< Engagement Rings & Weddings / Style
Is There Anything More Romantic Than a Heart Shaped Diamond Ring?
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, tap into all things romantic with the ultimate symbol of love – the heart shaped diamond ring.
Published: February 13, 2026
Written by: Hannah Militano
What says, “I love you” more boldy than a heart shaped diamond ring? The engagement ring has long been a symbol of romantic commitment, but when punctuated with a heart shaped diamond, the universal emblem of adoration becomes all the more profound.
Whether you’re practicing self-love or expressing your devotion to another, the heart shaped diamond ring is the perfect way to celebrate love in all its forms. “A heart shape is an iconic shape for my business, and it is a shape I frequently use in my own pieces,” says Stephanie Gottlieb, founder of the eponymous jewelry brand. “It’s not a default choice in jewelry; it’s a creative decision. The wearer is embracing symbolism openly and confidently.”
Meet the Expert
Stephanie Gottlieb is a GIA-certified gemologist and the founder of her namesake NYC-based jewelry brand, launched in 2013. With over a decade of industry experience, Gottlieb has earned a loyal following, designing custom pieces for clients like Taylor Swift and Justin Theroux.
Gottlieb explains, “I also see it as a reminder that fine jewelry is deeply personal. Ultimately, a heart shaped diamond ring feels optimistic. It celebrates love, between partners or for oneself, in its most literal form – but with the craftsmanship, precision, and rarity that make natural diamonds truly extraordinary.”
Ahead, get expert tips on how to find the heart shaped diamond ring of your dreams—plus shop styles we love.
What Is a Heart Shaped Diamond?
A heart shaped diamond is a modified brilliant cut that combines the shape of a traditional round diamond with a distinctive heart shape, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions, like engagements or anniversaries. It features a rounded top with a cleft indentation at the point, resembling a heart.
A variation of the brilliant round cut, a heart-cut diamond is admired, not only for its symbolism but also for the precision that’s required to achieve symmetry. “A heart-shaped natural diamond makes a statement,” says Gottlieb. “It is one of my favorite shapes to work with because no two diamonds feel alike. When the proportions are right, and the setting is thoughtfully designed, it can feel incredibly chic and modern.”
“From a design perspective, the shape challenges you,” says the designer. “The point needs protection, and the setting has to enhance the diamond’s light performance without overwhelming it. I often gravitate towards a bezel-setting to really showcase its shape, or a two-stone ring design, a heart shape, to contrast its romantic appeal with something more classic and refined.”
What to Look For In a Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
When choosing a heart shaped diamond, keep your eye out for excellent symmetry. The two halves of the heart should be perfectly balanced, with the cleft well-defined. Clarity is important, but can be more forgiving than in step-cut diamonds, such as the emerald-cut or Asscher. The goal is still to aim for a clarity grade of VS2 or higher, as the pointed tip and curved lobes can hide minor inclusions, but larger flaws may still be visible due to the stone’s open facets.
“A heart shaped diamond is one of the most technically demanding cuts,” says Gottlieb. “Unlike round brilliants, which are engineered for maximum light return, a heart requires a lot of precision to achieve symmetry and brilliance. I personally love a tall and narrow heart shape, where others love a shorter and wider heart, so each heart also feels really unique to the wearer, which makes it that much more special.”
When cast in modern metal settings and unexpected designs, a heart shaped stone becomes a sophisticated way to infuse a cheeky wink into your collection, whether you choose a solitaire or even a Toi et Moi setting, to further embrace your romantic side.
The History Behind The Heart Shaped Diamond Ring & Its Royal Ties
“Natural diamonds have been linked to love since their discovery,” shares Grant Mobley, Jewelry and Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds. “In ancient mythology, Cupid’s arrows were even tipped in diamonds. Natural diamonds’ link to love led diamond cutters to develop the heart shaped cut very early in the history of diamond cutting.”
Mobley goes on to explain, “The heart shaped diamond has been around since the 1400s, in the early days of diamond cutting. It is among the most difficult cuts, and doing it well requires an expert who specializes in cutting only that shape.”
The diamond shape can be traced back to the 15th century. In a documented exchange from 1463, the Duke of Milan, named Galeazzo Maria Sforza, and the Duke’s confidante Nicodemo discuss the literary quests of Florentine banker and politician Cosimo de Medici. Sforza wrote, “He commands a Titus Livy [referencing the works of Roman historian Livy] just as you might a heart shaped diamond.” While a vague reference, the exchange tells us that heart shaped diamonds already existed by the mid-1400s.
One of the most well-known references dates back to the 16th century. As the lore goes, Mary Queen of Scots sent her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, a heart shaped diamond ring in 1562. The token has gone down in history as both a political gesture of goodwill as well as a symbol of friendship and respect between the royals.
