“True Hearts” can be initially entwined with an emotional overtone. And that is how James Allen resonates with the title of this collection. First-time diamond shoppers will be hooked since their diamond hunting comes with a sentimental drive.
But having read about the Diamond 4Cs, you already know “True Hearts” leans more toward the iconic “Hearts and Arrows” pattern we all love. The question is, are James Allen True Hearts Diamonds on par with the original H&A ideals or are they merely an almost flawless mimicry?
In this review, we’ll have a look at how they perform and what kind of value they offer for the money. We talked about how James Allen is currently the number 1 choice for online diamond shopping in my previous review but does this translate to ALL of their diamonds including their most exclusive line “True Hearts”? Let’s find out.
What Cut Proportions are Used for James Allen True Hearts Diamonds?
First off, I just want to remind you of the proportions for super ideal cut diamonds:
These diamonds exhibit maximum light return, brilliance, and scintillation. They are the top diamonds within the Ideal/Excellent cut grade. Thing is, James Allen doesn’t provide any official data on which proportions are required for a diamond to be considered a True Hearts.
For this reason, I picked the first three True Hearts diamonds within this range – 0.75ct.-1ct. G-VS2:
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0.82 CARAT G-VS2 TRUE HEARTS IDEAL DIAMOND -
1.01 CARAT G-VS2 TRUE HEARTS IDEAL DIAMOND
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As you can see, nearly all True Hearts diamonds fall within the proportions for super ideal cut diamonds. And all of them have the best cut grade by GIA and AGS. Thus, if you want to have a True Hearts diamond within super ideal cut proportions, you would have to make sure to have a close look at the diamond proportions. Most of them can be relied upon to be within super ideal cut parameters.
Are James Allen “True Hearts” Diamonds Near or Same as “Hearts and Arrows” Diamonds?
In my post about hearts and arrows diamonds, I have described the differences between true and near hearts and arrows. There is no commonly acknowledged definition of a hearts and arrows diamond. But people from the diamond industry can differentiate the two.
You can imagine the difference between true and near hearts and arrows to be something like this:
Can you see the minute variances? The hearts on the left diamond are all equal, uniform, and symmetrical. While the hearts on the diamond on the right are not as uniform. Most people wouldn’t notice it unless they have a very close look.
The heart on the right diamond at the 8 o’clock position, for instance, deviates quite a bit from the other hearts. Although this is a minimal deviation, diamond perfectionists wouldn’t consider this to be a true hearts and arrows diamond anymore.
Now, let’s have a look at the hearts images of the three “True Hearts” diamonds from above:
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0.82 CARAT G-VS2 TRUE HEARTS IDEAL DIAMOND
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1.01 CARAT G-VS2 TRUE HEARTS IDEAL DIAMOND
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1.06 CARAT G-VS2 TRUE HEARTS IDEAL DIAMOND
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What do you think? Let me tell you my impression: All of these diamonds are superb with beautiful heart patterns, but to be fair, none of them is a true hearts and arrows diamond.
They are all NEAR hearts and arrows! Though for some of them, there isn’t much missing from being a true one. For instance, the only reason why diamond 3 isn’t deemed as a H&A is because of the very slightly unequal gap at the 5 o’clock position.
The fact that they present their True Hearts diamonds as exhibiting a near flawless hearts and arrows patterns shows that they’re not fooling anyone by claiming to sell hearts and arrows diamonds.
What’s Great About James Allen True Hearts Diamonds
Some will see this as a con, but if you look at the other side of the coin, you’re actually getting an almost identical H&A pattern. A flawless symmetry that can be thoroughly enjoyed by the naked eye!
Because let’s face it, not all of us will be carrying a diamond loupe 24/7 nor initially ask if the diamond you’re wearing has a hearts and arrows image. Unless you’re a diamond buyer, a collector, or a perfectionist, James Allen’s True Hearts diamond will literally look like the real deal.
To be honest with you: The difference between a true hearts and arrows diamond and a near hearts and arrows diamond is like comparing an IF graded and VVS1 graded diamond side by side! And to be more precise: You are paying a premium for a hearts and arrows although nobody would ever be able to see what made them so in person.
What you’re actually paying for is the supreme diamond craftsmanship that went into it and the fact that true hearts and arrows diamonds are among the rarest of the rarest!
It’s absolutely fine to buy one as long as you’re aware of what you’re paying for. If you really want to have a true hearts and arrows diamond, I recommend checking out Brian Gavin and Whiteflash. The price difference can be quite significant, but the quality is far superior compared to, let’s say, Blue Nile:
Let’s compare a James Allen True Hearts diamond with one from Blue Nile’s Most Exclusive Line, Astor diamonds:
James Allen Most exclusive Line, a True Hearts diamond:
Blue Nile’s Most Exclusive Line, an Astor diamond:
Both diamonds are 1.71 CT G-VS2 with super ideal cut proportions. But James Allen’s True Hearts diamond is $5,169 cheaper! Now, I truly do think that Blue Nile is a good place to buy ideal cut diamonds. However, if you’re keen on owning a super ideal cut diamond with a hearts and arrows pattern, that wouldn’t put a hole in your pocket, James Allen fits the bill.
Here’s a great find:
Now, what I have just written above is the general guideline on James Allen True Hearts diamonds. But if you have the patience to look through a dozen hearts and arrows images, you might discover a true hearts and arrows diamond within James Allen’s signature line.
(All hearts are equal, uniform, and symmetrical. A true hearts and arrows indeed!)
The Takeaway
All in all, I feel that James Allen True Hearts Diamonds offer tremendous value for people who want to have a diamond with an exceptional symmetry. And of course, with the beautiful hearts and arrows pattern. Go and check it yourself!
James Allen True Hearts diamonds are accompanied by James Allen’s usual value package. This includes 30-day refunds, free shipping, and free return shipping. No other online vendor offers free returns at this point.
Thus, you are able to return the diamond without having to pay for insured return shipping that can easily amount to $75 – $100 depending on the value of the diamond! This is excellent if you want to see it first and know for sure that you’re getting a nearly perfect Hearts and Arrows diamond!
Should you have any question, you can always contact me and I will be more than happy to help you out! 🙂