Emerald in a Heart Cut — Beauty Worth the Risk

If you’ve ever wondered why you rarely see emeralds cut into a heart shape, the answer is simple: it’s an incredible risk for the cutter. But that’s exactly why these stones become real treasures on the market.

Why is the heart shape so rare for emeralds?

Emerald is a challenging stone to begin with. It has cleavage planes, often contains fractures and inclusions, and is therefore quite fragile during cutting. The heart cut has two weak points—the notch at the top and the sharp tip at the bottom. These areas are especially vulnerable to cracks and chipping.

What risk does the cutter face?

A heart cut requires the utmost precision. If the cutter makes the slightest error when shaping the upper notch or the pointed tip, the stone can crack. Just imagine taking a high-quality emerald, trying to give it a heart shape, and then—suddenly—losing its value due to a fracture. It’s a nightmare scenario for any master.

For this reason, emeralds are more commonly given a step cut (emerald cut) or a classic oval/pear cut, which reduce stress on the stone’s weaker zones.

Why is the heart shape so valued?

Because it’s both incredibly beautiful and incredibly rare. When a heart-cut emerald does make it to the market, it immediately becomes a prize for collectors and jewelers. First, because it’s uncommon. Second, because it showcases the cutter’s high level of skill. And third, because it’s simply breathtaking to look at.

Is it worth buying?

If you find a heart-cut emerald, it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind piece, likely to be more expensive than emeralds of comparable quality in more standard cuts. That cost is justified: you’re paying for the risk, the difficulty, and the rarity. Just remember that such a stone requires careful handling, especially if it’s set in a ring where it’s prone to impacts.

But if you want something truly special, a heart-shaped emerald is a real find. And to be honest, I wouldn’t mind having one myself. 

Olga Bachurina,
Co-Founder of Venus in Libra,
Certified by GIA & Gübelin Academy