendship. This gesture was a great way of connecting the diamond to friendship and an emotional connection.
As diamond cutting techniques advanced during the Renaissance, the heart shaped diamond was able to evolve from a rare curiosity into something aspirational. Its unique form required a careful balance of symmetry and proportion, making it a tangible testament to the cutter’s artistry.
Why Are Heart Shaped Diamonds So Popular?
As a universally recognisable symbol of love, they have a special place in the world of fine jewellery, especially when it comes to engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
Their silhouette makes them instantly recognisable and lets those wearing it express exactly how lovely they’re feeling. Unlike traditional round or oval diamonds, the heart shape mixes bombastic romance with expressive individuality, making it appealing to anyone who wants their jewellery to reflect their unique love story or amorous personality.
Another reason for their popularity is the emotional value they carry. When given as a gift, a heart shape diamond can send a powerful message of deep devotion, making it a wonderful choice for big milestones and grand gestures.
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The Challenge of Crafting Heart Shaped Diamonds
Creating a heart shaped diamond is no easy feat. This particular cut requires exceptional skill to ensure that the two halves of the heart are perfectly symmetrical, with a sharp cleft in the centre and a rounded outline. Any imbalance can take away from the diamond’s beauty and brilliance.
Additionally, the shape should maximise the diamond’s carat weight while still maintaining its sparkle. This very delicate balance makes the heart shape diamond one of the most challenging cuts to master. This only amplifies its exclusivity and makes its charm much more appreciated.
Celebrities and Heart Shaped Gemstones
Heart shaped diamonds and other gems have become a favourite among celebrities, often seen on red carpets. These fairy-tale gems often make headlines when they’re chosen for engagement rings, proving that they enjoy their time in the spotlight.
Lady Gaga’s engagement ring sported a 6 carat heart shaped diamond from her former fiancé, Taylor Kinney. Nicki Minaj received a showstopping heart shaped diamond ring which featured a large yellow centre stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, highlighting the drama.
Even beyond heart shape diamond engagement rings, this shape make frequent starring appearances in necklaces, earrings and brooches, adored by many fashion lovers for their versatility and very visible charm. Bona fide style legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins have also been known to wear gemstones shaped like diamonds, which shows how much of a fashion statement they have been over the years.
In recent times, Taylor Swift has enjoyed showcasing her lover era with heart shape jewellery.
Heart Shape Jewellery in Film
The world of film has seen some of the most iconic jewellery pieces in the shape of a heart. Julia Roberts wore a ruby necklace as Vivienne in Pretty Woman, and Kate Winslet stunned in perhaps the most famous pieces of jewellery in all of cinema history.
The Heart of the Ocean is the famed rare blue diamond, estimated at 45 carats that was part of the French crown jewels at one point. It was also the subject of one of the most romantic drawing scenes ever shown on screen.
