Pattern Grading

How Should Hearts and Arrows Be Graded?

1. Grading of Hearts in Diamonds

2. Grading of Arrows in Diamonds

3. Poor Hearts & Arrows in Diamonds

Grading The Hearts

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Quick Guide: 1. Heart Symmetry 8 equal uniformed symmetrical hearts 8 distinct symmetrical hearts that separate from the arrow heads above 2. The Accuracy of the Hearts Check if the hearts are split Estimate the length of heart then the length of the split Calculate the % of the length split – if it is greater than 8% and there are more than 2 of them it FAILS

Heart Symmetry

• First check that there are 8 equal hearts and arrow heads.
• They must be equal in size and shape as seen in the picture “True Hearts” below.
• You are shown a true set which are acceptable and a set where the hearts are not quite equal in size, but more importantly the hearts split in the cleft. This is a NO NO! (Not formed correctly – the most difficult case of all is to determine if it is correct or not.)

In A1, A2 and A3, the heart is well defined, the gap between the arrow head is distinct and clear, and the split at A3 is minimal versus F1, F2 and especially F3.

The Accuracy of The Hearts

Calculating the accuracy of the Hearts, you can measure the length as shown X to Y in 1a. Say this is 10mm. If there are any splits in the cleft, this is measured. It can be no longer than 8% of the total length of the heart as shown by Z to C in 2A. If there are more than 2 hearts split at more than 8% then it will not make the grade “True Hearts”. In addition, the arrow head must separate from the actual Heart.

What Hearts Should Not Look Like

Here are examples of hearts that do not make it and are easy to determine. They are not equal and homogenous and, in some cases, the arrow head and hearts blend together.

Grading of Arrows

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Quick Guide: Arrow Symmetry 8 equal uniformed symmetrical arrow head and shaft No variation in size of arrow head and shaft Check if the arrow heads end the edge of the girdle

Well Formed Arrows

Arrow Symmetry

• Each arrow (8) must be clearly visible with a shaft and an arrow head
• The 8 arrows shafts as well as heads have to be straight and in the correct indexing
• The 8 arrow points must meet the girdle
• There must be total uniformity and balance

These arrows seem to be okay, but they are not because, there is no uniformity, not all the arrowheads reach the girdle and the shafts do not line up straight with the arrowhead. Note the red arrows indicating the misalignment.

What Arrows Should Not Look Like

Poorly Formed Arrows

The Effect of Hearts on Arrows

Poorly Formed Hearts Result In No Hearts and Arrows in Diamonds

Perfect Symmetrical Hearts Result in Perfectly Formed Arrows in Diamonds

Poor Hearts and Arrows

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What Causes Facets not to be Optically Aligned?

Azimuth Shift Resulting in Facet Yaw

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