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Bow Tie Effect Observed in Diamonds 1

Bow Tie Effect

The “bow-tie effect” is a dark shadow that appears across the centre of certain diamond shapes when viewed face-up. It is most commonly seen in elongated fancy cuts such as the Marquise, Oval, Pear, and Heart shapes.

The image shown depicts a Pear Cut diamond displaying a pronounced bow-tie effect, visible as a dark band across the centre of the stone. In our opinion, diamonds exhibiting a strong bow-tie effect should generally be avoided, as it can diminish the stone’s overall beauty and brilliance.

While some degree of bow-tie effect is common in these diamond shapes, the key is to minimise its appearance. Two diamonds with nearly identical proportions can display vastly different levels of bow-tie effect, making careful selection essential. The phenomenon is primarily influenced by the quality and precision of the cut, which affects how light is reflected and returned to the viewer’s eye.

Particular attention should be paid to how light is reflected through the tips of these diamond shapes. Bright, lively tips can help minimise the appearance of a bow-tie effect and are an important indicator of a well-cut stone. When assessing a diamond, it is essential to observe how it performs as it moves, as a bow-tie may become more or less noticeable depending on the viewing angle.

This is one of the challenges of purchasing a diamond online without access to detailed imagery or video. Many online retailers list diamonds they do not physically hold in stock, instead advertising inventory supplied by wholesalers. Unfortunately, even the most respected diamond grading reports do not assess or comment on the presence or severity of a bow-tie effect.

While many retailers offer live chat support, they may not be able to provide meaningful insight into the visual performance of a specific diamond unless they have personally inspected the stone and possess the necessary gemmological expertise. Mark is a Certified Gemmologist with extensive experience evaluating diamonds for light performance, cut quality, and overall visual appeal.

If you are searching for a Pear, Oval, Marquise, or Heart-shaped diamond with minimal bow-tie effect, we can help source the right stone for you. Whether Natural Mined or Lab Grown, we carefully assess each diamond to ensure exceptional beauty and light performance. Video consultations are available Australia-wide via Zoom or Google Meet.

Bow Tie Effect Observed in Diamonds 2
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#Applies to predesigned Engagement Rings with either a Lab Grown or Natural Diamond. Does not apply to custom made items. Sale ends 31 August 2026.