After that, French clergyman and statesman, Cardinal de Richelieu, was said to have been gifted a 20-carat heart-shaped diamond from a wealthy diamond merchant. Many cite evidence that the hefty diamond ring was originally willed to the king by popular French diamond merchant, Alphonse Lopez. Whether seen as an expression of love, friendship, or alliance, the heart-shaped diamond became coveted among European royalty and nobility.
The Heart Shaped Diamond Rings of the A-List
The hopelessly romantic may gravitate towards the fancy cut for the grandest gesture of them all: the proposal. In 2022, musician Mod Sun proposed to pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne in Paris with a custom heart shaped diamond ring from Beverly Hills jeweler XIV Karats. The ring was inscribed with, “Hi Icon,” the first words Mod Sun said to Lavigne.
A trend on the musician engagement front, Mötley Crüe drummer proposed to his wife, Brittany Furlan, with a heart shaped diamond engagement ring, while Bush rocker Gavin Rossdale gave one to Gwen Stefani in the early aughts during their marriage.
Actor Taylor Kinney even proposed to Lady Gaga with a huge heart shaped diamond ring, designed by beloved celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. While the relationship didn’t last, her heart shaped engagement ring has lived on in our collective consciousness.
However you choose to wear a heart shaped diamond, it’s an endearing reminder that you have captured someone’s heart.
Simply for style’s sake, Margot Robbie walked the red carpet for the 2024 Oscars Nominee Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton, wearing a Barbie-inspired pink Chanel tweed suit set, teamed with mega-diamond jewels from Lorraine Schwartz. The actress wore heart-shaped diamond drop earrings with a matching heart shaped diamond ring, carrying some serious weight.
The Famous Blue Heart Diamond Ring
A love story for the ages, the Heart of the Ocean necklace had a starring role in the beloved 1997 film Titanic and has maintained an enduring impact ever since it was first draped on Kate Winslet’s neck. While the creation of the necklace drew inspiration from the Hope Diamond, one incredible natural heart shaped diamond ring holds an even closer resemblance.
The Blue Heart Diamond was discovered as a 100.5-carat deep blue rough stone at the Premier Mine (now the Cullinan mine) in South Africa in 1908. The next year, the Premier Transvaal Diamond Mining Company purchased the stone and had it faceted by French jeweler Atanik Eknayan in 1910, who shaped it into the 30.62-carat heart-shaped, brilliant-cut blue diamond we know today.
The Blue Heart Diamond would go on to be acquired by the French jeweler, Pierre Cartier, and then by the Unzue family of Argentina. After that, Van Cleef & Arpels would purchase the diamond in 1953 before it was sold to Swiss industrialist Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. In 1959, the Blue Heart Diamond was sold once again – this time to Harry Winston, Inc. It was Winston who mounted it in its present platinum ring setting, surrounded by 1.63 carats of 25 round brilliant-cut white diamonds.
Ms. Marjorie Merriweather Post was the last private owner of the Blue Heart Diamond. She purchased the ring from Winston and eventually gifted it to the National Gem Collection in 1964. The Blue Heart Diamond might only be about two-thirds the size of the Hope Diamond, but its heart-shaped brilliant cut and rich blue color make it one of the collection’s most extraordinary gems.
In 1997 (the same year as Titanic’s theatrical release), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) graded the Blue Heart as a natural fancy deep blue diamond with a clarity grade of VS-2 (very slightly included). According to the Smithsonian, its blue color is due to trace amounts of boron replacing some of the carbon atoms in the diamond’s crystal structure.
Shop for the Perfect Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
This Valentine’s Day, rock a heart shaped rock. Find inspiration with heart shaped diamond ring styles from some of our favorite designers below.
Stephanie Gottlieb Signature Heart Shape Bypass Ring With Pave Halo, Price Upon Request, stephaniegottlieb.com
Jessica McCormack 3ct Heart-Shaped Diamond & White Gold Button Back Ring, Price Upon Request, jessicamccormack.com
Stephanie Gottlieb Heart Shaped Pave Band And A Half Engagement Ring, Price Upon Request, stephaniegottlieb.com
Brent Neale Signature Ring with Diamond Heart, Price Upon Request, brentneale.com
Graff Paragon Heart Shape Diamond Engagement Ring, $13,500, graff.com
Stephanie Gottlieb Heart Shaped And Pear Shaped Two-Stone Engagement Ring, Price Upon Request, stephaniegottlieb.com
Sophie Bille Brahe Ensemble Baronesse Heart Shaped Diamond Ring, $44,500, sophiebillebrahe.com
Tiffany & Co. Heart-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, Price Upon Request, tiffany.com
Nina Runsdorf 18K YELLOW GOLD HEARTSHAPE DIAMOND PINKY RING, $29,250, ninarunsdorf.com
Sophie Bille Brahe Coeur Madison Heart Shaped Diamond Ring, Price Upon Request, sophiebillebrahe.com
Isa Grutman Heart Diamond Ring, $3,880, isagrutman.com
