The heart-shaped brilliant diamond is similar to the pear shaped diamond, except that there is a cleft at the top. In fact, diamond cutters may cut a diamond into a heart shape over a pear shape if there is an inclusion in the vicinity of the cleft. Shape appeal is especially important with heart shaped diamonds.

Buying Tip: Make sure the overall girdle outline is attractive. The heart lobes should be even and well-defined. The cleft should be polished to ensure maximum brilliance. Heart-shaped diamonds also will exhibit a bow-tie shadow effect.