Hey there, diamond lover! Ever noticed a shadowy shape in the middle of some diamonds? That’s what we call the bow tie effect. Some people love it, others not so much—but is it really a dealbreaker? Let’s dive in and chat about what it is, why it happens, and whether it’s something you should avoid when picking out your perfect diamond.

What Exactly Is the Bow Tie Effect?

Imagine looking at a gorgeous diamond, but instead of just dazzling sparkle, you spot a dark “bow tie” shape right in the center. That’s the bow tie effect!

It happens when a diamond’s facets aren’t perfectly aligned to reflect light properly. This is super common in certain diamond shapes, like:

• Oval

• Pear

• Marquise

• Heart

• Cushion (sometimes)

• Radiant (sometimes)

If you’re considering one of these shapes, you’ll probably encounter some level of bow tie effect—some are barely noticeable, while others are intense and take away from the diamond’s beauty.

What Causes the Bow Tie Effect?

It all comes down to how the diamond is cut. If the angles and facets aren’t just right, the diamond won’t reflect light evenly. This creates dark patches in the middle that look like a shadow inside the stone.

Fun Fact: The bow tie effect isn’t due to light leakage, inclusions, or any weird chemical reaction—it’s simply an issue of light not bouncing where it should!

How Bad Can a Bow Tie Get?

Not all bow ties are the same. They range from:

• Barely there – You might only see a tiny shadow at certain angles. No big deal!

• Moderate – A bit more noticeable but still doesn’t ruin the sparkle.

• Severe – The dark patch is so intense that it takes away from the diamond’s beauty. Major red flag!

Pros & Cons of the Bow Tie Effect

Pros:

• A subtle bow tie can actually add character to a diamond!

• It can help disguise small inclusions or flaws.

• A visible bow tie might give you a little wiggle room when negotiating price.

Cons:

• A strong bow tie can make the diamond look dull and lifeless.

• It might lower resale value if you ever decide to sell.

• If it’s too intense, it usually means the cut isn’t great, which can affect the overall durability and brilliance of the diamond.

How to Check for a Bow Tie

These days, a lot of diamond shopping happens online, which might make you wonder—how can you tell if a diamond has a bow tie before you buy it? Don’t worry, here are a few pro tips:

• Watch videos carefully – Most online jewelers show diamond videos. Look at the center of the stone and see if a shadow appears as the diamond moves.

• Ask directly – A good jeweler will be honest about whether a diamond has a bow tie.

• Check the GIA report – If polish and symmetry are both graded as “Excellent,” you’re probably safe. If they’re only “Good” or lower, dig a little deeper.

• Request extra pics/videos – Ask for a simple phone video taken from about a foot away. That should reveal any strong bow tie effects.

A bow tie effect isn’t always a dealbreaker, but if it’s too intense, it can take away from the diamond’s beauty. The best way to avoid a bad bow tie? Work with a jeweler you trust and always check videos before making a decision. Happy diamond hunting!

Need help finding the perfect sparkle? Reach out to the experts—we’re always happy to guide you to the best diamond for your style and budget!